Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

O uncommon commoner, may your name forever lead like a living flame. Unschooled scholar, how did you learn? The wisdom a lifetime may not earn. The flames of your passion, Officer Cook, still burn brightly, evil took your young life with dreams still unfulfilled, but we can be sure all the necessary work you did pursue was done with the utmost integrity and responsibility. If only we do learn these lessons you preached and taught each one of us well. Then everything we do from now on will be well worth the challenge. God puts obstacles in front of us testing our will to witness if we are up to the challenges as supreme as they might be. Your faith in time and how you valued time has solidified your devoutness to your Creator. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

May 23, 2014

I meant to say, Officer Cook, that you were one not to brag or boast, as you remained a faithful and loyal servant not only to God, but your department. Sometimes one hits the wrong key on the computer, but you know and your loving family knows I think about you a lot. Oh I see that life cannot exhibit all to me, as the day cannot, I see that I am to wait for what will be exhibited by death. It's said that we rejoice at a birth and grieve at death. This leaves some contemplation. We surely miss you, Officer Cook, your smile, sense of humor, such a wonderful person taken before his time. We ponder the reasons, but you'll always be everyone's hero. So uniquely qualified to serve and protect. You rose to the occasion on May 16, 1979 and valiantly saved the lives of seven people and who knows how many more. This was truly your calling, Our Creator must have had more important eternal tasks at hand for you. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

May 23, 2014

From a boy I gloated on existence. Earth to me seemed all-sufficient and my sojourn there one trembling opportunity for joy. Waves of serener life pass over us from time to time, like rays of sunlight over the fields in cloudy weather. First of all, Officer Cook, you were one to to brag or boast. You remained humble and proud to carry the badge of your department and to don its uniform with the most dignity, honor and integrity that your profession demands from each and every officer. I'm sure you spent many a sunny day in the park or at the beach catching a few rays and perhaps even surfing the waves. Your acquaintances knew you to be a funny fellow, whose jovial looks earned many a loud laugh from them. But, when it came time to perform your job, you did so with extreme humility, bravery and a certain panache while patrolling the corridors of Dade County. You never frittered away your opportunities and took full advantage of your God-given abilities. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

May 22, 2014

I hope that during Police Memorial Month the American flag was put back down by your grave, Officer Cook. The police departments put these flags down on each grave of their fellow brother and sister officers courageous enough as you were to sacrifice their lives for society to function in a unified and secure fashion. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Your dignity deserves this and it would be a shameful act not to do so. I hope you are doing well, Chief Jacobs. Your friend and classmate, Bill Cook, Officer William C. Cook, had his life snuffed out in a cold-hearted and ignominious manner. He will never be forgotten by myself or my family. My wife, Holly and our youngest son, Joshua, have been to his grave to offer a small prayer for his soul. Hope you are well Mrs. Cook. I'll say a prayer for you.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

May 22, 2014

An awful lot of life on this planet is one man's assessment of the other. A life without surrender is a life without commitment. That life is worth living is the most necessary of assumptions and were it not assumed, the most impossible of conclusions. This is the law enforcement profession and part of what underlines its purpose, to think, to travel, to investigate and you, Officer Cook, were extraordinary in all that you sought out. It demands courage, skill and honor that not too many positions demand. You possessed the common sense so valuable to your division and department, I believe it's very much absent today. Your bravery was second to none, you were a mighty brave and valiant police officer. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Nothing will undermine the quality of your capabilities or capacities.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

May 21, 2014

My candle burns at both ends; it will not last the night; but, oh, my foes and oh, my friends-it gives a lovely light. We do not live to extenuate the miseries of the past nor to accept as incurable those of the present. Police officers burn that candle from both ends in the sense that they serve and protect under all conditions and at all times of the day, afternoon and night. You paid your dues, Officer Cook, in that you worked all shifts and you were looking forward to have your first weekend off on the day shift. And the tragic portion of that equation was that your comrades were preparing to gather to lay you to rest. I can't imagine the pain and sorrow your loving family, your wife, Karen, your sister, Nancy and your wonderful mother, Mrs. Julia Cook were going through. Eleven months after your tragedy, my family experienced the passing of my beloved dad, Owen. He was a longtime New York City Police Officer and my parents last wedding anniversary was on May 19, 1979, the day all of Dade County said goodbye to a truly humble and faithful servant. Those candles must be burning even brighter as the light of your beloved soul now shines even brighter forevermore. The burst of music down and non-listening street-I wonder at the idleness of others. The strains of Amazing Grace captivated all those in attendance at your Inspector's Funeral where the eyes of those who knew you and respected your work ethic gathered to pay homage to you and where there was not a dry eye to be found. You were quite an amazing and eclectic individual who went to great lengths to continue to mold and shape a peaceful structure and environment in Dade County that forever now represents your glowing legacy. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. In a few weeks, your great-niece, Alexis will be graduating high school and I know you'll be watching from the heavens above and wishing her nothing but love and success in all her future endeavors.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

May 20, 2014

A little while the tears and laughter, the willow and the rose; a little while and what comes after no man knows. An hour to sing, to love and linger, then lutanist and lute will fall on silence, song and singer both be mute. The past, present and future belong to God: the present only is ours. And short as it is, there is more in it and of it, then we can well manage. Tears and some laughter as those who knew you, Officer Cook, remembered a wonderfully talented and a much revered gentleman, who brought his devotion, determination, dedication and desire to the profession you always dreamed you wanted to become. And it is fitting that you are forever to be honored for endurance in reining in evil. the hovering helicopters, wailing bagpipes are the solemn symbols of police as they prepare to bid their brave brothers and sisters a fond farewell. You saved the day until that day arrives when we can reunite with you. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. We should all sing God's praises for creating skillfully courageous men ans women of law enforcement who travel where no ordinary citizens dare to go.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

May 20, 2014

Most people make the voyage of life as if they carried sealed orders which they were not to open until they were fairly out in mid-ocean. But life is sweet, though all that makes it sweet and lessens like the sound of friends departing feet. Life is a voyage that is homeward bound. Your trek through life and your career, Officer Cook, was always centered around your family and the community you enjoyed serving and protecting. The sweet sounds of freedom and unity are solely because of your unwavering valor. Sadly, on May 16, 1979, the Dade County community and its residents experienced one of its sad days when you had your young life and career ended by wanton violence perpetrated against one of the Metro-Dade Police Department's finest officers and on May 19, 1979, you had an Inspector's Funeral eulogizing a well-lived and humble life. Your homeward journey was just starting and from now on your loving soul can ascend to the highest of heights assisting God in bringing home a final and a restful peace among all citizens who you strived to help. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Forever our savior and watchman and never to be forgotten for your professional feats.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

May 19, 2014

Ships that pass in the night and speak to each other in passing, only a signal shown and a distant voice in the darkness; so on the ocean of life, we pass and speak one another, only a look and a voice, then darkness again and a silence. There sure has been along silence, a quietness like that of being in a library. I know, at I what to think that your voice, Officer Cook, can be heard from a distance. Your out in the open sea and you can feel just the waves, at least hear them pounding against the ships. The voice of calm and one that had a lasting soothing effect may have been silenced, but it still resonates today within your agency. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. The ideals you represented are still being employed within your division and the rank and file officers are sure to be grateful.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

May 19, 2014

Life is the west-going dream-storms' breath, life is a dream, the sigh of the skies, the breath of the stars, that nod on their pillows with their golden hair mussed over their eyes. You can rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero, Officer Cook, tucked in safely in your complete uniform, your hands folded and your hat next to you. Each moment your soul is rising in all directions up to heaven where it now can take its cherished place near those comrades who like yourself were unwavering in their commitments to serve and defend. Unrest of spirit is a mark of life. By God's destiny, Officer Cook, you have been directed up God's golden ladder to serve and to look down below on those who do battle with the evil that you tried to take to task. Rest in peace. You displayed that fighting spirit until the end and so this evil will never extinguish the beauty and goodwill you believed in and stood up to vanquish.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

May 18, 2014

Live all you can; it's a mistake not to. It doesn't so much matter what you do in particular so long as you have your life. And that's the thing, Officer Cook, you should still be here. Fate sometimes lands us in spots where we do not want to travel. But having traveled the long and winding roads around Dade County providing the most diligent, honest and very professional service through compassion, passion and leading by example, we all can see what made you a top police officer in your agency and why you helped out when needed. You lived your life and career by example in both your personal and on duty moments. Those who respected and loved you dearly, miss you as much today as they did thirty-five years ago. Time sure has a way of flying by when we're not necessarily noticing it. But make no mistake you'll always be revered as a hero you have been and will continue to be honored for your service and dedication. The citizens I hope will continue to show their appreciation for your grit and gallantry. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. You were not afraid of life and the professional tasks that lied ahead. Your life was priceless and your belief in placing your trust in God created this fact that we who exist should rely upon God to help get us through each day and what lies ahead of us. You were not an idle person, you stood up and made positive things happen. Your intentions were only for the sake of heaven.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

May 18, 2014

Life is a great bundle of little things. Life is an end in itself and the only question as to whether it is worth living is whether you have enough of it. All life is an experiment. Every year if not every day we have to wager our salvation upon some prophecy based upon imperfect knowledge. To live is to function. That is all there is in living. Life is a preparation for the future; and the best preparation for the future is to live as if there were none. It is a shadowy, strange and winding road. It's all the little things that we sometimes take for granted, but this was not how you lived your exemplary life, Officer Cook. You meticulous plan and the hard work involving your career as police officer was born and well thought out. There are no crystal balls in police work, it is not a roll of the dice that decides the outcomes in its finality. You made a decision to voluntarily answer a domestic call with your partner that day and in the process, you saved your comrades and those three civilians from certain harm and possibly death, sacrificing your existence some that others may live. Heroically, they don't come any more braver than yourself. At least now where you rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero, the long winding road is linked together with many other fine valiant and courageous officers who like yourself made a difference in their communities. To get from one place to another, you have to experiment and see where it may take you. the best path at times can be down the long and winding road.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

May 17, 2014

Thirty-five years ago this week you gave me a ride to the station from the old 'dirt lot." Thirty-five years ago today the squad was waiting for roll call when we heard about the shooting. My partner and I were part of the "new crew" coming on and might very well have been dispatched to the call if you and Keith didn't take it. I've thought of you often in the years since and have a picture of your name I took when I visited the LE Memorial in DC with my daughter a few years back. Rest in Peace. 09-06.

Mark

May 16, 2014

We live by desire to live; we live by choice; by will, by thought, by virtue, by the vivacity of the laws which we obey and obeying share their life,- or we die by sloth, by disobedience, by losing hold of life, which ebbs out of us. Your desire to live and carry out a great personal and professional challenge, Officer Cook, demonstrated your fitness and resolve. Your were our champion of freedom, unity and peace. You sacrificed your being so we could continue doing some of the same things you desired. Disobeying a police officer's instructions sometimes leads to dire consequences and it is a crying shame my neighbor, friend and hero that on that day tragedy befell the entire police family. Rest in peace.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

May 16, 2014

Since G-d willing I'll try never to forget your life, career and heroic action on this day, Officer Cook, I visited your grave today. Unfortunately, the American flag that the police placed down on your grave was taken, what an indignation! You gave up your life for Dade County citizens. My pinwheels were taken for whatever reason. These stones on your grave, well they can be put back on. I can't figure out why when sometimes I go and visit your grave, I find certain things missing, the other police have their flags down. And I know the word I meant to utilize was unmistakable as was your solid character which was based on character, honesty, morals and ideals which when used properly are essential to a police officer's job. Just like today a fellow trying to become an officer asked his friend to take the agility test for him. Needless to say he is not going to become an officer, nor will his friend as well. When someone with a public trust and tremendous responsibility performs beyond the call of duty, we honor them and their memory with only Godly means. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero, I wanted to cry at your grave, for never having met you, your absence is profound. Kind of like getting punched in the stomach. I hope you are doing well Mrs. Cook and yourself as well Nancy-Mrs. Tidwell and the Wilkerson Family. You too Justin and your brother Josh.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

May 16, 2014

Fill my hour, you Gods, so that I may not say, while I have done this, behold, also an hour of my life is gone,-but rather, I have lived an hour. A noble life, crowned with heroic death, rise above and outlives the pride, pomp and glory of the mightiest empire of the earth. While on this earth, Officer Cook, you were indeed a truly loyal and faithful servant whose heroic act saved several lives and left an impact on this community that is very much felt this day. Without your virtue and discipline to be able to go out and patrol, there would be no quality of life for any of Dade County's citizens. The sobs, the sniffles, the wailing of those bagpipes at your Inspector's Funeral were the signs of a truly blessed life and career. The smiles were thoughts of your unmistakenly great character and fulfillment of a lifelong dream. The marble slab, your gravestone and the dirt that surrounds it are the symbols of your committal back to where we come from and the opportunity your beautiful soul has to ascend to its greatest of heights where you now patrol Our Creator's golden streets where no harm or evil will ever again come to you. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Thirty-five years tomorrow and never to be forgotten!

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

May 15, 2014

Life is too short to waste in critic peep or cynic bark, quarrel or reprimand; for it will soon be dark; up, mind thine own aim and God save the mark. People can live a long life and yet not have anything to show for it. But, you, Officer Cook, for your twenty-five years of an honorable, humble and peaceful life you led, that was so much devoted to serving and protecting the people of Dade County, how much more can we the citizens be forever grateful? Not one moment of waste, we can be cynical, pessimistic if we choose, I know you would not want for any of us to do that. We should all strive to hope and be self-fulfilling, as honest a gentleman as you were in serving the public and during your own quiet private moments, your openness was one of the many assets you had as a Metro-Dade Police Department Officer has very much cemented your legacy for all time. Heroes and heroines are those of us who have the special gift to lead and you indeed had that trust and valor to do just that. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. You observed the good in others and just wanted to make their lives better off. The proof is all these magnificent structures that have been built in the Liberty City section of Miami since your ultimate sacrifice. Of course when people pass NW 12th Avenue and NW 75th Street and they see the nice new green sign on the light "Officer William C. Cook Street," they can stop briefly and take notice of one of the many heroes and heroines who fought hard to nurture freedom and unity in this community even if they did not know you. As with some events sadly they come with a price and you paid that price in an effort to bring together all citizens regardless of their stature.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

May 14, 2014

Life is March weather, savage and serene in one hour. And on May 16, 1979, the weather was hot and in five to to ten minutes of senseless violence that was perpetrated on society and those sworn brave men and women who are supposed to uphold the public trust, your life, Officer Cook, was taken, no one will know other than a troubled young man, depressed, who needed help looked to injury or take police officers lives. But make no mistake your heroism was like no other in Dade County. To this day, you were among a few officers who lost their life in the line of duty who were not required to answer a particular call as your shift was ending. You are never going to be forgotten for what you represented in this community. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Violence never has its place in society and thankfully inspired officers of your status of dignity, integrity and honor have crossed paths and tried to keep unity and peace reasonably attached.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

May 14, 2014

We live amid surfaces and the true art of life is to skate well on them. Life consists in what man is thinking of all day. The life of man is the true romance, which, when it is valiantly conducted, will yield the imagination a higher joy than any fiction. I can truly say, Officer Cook and so can your loving family members that you more than scooted around Dade County persevering and protecting its residents. The quality of your life was indicated by the outpouring of love and support from not only your fellow comrades, but those civilians, not just those you saved from certain peril. A true blessing and a Godsend you are missed by all and this is validated by the fact that you went to a scene you went to many times to solve and to stop an escalation of violence and to make peace and unity a reality. This will never be forgotten. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Your mind was like a calculator, working twenty-four hours a day, your generosity bountiful, your dignity, integrity, priceless and your sense of humor and that great big smile infectious.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

May 11, 2014

Life is a series of surprises. We do not guess today the mood, the pleasure, the power of tomorrow, when we are building up our being. All life is an experiment. The more experiments you make the better. In any profession including police work, one is bound to find some moments of surprise, hopefully not too many pitfalls. We live each day for the present, nothing is guaranteed for tomorrow. I would like to think your twenty-five years, Officer Cook, were spent properly and with the highest level of devotion and motivation. I know they were and anyone who knew you would concur with this statement. Thirty-five years is about to come, as the anniversary of your untimely death approaches, but you are still remembered for the service and comfort you brought to others. I'm sure you may have experimented from time to time on the job looking for fresher ideas on how to get a handle on a dilemma that for certain may have been perplexing. Your heroism leaves no one perplexed as they knew you to be the solid police officer whose commendable achievements are going to be remembered as legendary. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

May 10, 2014

Life is a festival only to the wise. Seen from the nook and chimney side of prudence, it wears a ragged and dangerous front. You relished your life, Officer Cook, as I'm sure all people would. Your career and passion were something you must have dreamed about becoming since your youth and you stayed the course to undertake what most citizens would regard as very dangerous. But like all police officers, you did your job with a real zest and served Dade county with the absolute resolve to be the most honorable gentleman one could aspire to be. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

May 10, 2014

I apologize again, Officer Cook. I never cried in your mother-in-law's home it was in your parents home and your niece Gina comforted me. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. I'm sure Mr. and Mrs. Toussel would have understood how I felt just as your mother did. A person of your dignity living here in North Miami Beach, Florida would have been like a breath of fresh air. It is the quality of the person and you were a gentleman with a soul and heart to match.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

May 8, 2014

I meant to say, Officer Cook, that every obligation carries with it a solemn dedication and a determination that must not be undermined. It's sadly when this sacred oath you and many others told was done in by violence. As a loyal and fiercely devoted public servant, you did all you could do and the niche that you created must never be broken. You served Dade County excellently and for this you'll always be fondly remembered. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

May 8, 2014

Yet we have gone on living, living and partly living. My life is not an apology, but a life. It is for itself and not for a spectacle. I much prefer that it should be of a lower strain, so it be genuine and equal, than it should be glittering and unsteady. We have all tried to keep living, Officer Cook, even for want you meant as an individual, a gentleman, loving and humble. A darling son to your devoted and loving parents, Mr. and Mrs. Cook. To your big sister, Nancy and to your beloved wife, Karen. Yes indeed you lived your life as a true hero and made it your affair to check on your mother before or after your shift. I can't say anything finer than that. You cared, putting forth a tireless effort to maintain, law and order with a giant sense of dignity and integrity in the Dade County community where you remain and are forever revered. We carry on your ideals, principles and values so essential to keeping firm the core of decorum, something all officers are supposed to hold tightly to that badge they carry on their chests and the uniform they not only proudly wear, but faithfully as well. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Life goes on seems nothing strange, don't quite comprehend this phrase. Life sure has changed since you untimely death, but your sacrifice endeavors to bring things back into both focus and in prospective.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

May 8, 2014

I have a rendezvous with life in days I hope will come. Every youth has speed ans strength of mind, every voice sweet.... though wet, not blow, nor space, I fear, yet fear I deeply, too, lest death should greet and chain me, I keep life's rendezvous. None meet life honestly and few heroically. That it will never come again is what makes life so sweet. Only a life lived for others is the life worth while. Sure enough, we all have a calling and a destiny. Police officers, firefighters have this inner calling to serve and to protect the public and this trust is quite sacred. The oath you took, Officer Cook, is and was just this way. You had the right tools, the really right intentions to go out each day in the Dade County community and to be able to handle the rigors of an occupation so demanding. You lived humbly in North Miami Beach and the Norland area as a hero and for six very dedicated and talented years you were one of the very finest police officers who worn the uniform with humility and the honor that it so demands. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. God took you to your rendezvous with other courageous men and women whose dictates called for the same honor as you observed.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

May 7, 2014