Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Self-pity is easily the most destructive of the non pharmaceutical narcotics; it is addictive, gives one momentary pleasure and separates the victim from reality. We get ourselves in ruts of self-pity and denial, why not? The reason may lie in the fact that at times we are overburdened by responsibility, emotion, attempts at stoicism and sometimes the only solace we have is self-pity. We have to view ourselves in the mirror and just admit that we have to change. Not easy for everyone, but possible, just give it a chance. Police officers sometimes have to change their tactics on the go, just we hope and pray, not too often. You were raised, Officer Cook, not to wallow in self-pity, your politeness and work ethic propelled you to becoming a top flight and better serving officer. The calmness of your voice and very refined character helped you solve many issues particularly the domestic ones where you would have to be in full control of a situation in order to find the missing ingredient to bring the parties together in a semblance of order. The stress that you faced as did your colleagues was something most of us would not go near with a ten foot pole. But you succeeded with honesty, devotion, determination and a carefully measured balance of dedication that is lacking in some of today's police officers. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. You and your comrades who have made the ultimate sacrifice get straight A's for those three D's: dedication, determination and devotion that the brave and courageous men and women of law enforcement must have to patrol the streets with vigilance and with diligence. And it still is a pity you aren't here to witness those great strides that came about in Dade County because of your terrific professional work habits.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

July 18, 2014

He who cannot rest, cannot work; he who cannot let go, cannot hold on; he who cannot find footing, cannot go forward. If we could only let ourselves go, not entirely, but in the ways we know we should, just imagine what we'll discover! Sometimes one just has to let go momentarily to gain a perspective. It is ironic but true that even though control is an important issue in our lives, we always seem to be fighting to get it back, because we are certain we have lost it. Losing control is sometimes necessary. When letting go, we learn what freedom can mean and can bring. And this new sense of personal power allows us the opportunity to finally go forward. Each day we should take stock of all our activities, find a time to rest, to replenish and to get a proper footing. All police officers have to do this at some point in their professional lives. You did this quite well, Officer Cook, you basically went out each day on patrol looking to make a difference, all along while being in control and in check of your emotions. Your passion brought a newer and more refreshing perspective on how you accomplish your job more efficiently and this was done with a positive zeal, honor, dignity and a renewed sense of integrity, that could and should be replicated by today's officers. Those hunting, fishing and photography outings with your father-in-law served you well my neighbor, friend and hero, helping you unwind and energize your batteries. The good citizens of Dade County were mighty proud of how you represented them in bravery, courage and valor. Your beloved family, comrades and friends have and will forever hold you in high esteem. Rest in peace. You were always in control, Officer Cook, because you did things by the book, legally to bring justice, freedom and unity to a community you enjoyed serving and protecting.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

July 18, 2014

The most important thing a person can learn through the years is the difference between taking one's work seriously and taking ones self seriously. The first is imperative and the second is disastrous. You knew, Officer Cook, when to employ your sense of humor and when to harness it. Sometimes we need to separate ourselves from our work. If we don't succeed, it does not mean we have failed as human beings. I know you and Karen would have made great parents and I'm sure this lesson would have been imparted to them as you would have delivered it to your other beloved family members. Your folks and my folks delivered this message it needs no decoding. We choose our work that we enjoy to earn a living. We concentrate, try to function and give our best effort, something no one had to preoccupy themselves with as far as you were concerned. You gave any honest day's endeavor and you took police matters seriously. You took your life seriously. You had that million dollar smile that could light up a room and yet when it came to quiet times with your beloved Karen, I'm sure you were able to cherish each moment. You should still be here treasuring each moment, we know God has given you a very humble assignment, to patrol and police His Golden streets with those comrades who paid the very dear price and made the utmost sacrifice as you did. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero, let us pray the choices and decisions we make pay bigger dividends down to the road to benefit society as you helped and shaped the world into a better place for all to succeed.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

July 17, 2014

Wisdom is knowing when you can't be wise. The myth in the mind of a person who does too much is that they are good or even superior in all they undertake. Not so.. Knowing what you do well, what you accomplish the best, takes a wise and focused individual. One has got to be confident in their abilities and capabilities, make wise choices, know what you can and can't do well. And you were this kind of police officer, Officer Cook, able bodied, capable, with a humble confidence in knowing and comprehending the scope of all your assignments placed before you. Your humility and calming approach seemed to work for most of your life and professional career with the Metro-Dade Police Department where you wisdom, charm, integrity, maturity and congenial manner had its proper place within your division. This all will never be lost among those who have succeeded you. Your legacy as one of Dade County's heroes shall be perpetuated forever. As those shirts said "I Died For You." Well, I still cry and get emotional as I wear my emotions on my sleeve. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Your passing, your unselfishness and boldness Officer Cook, has contributed to an everlasting advancement in changes here in Dade County and all around Miami. On May 16, 1979, you did not avoid or evade, you ran right to a hot spot of trouble and as trained and skilled as you were, you attempted to place honor, freedom and unity right where they belonged, with the citizens in the community you served, protected and were revered by all.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

July 17, 2014

If A equals success, then the formula is A=X+Y+Z. X is work. Y is play. Z is to stop and not speak as much, but a little more taciturn. We do a lot of speaking. Commanding. Ordering. Bossing. Directing. If we spent a portion of that time thinking, we'd be far more productive, even more likable. There is a time for quiet and introspection, for contemplation. To cool down. Quiet often times brings a peace of its own, a time to reflect, to strengthen, to forgive. You were a master communicator, Officer Cook, that endeared you to so many of your colleagues and friends. Sometimes this a better tactic for police officers to display and that is to think before rushing in to act. Your voice and speech patterns made you a more efficient leader and a compassionate officer. The loss of someone as humble like yourself, has left this world more quieter than usual. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. A equals astute, plus yearning and proper zealousness. Something that rests inside the brave and courageous men and women of the law enforcement community.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

July 16, 2014

From what I've read from your reflections, Officer Cook, your overall maturity and wisdom beyond your twenty-five years was indeed a most remarkable trait. Today, it's hard to find people that can combine these two important traits together that can be a key into whether or not they will be successful in their attempts to try and make this world a little nicer and more fulfilling. By your humanely efforts and humbleness, Officer Cook, it's clear as a bell why you were a most devout and devoted individual in all your dreams, aspirations and goals. You were a positive, upbeat kind of gentleman and all this endeared you to Karen, as she too was this kind of loving and devoted woman and wonderful wife to you. If only God gave you more time, we all wish you were with us this day and everyday. Police officers and just about all people try to make deep impacts, big differences in society. But, it is the humble person, who values and views the small differences as well. For some they want to consume the whole pie, but if we just ponder one hour, one moment at a time, take smaller bites, things will workout better in the end. We crave instant results, ignoring what is in the best interests over the long haul. Don't sweat the small stuff, you were a conscientious worker my neighbor, friend and hero, whose soul was free of distractions and your heroism sure has provided the impetus for a brighter today, tomorrow and future for all to accomplish. Small changes in achievement provide greater results that make us happier and healthier. Your career, Officer Cook, was filled with adventure, traveling in the unknown, but your courage to act responsibly has made our society exactly more healthier and more prosperous. Rest in peace.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

July 16, 2014

The trouble with most people is that they think with their hopes, fears or wishes rather than with their minds. It's hard to clear the underbrush of our minds-the weeds of self-doubt, shame, self-pity and guilt. We need to feel, not intellectualize, we need to feel clearly. Police officers always seem to have a lot on their minds and yet when they are out patrol, they need to be as free of distractions as possible. Your hopes, dreams, aspirations served as your motivating factor, Officer Cook, in fostering goodwill, peace and prosperity in your beloved community. All the hard and dedicated work you put into your endeavor into becoming a top flight police officer, culminated in your desire to achieve with the honor, courage and integrity afforded to the men and women who served alongside of you. They will remember your giving spirit and the legacy you passed on to all future officers that serve and protect. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

July 16, 2014

We rarely listen for proper tempo. Police officers try to balance both their private and professional lives. It can be extremely difficult given the restraints, the dilemmas and obstacles to peace and unity in a community where they stand to serve and to protect. We seem to know just one tempo-one beat: fast. We miss so much when we ignore the rhythms of life. They are appropriate devices of timing. The timing of our heartbeats, one breathing. If we push too hard at times we might lose that basic rhythm, promise too much, over commit a bit more. You have to listen to your body, but you worked, Officer Cook, to a sound beat, a positive tempo, an upbeat rhythm. That day, May 16, 1979, you were about to end your shift and you and Reserve Officer, Scott Lincoln, your partner that day, got to a domestic issue scene you had visited many other times. You tried to quell a problem that snowballed out of hand, the timing of things is never quite perfect as we would like it to be, but, for what it meant in terms of value to the Dade County community and its citizens, your awareness, your willing incisiveness to act as you properly did, saved lives of your colleagues and those civilians involved in that untimely incident in which your laid down your life in the line of duty to help unity and freedom continue. One man's able bodied vision to act, one police officer's bravery and courage placed on the line for all to witness and for this you'll never be forgotten. If only the medical staff could have restored your heartbeat and other vital signs, patched you up to go back to your beloved Karen, family and esteemed comrades We know they tried their utmost to succeed, Our Creator had much more important work for His loyal and most faithful servant, Officer William Coleman Cook to carry out from His golden streets above. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Your shining soul is keeping the tempos in unison with those officers who have faithfully carried on with your watch.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

July 16, 2014

Just a little while ago I visited your grave, Officer Cook, cleaned up the weeds, noticed that someone replaced the American flag. Your honor was on the line and it was the proper thing to do in putting back the flag. You are always going to be saluted for your resourcefulness and bravery, acting the way you comported yourself on May 16, 1979 and everyday personally and professionally. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

July 15, 2014

How many cares one loses when one decides not to be something, but to be someone. It takes courage to be"someone." You must expose yourself to scrutiny, let your weaknesses show along with the strengths. To invent yourself is easier than to allow others to see you as you are, your very own persona. There were no masquerades with you, Officer Cook, no false bravados. Only a humble, decent and honest human being performing a very precise and a most challenging profession that most of us would never dare try to reach. You had a dream, an aspiration and a burning desire to become one of the best and you accomplished beyond any shadow of a doubt. Your actions on May 16, 1979, showed all of America and the citizens of Dade County exactly why we have such determined and dedicated people like you. You were on a mission to bring peace and unity and you did that and we are all humanely thankful for God sending individuals like you into our society. And you are very much missed, but thought of daily. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. There will never again be that someone so special as you, Officer Cook, in the North Miami Beach, Florida area. So folks remember this one of a kind and uniquely gentle soul of a man.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

July 15, 2014

It is more easier to be critical than to be correct. For those of us who are disappointed with our own performances, being critical is fairly easy. Look at your own lives, wherever and seek to correct what needs uplifting. You were a very savvy police officer, Officer Cook and you never ever looked down or said anything other than to reinforce a point to help improve a colleague's skill set. I guess if there was a critique to be made it's that your department should have provided its officers with those side plates back then. For your heroics, you were about as technologically as sound as any officer. Times have changed since then, technology certainly has changed, but the one most important thing to remain and will always stay intact is your fighting spirit and the will and want to succeed beyond expectation. Something you made sure you did on a daily basis and a lesson we can all learn from. Your wisdom to yearn and to learn new things set you apart from most in the crowd and those who knew the man behind the badge, realized this to be only the truth. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. The saying, "People in glass houses should not throw stones" is one all police officers should take to heart when serving and protecting.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

July 15, 2014

It is difficult to live in the present, ridiculous to live in the future and impossible to live in the past. Nothing is so far away as one minute ago. Life is a series of moments, the past just a minute ago, the future just a second away, we can't mourn for lost days. We ourselves can only control the moment now, the present. If we make ourselves aware of what we are doing, saying, and feeling presently, if we make ourselves present for others, then we will find more value in our moments, our days, our years-our lives. Today is a day of quiet reflection. Reflect on the present, not mourn for the past or worry about the future. For the many brave men and women of the law enforcement community they all try to focus on the present, as with the risks of their professions, we witness that nothing is promised in their futures. Officer Cook, you looked at the now, the present when while out on your patrols you could make freedom and unity a sacred reality. We never know when God calls for us, you and Karen focused your every breath on the present. We do mourn your loss thirty-five years ago, the stinging pain never seems to go away. Your loved ones know your beautiful soul hovers high above as it continues this day to soar brightly over those who expose their beings to the same pursuit you had and that was to make aspirations of success, freedom and liberty occur with the boldness, honesty, dignity and integrity which incorporated your work ethics. You controlled the streets and made them the safest that they could ever be. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. The past cannot be taken back, it's what you pursued so vigorously that allows us to live a brighter present and future. Thank you so very much for being the ever so loyal and devoted public servant. Saving lives to enable us to build a brighter tomorrow. It couldn't be put more succinctly. You meant the world to your loving family who gave of themselves to allow you to protect and serve all people. Thank you Mr. and Mrs. Cook, you darling son will faithfully be remembered by myself and my family now and forever.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

July 14, 2014

Like a bursting celestial star, you showered your family, Officer Cook with love, joy and beauty. You deserve to still be here still fulfilling your dreams and aspirations you had left on your plate to complete. But, because of your heroics, you now occupy an even greater position as one of God's many shining constellations among the billions of stars. Badge#1664 belonged to a very courageous soul, yourself, my neighbor, friend and hero. If any other officer is wearing your badge, I hope, we all hope that they are serving Dade County residents with the same repertoire as you so faithfully exhibited. Show your partners the same ropes that Officer William Coleman Cook showed and instilled in his comrades. Rest in peace.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

July 14, 2014

We can become anything. That is why injustice is impossible here. Humans have the ability to change. This is what sets us apart from others. Police officers have to have this ability to change and to act at times on the fly. We are able to use reason and logic to make intelligent choices that can lead us in different directions. If we have trouble expressing anger, then we can learn to exhibit our anger appropriately. If we are working with someone who bothers us or who is a bit lethargic we can sit and try to hash out our differences. We all have differences of opinion. We have freedoms to make proper decisions based upon sound logic and reason. We can make these choices and better learn to take an inventory of our lives and careers that we invest the time and financial means to make our dreams come to fruition. You did all this very successfully, Officer Cook. You always made sound choices that in the end would most benefit your family. Your leadership skills endeared you to so many other colleagues, who recognized working, partnering with you would prove to not only beneficial, but for the good of your division and department. The people of Dade County have remembered your heroics, your bravery, courage and commitment to serve and to protect. You were your department's most astute and thought provoking decision maker who took police work to another level. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. The double edged sword you had on you was your dignity and integrity and it never steered you wrong.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

July 13, 2014

Clock watchers scare some folks. Either they want the clock to move faster or stop altogether. There is never enough time or way too much of it. But they are aware of it. One's stomach tells us it's time to break for a meal, but if you are a diligent employee, the task at hand is not finished until you complete it. We should not superimpose imaginary deadlines made of minutes, seconds or hours on ourselves or others. Police officers work all different shifts in all conditions, you did this, Officer Cook, you were a superbly accountable officer who was capable of handling any assignment placed on your shoulders. You were certainly not a clock watcher on May 16, 1979, nor any other time, otherwise you could have returned to your station house and let your comrades deal with that serious domestic issue with Mr. Pearsall. But this was not the way Officer William Coleman Cook, ever lived his life nor personified his professional career, you were there to lend a hand and courageously and without regard for your own safety saved your comrades and those civilians and heroically gave Dade County back its dignity and unity, all because of you and who you were, a truly brave gentleman and one excellent police officer. You were among forty-two officers in your department who made this sacrifice and will not ever be forgotten. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

July 13, 2014

Routine is a double-edged sword. A good routine is one that is mixed, that allows freedom, that encourages choice and thought, one that can be scarcely called routine. We try to make changes to our routines, but sometimes this is not enough. I'm sure you were a stickler for details, Officer Cook, those who knew you for the man that you were, the wisdom and maturity you possessed, you made the routines of your partners and colleagues a much more fulfilling experience. It's these life experiences that all stand alone as to how we comport ourselves. You held you own and that routine should be habit forming for all others to follow. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. The choice you made to join the Metro-Dade Police Department was the best thing you made on behalf of its citizens. Loyal and dependable. Courteous and courageous. Loved and respected by so many.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

July 12, 2014

I imagine one of the reasons people cling to their hates so stubbornly is because they sense once hate is gone, they will be forced to deal with the pain. Your entire family, Officer Cook, your entire police family and those you befriended outside of the department have all felt the sting of losing your very sudden at such a young age with more left for you to accomplish. The Pearsall Family has also had to deal with this sense of anguish and torment for what they too had to lose, their troubled young son who harbored such hate against police officers that he was willing to attack a division, a department, an entire nation and country where we send our bravest souls into their communities to try and conquer this wickedness. The young man depressed, troubled, tormented, whatever chose May 16, 1979, as a day to forever to be remembered as a day of infamy when you went to assist your fellow officers and inn the heroic process of trying to save lives and maintain a peace, a quiet calm and unity in the Liberty City community of Metropolitan Miami-Dade County, my neighbor, friend and hero, Officer William Coleman Cook were gunned down in the line of duty that left your two comrades clinging to life, Officers Keith Digenova and Robert Edgerton, survivor heroes who deserve as much credit for endeavoring to ward off this evil. At some point in our lives, we have to deal with the loss of a love done. It's said that time heals wounds, but I'm not totally sold on this statement. Your loss to the Dade County community at large, Officer Cook, was and has always been substantial. Knowing your personality, you would want us to move on and live our lives as you so faithfully and solemnly exemplified for twenty-five years. Your friend Officer DiGenova has suffered physical and mental hardships because of his brain injury, I know if you were here, you were his best friend and would do whatever to help him. I would if I could believe me, when police are injured doing their jobs or God forbid killed in the line of duty, I think about this as my father, Owen, too was a longtime New York City Police Officer for thirty-eight years would help your colleague if I could. He had his county insurance stopped when he relies on this for the rest of his life. During my dad's service, he had no bulletproof vests, only his city issued weapon of which he used only one time during his entire watch. Hate and prejudice were not in your lexicon, only compassion, consideration and caring for one another. Rest in peace. Still hard to believe that young man lived with three generations of relatives and no one saw this kind of behavior coming and tried mightily to stop it or call the authorities sooner to help him. You'll never be forgotten for endeavoring to do as much as you were able to in a matter of a few precious moments.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

July 12, 2014

You had a badge that you wore proud. What you did was important, though you never said that out loud. Respect did not come, from the wages you were paid or from callous statements, that in the press were made. Respect is in the homage, shared by those who truly know. Your service is what kept, light in the world aglow. It sure did, Officer Cook, it sure did. Your badge and uniform was your pride and passion and you worked feverishly at the police academy, day, afternoon and nights to endeavor to become an accomplished police officer. As stated before, you had the correct work habits so essential to the position. Your soul has kept this world aglow as you rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Shinier days lie ahead for us because you were willing to travel into the darkness of evil on May 16, 1979 to save lives of your comrades and those civilians. You did this very well during your six years of service saving countless other lives.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

July 11, 2014

In case one has not noticed, the treadmill that most of us climbed on years ago has been overhauled and its pace has been substantially increased. When we confront our workaholism by thinking about making a change in careers, our first impulse is to run harder. If we change jobs or careers, let us do so not only because the new job may sound more appealing or compensate us more, but, because it will allow us to be and to act with more human compassion. We make lifestyle or career change to improve us and our families who we work hard to sustain and to support. We must think, ponder the relativity between speed and production. You were planning on changing positions with your police department, Officer Cook, working as a crime scene technician, taking pictures and other various assignments. I can understand fully why you might have wanted to leave street patrol. Your family knew this would have made you happy, Karen would certainly along with your mother, Mrs. Julia Cook, would have been very grateful. You were their darling son and beloved husband who by your unselfish act saved seven lives in a matter of a few minutes from the time you and your partner that day, Reserve Officer Scott Lincoln arrived on the scene. You were a very devoted and compassionate police officer and a wonderfully engaging gentleman who worked very hard to become the very best you could be. Your work habits are sorely missed today and everyday. That eternal treadmill is running on full blast and tilted as high as it can go. Watch over us my neighbor, friend and hero as you rest in peace. I would imagine you might have utilized a treadmill from time to time along with Karen, keeping your bodies and minds in shape and attuned to the rest of the world. I know personally that exercise provides a great stress relief.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

July 11, 2014

Since nothing we intend is ever faultless and nothing we attempt ever without error and nothing we achieve without some measure of finality and fallibility we call humanness, we are saved by forgiveness. Perfectionism is a condition we deal with on a daily basis. It comes with the territory, failure, we think, is always at our heels and we're terrified by the notion of miscue or being found out. Fallibility is part of life and we just have to forgive ourselves sometimes. You looked at mistakes you made, Officer Cook, discovered ways to rectify them and moved on. No one is ever perfect, but because of your heroic feat, you have an eternal seat with your other comrades who acquitted themselves as bravely as yourself and you now can soar as high as you are able with God's loving assistance. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Police work is no perfect science even with modern updates to enable officers today to perform at an optimal level.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

July 11, 2014

If you let other people do it for you, they will do it to you. In police work since it is a team effort, officers still have the awesome burden to act sometimes from a singular standpoint. But you worked well, Officer Cook, both by yourself and with other comrades. The ones who went to battle with you are the officers you could place your trust as they had your back. No one will ever place any fault for your unselfish courage and determination on May 16, 1979. That was the moment no one wanted to know you were not returning home, as Our Creator's master plans for us are etched in stone. These are the times that when the going gets tough,your beloved mother, Mrs. Julia Cook, your loving sister, Nancy, Mrs. Tidwell, the Wilkersons and Karen, your loving wife, your widow who has since remarried and we wish her the very best. When the going gets tough, the tough and resilient get going. Your loving family is wished the very best in good health, peace and prosperity. I wish all of you nothing but the best in everything you endeavor in the future. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Your physical and mental toughness and resolve will carry on forever.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

July 10, 2014

Self-pity in its early stages is as snug as a feather mattress. Only when it hardens does it become uncomfortable. Self-pity sometimes comes with the territory. Show me a man who does too much and I'll show you a man who feels he is being cheated. We the citizens, police departments of Dade County and the entire country and world feel cheated when the lives of their hero and heroines are taken by vile and villains who perpetrate and continue to commit violence against these fine individuals, of which you were a loyal and faithful member of their fraternity. There is pity to be paid to the families of these fallen officers and lots of respect and honor. They displayed as you did, Officer Cook, humility, reverence for your position. As you kept your eyes open to assisting people, so too does God keep His eyes open to help those who battle evil as you devotedly did during your watch. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. We trust in the Lord as you did and hope His trust in turn is returned as you gave your entire being and did so with a piercing passion and all consuming compassion that will never be forgotten.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

July 10, 2014

Every day has been so short, every hour so fleeting, every minute so filled with the life I live that time for me has fled on two swift wings. For any law enforcement officer, life can be so fleeting, as we never know we God will call us home. You can be sure that you indeed gave your entire effort, Officer Cook and you certainly cherished each and every moment of your twenty-five years, six of which were served with honor, bravery, courage, dignity and integrity as a saluted comrade of the Metro-Dade Police Department. You were raised with class, honesty, you were loved unconditionally by your loving and beloved parents, as well as nurtured and educated by them, so growing up you could properly differentiate between right and wrong. For your valor and commendable commitment to serve Dade County residents, your soul can forever fly on God's two wings as high as it wants to as you rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

July 10, 2014

The great corrupter of public servants is the ego. Looking at the mirror distracts one's attention from the problem. The problem lies in the notion that we all might think we are public servants. Certainly, the police looks to its citizens they serve and protect to lend a hand at times. But, it's the devoted, determined and those who truly to make a real difference in their communities. As one of thousands of Metro-Dade Police Officers you made a huge contribution in and around our venues, Officer Cook. You don't need to be a politician to be a good officer, just the proper mindset of courtesy and respect for each other and those whose lives you are entrusted to serve and to save when called upon. No egos were needed when you went on patrol, just your smile and calming sense of logic and reason. You did not require looking in any mirror to garner the respect of anyone, you knew and appreciated the perspectives of any challenges headed your way. The rest took care of everything else, you just followed your normal routines and did the best you could in only the one way you knew how to and that was quite outstanding. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Some of today's officers really need to gaze in a mirror to view right from wrong, might be the one chance they get to redeem themselves.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

July 9, 2014

I meant to say, Officer Cook, you were a man of vision and inspiration, who was the model of devotion and self-sacrifice to your department. You were a Godly person, whose desire was to awake each morning and try to make the world a much better place and to be able to enjoy the community that you and Karen called home. The concept of waking up each new day as a lion, to be bold, strong and brave was on your shelf and it enabled you to become not only a much better individual, but a far more superior police officer. You honored all your commitments, now let us pause, reflect and give many thanks for heroic service, because of yourself and the many other countless brave and courageous souls Dade County has been enlightened and enriched beyond any shadow of doubt. It was your work ethic that kept the wheels of justice churning. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

July 9, 2014