Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

There is nothing noble about being superior to some other man. The true nobility is in being superior to your previous self. Sometimes desperation sets in when we try to change and make ourselves healthier and happier. We need to be clearer about who we are in all phases of our lives. Police officers have this challenge on an everyday basis and try to cope as best they can. By remaining humble and not gloating is the way we can be more virtuous and more at peace with ourselves. I don't believe you were ever lacking in confidence, Officer Cook, you stayed humble and just tried to do your job as ably and as capably as you were trained. The chains of bondage were loosened when you stepped in to endeavor to reel in wickedness in Dade County. Your calming influence was just the tonic necessary to sooth hard feelings between any parties who came into contact with you. You lived a peaceful life with Karen and heroically gave your life so these values could continue among all residents. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. It was a tragic day on May 16, 1979 when a desperate young man went on a rampage against the police who just try to make our lives safer and more secure and those citizens who offered to calm him down. You did everything, you went over and beyond, Officer Cook, for this you will always be remembered.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 18, 2014

Compassion for oneself is the most powerful healer of them all. We must learn to have compassion for all people. It takes an effort for some more than others to exhibit compassion for all and the rewards for this are astonishing. All this begins in one's home and it surely did for you, Officer Cook, you were a very devoted and dedicated officer whose passion to make the lives of all citizens safer was your calling, as was your compassion you displayed when helping those deal with their problems. One didn't need to look into a mirror to witness your greatness of spirit and sense of honesty, dignity and integrity being shared with your friends, colleagues and anyone who came to know one heck of a congenial human being. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. God's traits were certainly part of your genes and have been shared by all.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 18, 2014

Why do some people dislike the doubter? Because doubt is evolution and society hates evolution because it disturbs the peace. People who work and work do not have much time for change, they seem to craft an explanation for everything even if it is incorrect. They let the status quo dictate progress, production and movement. And one who doubts this progress is suspect. Those who question and doubt help to improve the quality of one's life and career. Officer Cook, no one ever doubted your abilities to help overhaul the streets of Dade County. No one doubted your uniqueness as one of Our Creators creatures, we are all His creatures and some more then others just produce and succeed a bit more than others. We exhibited different passions and set into motion those abilities to channel into different scenarios. You were a most abundant person in common sense, ethics and stellar character which will never be forgotten. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. God always protects those who watched over us with His same qualities. We who carry on should proceed this same way too.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 17, 2014

I meant to say we make so many plans. Nothing is impossible for the man or woman who does not have to do it themselves. Delegation is a healthy sign and giving someone the opportunity to help out others can be so much more fulfilling. And that is why your were a great leader, Officer Cook, you enjoyed letting other officers pitch in and help take the wickedness off the streets. Dreaming big, but maintaining a steady pace and finally putting a plan of action into fruition is what makes living life worthwhile. As a dedicated police officer you showed other colleagues the "ropes" so to speak and part of this work ethic endeared you to so many others. You'll always be well thought of and regarded in the highest esteem because of your heroism, humility and humbleness. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 17, 2014

Commitment. Commitment. We make so may plans to do, to give, but in the end what really happens? We seem to be missing the point, running away from the responsibilities that bond us together as one community. We shirk our friends, our colleagues, those we know and love. We squarely place the onuses in someone else's lap. You were not this type of individual, Officer Cook, you were not one to run from duty, your dreams and desires to become a first rate, top notch police officer who was so endeared to citizens all over, not just in the Dade County community. You lived your life, not by daydreaming, but in action to make it happen. Your straight forwardness, your candor coupled with your vision of honor and respect assisted you whenever you got a call to respond to any situation that arose. Your comrades, your loving family, knew you accepted the risks that come with being a police officer. Karen and you lived your lives not by a stopwatch, you lived for the moment and relished, cherished each moment, every quiet time together pursuing both of your passions. As a civilian, you are missed by myself and my family, but you'll never be forgotten. I miss my parents, relatives, those closest to me, but you are always close in my heart and mind. Your professional commitment to bravery, courage and valor is what I'll always remember. It stands for honor and heroism in life and in your career and it will be carried forever as the foundation of your legacy here in Dade County, Florida for generations to come. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. No police officer who gives their life ever gives it in vain. The messages of all whoever sacrificed are not only etched on marble or granite walls, they are forever imprinted in our thoughts and hearts as well.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 16, 2014

We constantly search for leaders, for answers, for relief from what can be long, difficult times. The more one delves into their work, the less time they may have to pursue other joyful pleasures. People, police officers need guidance and direction, because of your sense of awareness to duty, Officer Cook, things began to germinate. You and Karen were two devout individuals, no mistaking this, your friends from the Visitation Catholic Church were your friends who knew you to be a most loving, giving and devoted husband, son, brother and honorable police officer and gentleman among all folks. You prayed together, stayed together and if not for your leadership skills and response that day of May 16, 1979, no telling what might have continued to transpire in the Dade County community that you served and protected, loyally, faithfully and with a grand measure of devotion, dignity and sheer determination to end this cascade of evil. Since your sacrifice, Officer Cook, we still seek answers and hope for peace, prosperity and freedom that sorely is lacking. You kept up your diligence in being vigilant, now it's time for others to step up to the plate as well. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 16, 2014

Speaking of art and painting, officers have to be professionals of persuasion, in being able to drive home a point to whomever they are talking with. Your were a man of passion, Officer Cook and it was this passion that drove you to pursue an excellent and successful career with Metro-Dade Police Department for six years. You spread peace and goodwill among all residents and for this you'll be forever remembered as a hero. The street was your canvas and your canvassing of this community has and will only perpetuate peace, freedom and unity for those to continue their bountiful aspirations. A man of compassion, an officer with a calming influence and a taciturn manner in resolving domestic issues, your sense of honesty, dignity and integrity along with a strong dose of fair play when combined with all your training kept evil at bay as much as you were able to rein it in. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Speak softly and generally one can be successful in any endeavor possible.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 15, 2014

Some painters transform the sun into a yellow spot, others transform a yellow spot into the sun. Creativity. Intuition. Invention. Revolution. Police officers work under any and all conditions, but they do need to possess brilliance, have some imagination, be honest, be loyal and dependable. Sort of like you, Officer Cook, you had a plan, were a logical thinker, whose swiftness to duty remains forever as does your heroic stature among Dade County citizens. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Those paint brushes now among God's treasured angels must be painting brilliant masterpieces. A truly devoted and caring officer of humble ways always to be remembered.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 15, 2014

You cannot consistently perform in a manner which is inconsistent with the way you see yourself. People who work and work cover up their self-images and low self-esteems by how they perform at whatever they occupy themselves with. A happier, more productive person is one who has a plan of action for all their actions and relies on their self-confidence to carry out their positions. Police officers rely on their training and basic instincts to function on a daily basis. Stress does occur quite a bit on one's watch, but it's the master officer such as yourself, Officer Cook, who was able to work effectively, capably and under direction to the point of giving leadership to other colleagues. Your wit, your wisdom and maturity, along with the honesty, dignity and integrity were the factors that steered you down the right path. Your loving parents, sister and wife, Karen, all knew you to be just this type of quality individual who would do anything for the needs of a community where you were cherished and very well respected. The price you paid for their freedom and security can never be placed aside nor forgotten. You are their true hero, Officer Cook, your rapidity in acting on May 16, 1979, saved many lives, your fellow comrades and civilians who have always kept you in their hearts and minds. You made a difference in Dade County my neighbor, friend and hero where it mattered the most. An entire community and nation can be extremely grateful for the brave and courageous men and women like you who excelled in their profession and brought only honor and pride to all living beings. Rest in peace.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 14, 2014

Blessed are they who heal us of self-despising. Of all services which can be done to man, I know of none more precious. Some people believe they have all the answers to life's problems, sadly though they don't. They mistrust others opinions, thoughts or philosophies. Their self-image takes a hit, in the sense that logical thinking and pondering can go astray. Thank God for steady, pragmatic and brave men and women of law enforcement such as yourself, Officer Cook. Your loyalty and faithfulness removed any doubts, clouds of mistrust that the citizens might have had. You were fiercely devoted to your comrades and superiors and that is why leadership under your command is sorely missing today. All the worries that police officers have today in serving and in protecting do not need to be made more complex by those who go off the righteous path, meaning they stay honest, dignified and possess the integrity to dive right in to the evil that travels across our communities. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. We all should demonstrate our trust in our police officers rather than disrespect them. After all, they risk everything for our securities.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 14, 2014

Anxiety is sometimes the interest paid on trouble before it is due. Work addicts are anxious people. Not just about the problems at hand, the various emergencies that may take place. Anxiousness can occur even before situations land in one's lap. Things yet to happen, future calamities, gaffes and failures. When police officers sign on and graduate from the different police academies, failures do happen, gaffes occur, dire problems that require quick thinking skills are needed. And that is why the men and women of your department, Officer Cook, are called to answer these and many other various calls. Your leadership skills, Officer Cook, were never called into question, you were a legendary excellent officer who resourcefulness stood out as did your honesty, dignity and integrity. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Police officers know the risks, accept these risks and yet are willing to do whatever the job entails to make sure the safety of all is secured.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 13, 2014

What I meant to say, Officer Cook, so as not to be misconstrued is that your honor, work ethic, determination and dedication are all listed in your Metro-Dade Police Department work jacket or file. Judging by the company, both personally and professionally, Officer Cook,you indeed were a gentleman of all seasons. Your heroics are forever and the sacrifice you made shall remain a vivid reminder of why we have so many brave and courageous people enter the law enforcement field. It takes both police officers and the civilians in any community to assist in stamping out crime. Inner thoughts and well planned dialogue are essential in serving to resolve dilemmas before they wage on like a wildfire. To able to weigh, analyze, contemplate and act in a split second, sounds fairly elementary, but it's not. And this is why, Officer Cook, you were your division's ace police officer, you always had a plan of action, you're the kind of individual we should all strive to emulate. In grace, in deed and in action, both humanly and humbly. No one is perfect nor are they that lightning fast, but on May 16, 1979, you my neighbor, friend and hero, responded swiftly and boldly and saved seven lives of those fellow officers and citizens who will remain eternally grateful to you. Nowadays, it takes swift conversation and decisiveness to solve any disagreements that may crop up from time to time in a community. Rest in peace.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 13, 2014

Workaholics are prone to create walls and fences, rarely bridges and tunnels. Because we are driven to compete, we ourselves are the architects of our own successes and failures in which we dust off ourselves and continues our exploits. Freedom is achieved through allowing oneself to open as many doors as possible. Police officers try to create open lives for all people that allows flexible and honorable accomplishments to take shape. Your calmness, Officer Cook, your sense of value and justice permitted this to occur. You saved lives on a daily basis, all while endeavoring to keep unity and freedom balanced on the same sphere. A person for all seasons, an assuring voice of all logic and reason, for six years of dependable and loyal service and protection, your twenty-five years of life and spirit helped foster a sense of optimism and self-renewal in this community where you were respected, cherished, loved and honored in a most profound and humble manner. The green street sign is there to view at NW 12th Avenue and NW 75th Street, "Officer William C. Cook Street, for your bravery, courage, valor and heroic act, but it's your spirit that will continue to soar higher and higher. Your inspiration will never fade in Miami-Dade and all over this great land. Your aspiration serves as our inspiration, to do good proudly, with a greater level of pride and with the these things never to be taken away, with honor, integrity and dignity. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 12, 2014

Avoid shame, but do not seek glory-nothing is so expensive as glory. Glory is mythical, shame is not. Glory is expensive, it robs us of our time and it turns us into imaginary emperors. People who seek glory, fame and fortune, to what can they be compared to? Shame it too isolates us, denigrates and erodes that which we work so hard to achieve. Honor as well, one should not run to that. Officer Cook, judging by your humanity and solid work ethic, glory, honor and whatever else you can name were not ever in your employee jacket with the Metro-Dade Police Department. You were an honorable and honest gentleman, police officer, son, brother, husband and a friend to all. Your dedication to duty came at an ultimate price. You made the highest, most unselfish sacrifice that did at the time and to this day still benefits all Dade County citizens. You, my neighbor, friend and hero, Officer Cook, did not run to a bank of cameras and microphones looking to embellish your feats. Your work as a truly determined officer spoke volumes none of us would be able to really comprehend. We can try. We can tear up and cry. There is nothing wrong with us displaying our true inner emotions. I did for you in your parents home two and a half years ago and your niece, Gina, comforted me. Where I live and where you grew up, the North Miami Beach community is struggling to come to grips with the senseless murder of a Rabbi walking to synagogue on Saturday morning, our Jewish Sabbath. Hopefully, your department and fellow comrades will quickly apprehend those responsible for this heinous and cowardly action. You'll shine your rays of hope and peace upon all of us including your loving family members. Give them the courage and the inspiration to carry on in honor, nobility and faith as you so solemnly did. Rest in peace.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 12, 2014

To an extent, when we give in to our work obsessions, we let go of our lives-we unconsciously believe that we have no control over the course of our days. I'm sure growing up, Officer Cook, you and Nancy, your sister, were told by your loving parents to follow your passions where your hearts would lead you. You discovered a liking to become a police officer and through a sound mind and body, you worked quite hard and very long hours to hone your skills as they were your instruments that would steer you to a most promising career. Tragically, that career and life with Karen, God only knows why at age twenty-five did it have to end? God and those privileged to know you, Officer Cook, understood the demands and the entire devotion, desire and dedication it took for you to attain these goals that were a dream, and in the end now serve as a motivator and inspiration for us to follow. And now we can comprehend why your humbleness coupled with your wisdom and maturity allowed you the chance to lead other officers into the battles against evil. You surpassed where others did not and your heroic actions and legacy stand as the living foundation of why we rely on the character of many such brave and courageous men and women of law enforcement, in representing our ideals and values. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 11, 2014

The principal business of life is to enjoy it. You spent your quiet times reflecting, Officer Cook, by hunting, with photography, music and just taking in nature's pleasures. Your self-worth to the Dade County community was and continues to be priceless. I saw an old picture of one of your friends and colleagues, Officer David Graveline, who went on to become an announcer with WINZ 940 AM radio and the old WCIX Channel 6 television station on Brickell Avenue, where another friend and colleague of yours, retired Detective Sergeant Mark Seiden works as a lawyer. Mr. Graveline, I believe also worked at Newsradio 610 AM WIOD and now he may be involved with Serius Radio out west. You had many friends because of your honesty, sense of humor and impeccable character in and out of your profession. I'm sure Karen also had made many friends from within her profession. Two loyal and dependable human beings working for a very worthwhile cause, serving and protecting people and allowing them the opportunity to live in freedom and peace. These citizens were you top priority, Officer Cook and everything else was placed on the back burner, your sacrifice bears this out and the scars will always be there, volunteering to answer a call and supremely serving with bravery, courage, valor and commitment, you'll always be held in the highest regard. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 11, 2014

One shining quality lends a luster to another, or hides some glaring defect. Nothing defective about you character, Officer Cook, if only a ray of hope for the young man troubled as he was who took your life and ended a career that was truly going to be quite a success. Back in your day, I'm not sure the U.S. Marshal's Service existed, perhaps if they could have investigated this person, you and your comrades would have had a clue in who you were dealing with. Armageddons are words police officers should not have to associate themselves with as they already have enough assignments on their plates to handle. We would like to think we all excel at something. You shined like the sun, Officer Cook when handling domestic issues. You were very blessed to use all of you God given abilities and exemplary personality when serving and protecting Dade County citizens. You were a solid cultivator, contributor and collaborator who accommodated anyone in need. The officers who struggle with honor and integrity are those that need the help the most, they are the fallible who may suffer from inadequacies that may hinder their careers. Everyone needs to be a team player on the same page, you were always on board my neighbor, friend and hero and had no issues turning the page. Officers Digenova and Lincoln respected your style of police work and leadership capabilities and this is what endeared them to you. Rest in peace.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 10, 2014

Forgiveness is the key to action and freedom. How true and it starts with oneself. Sometimes police officers need to be a bit more patient and even this may make a situation a little less tense. Because of your easy going style, Officer Cook, you were the kind of person who could quietly forgive. By your honorable actions brought about by both dignity and integrity one could see why you were an achiever and one who accomplished quite a lot during your twenty-five years. A person's patience is generally rewarded when they stay focused, communicate well and and balance that by being an excellent listener. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 10, 2014

Men have become the tools of their tools. Today we have in society a myriad of different and quite unique tools to create, produce and help increase productivity. High tech computers, faxes, scanners, laser printers and cellular telephones all very high tech and most were not around during your police career, Officer Cook. You and your comrades during that period of time had to make due with simple non-sophisticated technology that would turnout to become your most valuable resource. I'm sure if you were still with Metro-Dade Police Department today, you would adapt quite nicely to all these various changes. Even then, you were a logical thinker, very resourceful, of course loyal and faithful, but more importantly, you maintained a high level of honor and introspection. If only they had those side panels. But this will never take away the bravery, courage and valor imparted on behalf of Dade County citizens on May 16, 1979, it's left an enormous impression to last forever as your legacy as one of our many heroes and heroines of Dade County law enforcement. The tools of the police profession cannot turn one off the correct path, they must be utilized both wisely and very judiciously. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 9, 2014

Hiding can make us feel lonely. At times it can make us feel like emotional hermits. Enjoying your work is one thing and we who knew you, Officer Cook, knew very well you gained your honesty and work ethics from your loving and devoted parents. I read the part in "Forgotten Heroes," where you sent your mother, Mrs. Julia Cook, a Mother's Day card and because of her you could not let her down. You never let her or your dad down, nor your big sister, Nancy. You were the embodiment of a free spirit in the sense that you enjoyed life and the camaraderie you shared with your professional colleagues. For twenty-five years, you were God's gift to this world and you shared it with dignity, integrity, honor, bravery, courage in commitment and in boldness to act swiftly to save your comrades and civilians from further harm. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Your spirit soars, your inspiration continues to motivate.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 9, 2014

Insanity is often the logic of an accurate mind overtaxed. Overused. Overburdened. At some point we have witnessed people with good minds; these creative thinkers, logical, sound intellectuals go slowly into the abyss of being lost, misdirected, lonely, overworked, overburdened extremists. You can tell by their voices that the sound of fear and apprehension is about to strike them. Certainly hard to live any sort of well balanced life. We can all declare with absolute clarity that you, Officer Cook, maintained and lived a very well balanced life and performed more than admirably during your six years as a decorated and most honorable police officer with Metro-Dade. All your peers could witness first hand your sincerity, your dignity and integrity being channeled together with all your other positive work habits. Sadly, today many officers suffer from the afflictions of insanity and being totally misguided. Every ounce of a man or woman of character must be resourced when out on patrol, the citizens never expect any less from those who take an affirmation to serve and to protect. Even during stressful situations, honesty must be first as your priority, along with the safety of the residents. Your charisma and well-mannered approaches seemed to just what was called for along with constant care, consideration and compassion. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. A person's upbringing always should serve as the genesis for anything they choose to accomplish during a life and yours Officer Cook, was the reason you got along with all people no matter their background. Your heroism stands for a happy, energetic, resourceful officer who was his department's savior, magnificent in all your achievements. May 16, 1979, will never be forgotten, one noble and even a more humane gentleman gave his being for the peace, freedom and unity of all Dade County to continue flowing through its proper channels.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 8, 2014

Few men of action have been able to make a graceful exit at the appropriate time. There is a time to take leave. Workaholics never seem to ponder this road, seeming to live their lives on a continuum, a conveyor belt that never runs out of steam. Knowing when to leave is every bit as important as knowing when to begin. Police officers when they start their careers never really know when they might be able to retire and tragically, some are forced into "early retirement" by injury or God forbid by laying their lives down for the service and protection of their communities. And you were among these heroes and heroines, Officer Cook, who gave your sincerest efforts in honor, loyalty, dignity and integrity and for this you'll never be forgotten. As your colleague, Officer Piloto once reflected, maybe when he retired on November 10, 2000, you might have retired too back then. You were a great person, an even more nobler a police officer and you persevered more than we could even imagine. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 8, 2014

Integrity simply means a willingness not to violate one's identity. if one has a healthy, integrated sense of oneself, their purpose and has their priorities in order, then those we are comfortable with will look after us and the trust factor will never be in question. It's important to make a daily inventory, an introspection to see where we stand. Police officers work for a common goal, with a sacred bond they all share in honesty, bravery, courage and commitment. You had everything working in unison for you, Officer Cook. The bonds of mutual respect and admiration were always at your side, kind of like having another partner to share in your everyday pursuits of freedom, unity and peace for all of Dade County's citizens. You were a simple and humble person, whose passion navigated you to become the best at your profession. Those who knew and worked alongside of you recognized you were not at all a complex individual. Your candor and calm served you uniquely well for your six diligent and very faithful years of service and protection of those you respected and in turn honored you. Dade County was quite fortunate to have an officer whose stellar character and honesty helped maintain a semblance of law and order on the streets where you patrolled. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 7, 2014

Jargon is an important part, an integral piece of police lexicon. Without this officers may have a difficult time when arriving on a scene and being able to manage the task they confront. Proper speech and a code of conduct was essential to all your police affairs, Officer Cook. Though you were a self-confident and assertive individual who knew how to resolve most problems before they escalated. Today in police work this can be lost in the translation and it can lead to officers getting into trouble. Your six years of service was graced by your care, concern, compassion, dignity and honesty. These factors can surely never lead one into distress. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 7, 2014

Take this job and love it. People chatter a great deal of their work, that sometimes they seem more preoccupied with this than the functions at hand. The wise man knows his limits, knows his boundaries and functions accordingly. From day one, Officer Cook, you knew your roles and how to maintain this professional balance between space, time, boundaries and limits. Police work of course as most of us know it is very limitless. One minute your investigating a robbery in progress, the next minute you could be dealing with someone getting wounded. In other words, your mindset was to stay on each assignment given to you with a clear and fresh frame of mind. Your calming voice of reason and logic always prevailed and this is what made Officer William C. Cook, Badge#1664, the best officer among the very talented that Metro-Dade had within their ranks. And never to be forgotten. You had your quiet times with your beloved wife, Karen and your family and friends outside of your department. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. A wise man gains his knowledge from the art of listening and yourself, Officer Cook, were the wiser and more maturer than most in the crowd. Your friend, Chief Jacobs was right on with this assessment of his good friend and fellow Norland High School classmate.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 6, 2014