Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

The spirit of liberty is the spirit which is not too sure that it is right; the spirit of liberty is the spirit which seeks to understand the minds of other men and women; the spirit of liberty is the spirit which weighs their interests alongside its own without bias; the spirit of liberty remembers that not even a sparrow falls to the earth unheeded; the spirit of liberty is the spirit of Him who, nearly two-thousand years ago, taught mankind that lesson it has never learned, but has never quite forgotten: that there is a kingdom where the least shall be heard and considered side by side with the greatest. You, Officer Cook, your father and the twenty-one thousand many heroes and heroines lie next to each other helping God uphold our liberties of which you placed yours on the line as the very best police officer that Metro-Dade had within its ranks. The tree of liberty continues to blossom and grow today because of valiant and brave people like yourself, my neighbor, friend and hero. Today my father, Owen passed away thirty-four years ago, perhaps you and your father, Charles, have met up with my dad and discussed your lives and careers. I cried and you are all missed. Rest in peace. Your exploits helped lessen the tyranny that exists in our society. I'll keep your mother, Mrs. Julia Cook in my thoughts and prayers.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 26, 2014

The spirit of liberty is the spirit which is not too sure that it is right; the spirit of liberty is the spirit which seeks to understand the minds of other men and women; the spirit of liberty is the spirit which weighs their interests alongside its own without bias; the spirit of liberty remembers that not even a sparrow falls to the earth unheeded; the spirit of liberty is the spirit of Him who, nearly two-thousand years ago, taught mankind that lesson it has never learned, but has never quite forgotten: that there is a kingdom where the least shall be heard and considered side by side with the greatest. You, Officer Cook, your father and the twenty-one thousand many heroes and heroines lie next to each other helping God uphold our liberties of which you placed yours on the line as the very best police officer that Metro-Dade had within its ranks. The tree of liberty continues to blossom and grow today because of valiant and brave people like yourself, my neighbor, friend and hero. Today my father, Owen passed away thirty-four years ago, perhaps you and your father, Charles, have met up with my dad and discussed your lives and careers. I cried and you are all missed. Rest in peace. Your exploits helped lessen the tyranny that exists in our society.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 26, 2014

Liberty lies in the hearts of men and women; when it dies there, no constitution, no law, no court can save it; no constitution, no law, no court can even do much to help it. While it lies there it needs no constitution, no law, no court to save it. And what is this liberty which must lie in the hearts of men and women? It is not the ruthless, the unbridled will; it is not freedom to do as one likes. That is the denial of liberty and leads straight to its overthrow. If not for the many devoted, dedicated and determined police officers such as yourself, Officer Cook, liberty would just be a pipe dream. But your sheer tenacity made this a reality for all Dade County citizens. Your undaunted commitment to serve and to protect us so that we may realize and reaches our goals, aspirations and dreams was just the genesis. The sacrifice you made with honor and dignity serves as an eternal lesson in how to go about one's business in ascertaining how we may properly channel those ideals that God gave us the opportunity to reach. Liberty is a beloved discipline and must be doled out in appropriate measurements when necessary. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Keep piping down from above only the very best vibes that Our creator can bestow upon all those who endeavor to carry on your mission as well as His mission.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 26, 2014

I am reconciled to death, but detest the mode. It will be but a moment's pang. I pray you bear witness that I met my fate like a brave man. Now I am a servant in the House of the Lord rather than sitting in the seat of the Almighty. When a person passes from this world, the very first thing they are asked is did you perform good deeds and kindnesses for people? For you, Officer Cook, the answer is demonstratively simple of course. It is said that death is better than a life of constant suffering. I just wish I could have been there been there to help you in any way. Just hearing, reading and seeing you laying in a flag draped box with the Honor Guard, that speaks volumes. The outpouring of support for your wife, Karen and your mother, Mrs. Julia Cook from the community must have seemed overwhelming, but when a police officer gives their life in service to their communities, it's the correct way to respond and they were thankful. You were the darling son to your mother, devoted brother to Nancy and beloved husband to Karen. To have your life taken, my neighbor, friend and hero, you stood there and faced evil eye to eye and will always be looked at as a lifesaver. If you ever look at these reflections, Nancy and Karen you can be sure I cared as a civilian and as a Rabbi who does these kind of services, where one needs to be stoic, but it was hard, I cried in your mom's and in your mother-in-law's home and had to be comforted by your daughter, Gina. I wear my emotions on my sleeves ladies. Rest in peace Officer Cook. I keep wondering how my father, may he too rest in peace survived thirty-eight years as a New York City Police Officer without any protection other than his weapon, from August, 1928 until August, 1966.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 25, 2014

I love smooth words, like gold-enameled fish which circle slowly with a silken swish and tender ones, like downy-feathered birds: Words shy and dappled, deep-eyed deer in herds. You were a very dapper person, Officer Cook, who always wore his police uniform with honor and pride, nothing to hide, you were brave, that we could rave, make no mistake, something from you was taken in an unGod forsaken way. The deeds of the righteous are comparable to gold, so we are told, we hold your precious soul close to our hearts, you'll not be forgotten. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Like a fish that swims with its eyes open, so too you can now float like a feather over God's green fields.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 25, 2014

Man's insanity is heaven's sense; and wondering from all mortal reason; man comes at last to that celestial thought, which, to reason, is absurd and frantic; and weal or woe, feels then uncompromised, indifferent as his God. It's the craziness of this world and the heinous actions of those who take the lives of those police officers, brave and valiant men and women who we hold dear to our hearts. You were one of these many, many heroes, Officer Cook. You served the Lord and your community very well. A great debt of thanks for giving an excellent effort at all times. We all wished the craziness of May 16, 1979 had never come to pass, but you displayed the actions necessary to try and stop someone beyond normal reason. Your comrades will always value your deeds as will those civilians involved. A man among men and the women of the Metro-Dade Police Department. When those bells tolled that Saturday afternoon, May 19, 1979, all were hushed in respect due to yourself and all that you accomplished and yet somehow had even greater achievements remaining to fulfill. Somewhere up in heaven we know you can be heard giving out your infinite wisdom and perhaps that is what is helping us carry on with your legacy. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 25, 2014

I meant to say you gave your life for those citizens who like you, Officer Cook, had the right to live in a free society. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 24, 2014

You must pay for conformity. All goes well as long as you run with conformists. But you, who are honest men and women in other particulars, know there is alive somewhere a person whose honesty reaches to this point also, that they not kneel to false Gods and on the day you meet Him, you sink into the class of counterfeits. Thank God for humble and hard working officers such as yourself, Officer Cook. Sometimes conformity calls for drastic measures and the truth be said, your confidence to lead and to take charge of any situations that were placed before you, not only showed your mettle, but determined our lot through your devotion to those Dade County that you were charged with service and protection. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 24, 2014

Individuality is the aim of political liberty. By leaving to the citizen as much freedom of action and of being as comports with order and the rights of others, the institutions render him truly a free-man. He is left to pursue his means of happiness in his own manner. In order to maintain our freedoms, we must have dignified and valiant caring men and women in the law enforcement profession. And you were one of your community's heroes, Officer Cook, who demonstrated your willingness and unselfishness to see to it that law and justice were always functioning in sync. Your genuine congeniality and compassion propelled your career in the most honorable and humble manner. Well respected and much loved, rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 24, 2014

There is something better, if possible, that a man can give with his life. That is in his living spirit to a service that is not easy, to resist counsels that are hard to resist, to stand against purposes that are difficult to stand against. Living in our modern day society, it is hard to imagine any nobler ideals than having heroes and heroines among us. You gave your life, Officer Cook, as any law enforcement officer would do fellow their fellow citizen. Your bravery soars higher than any kite and your devotion has made impacts greater than we ordinary citizens could comprehend. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 20, 2014

Studious at ease and fond of humble things, below the smiles, below the frowns of kings: thanks to my stars, I prize the sweets of life, no sleepless nights I count, no days of strife. I rest, I wake, I drink, I sometimes love, I read, I write, I settle, or I rove; content to live, content to die unknown, Lord of myself, accountable to none. First of all, Happy Easter Officer Cook. A study in work, all present officers could try to duplicate, but truly not replicate your professional work ethic, par excellence. Thanks to your heroics days of turmoil have been reduced and sleepless nights have taken on a greater meaning. Thanks for your stellar service and may your soul shine brighter than ever. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 20, 2014

Here is my creed. I believe in one God, Creator of the Universe. That He governs it by His Providence. That He ought to be worshiped. That the most acceptable service we render Him is doing good to His other children. That the soul of man is immortal and will be treated with justice in another life respecting its conduct in this. Immortality is not a gift, immortality is an achievement; and only those who strive mightily shall possess it. You and Karen believed in God and He guided both of you down His paths towards accomplishment. Your laying down your life for our abilities to live and achieve a purpose that we all want out of life is not something to be taken for granted. Police know this and function accordingly by a set of rules that govern both them and the general public to make both of them as safe as possible. You had a strong will and desire to make this happen and your successes have been noted as a Dade County hero who made a difference in his community. The trees around your grave are planted and your soul continues its treks above observing the happenings here. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 17, 2014

I believe that man will not merely endure; he will prevail. he is immortal, not because he alone among creatures has an inexhaustible voice, but because he has a soul, a spirit capable of compassion, sacrifice and of endurance. You certainly had that, Officer Cook and much more. We will someday prevail in the war against evil and it will be the final time that wickedness will rear its ugliness. You put your life on the line each day, afternoon and evening for our best interests and this alone is what makes you a very special person. You are our Guardian Angel. We look up to the heavens and see only the light illuminating from your treasured soul, the one and only that went to war to shield us from this demon that seems to keep diligent police officers on their toes at all times. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 17, 2014

For books are more than books, they are the life, the very heart and core of ages past, the reason why men and women lived, worked and died, the essence and quintessence of their lives. Your humble life and stellar character and career have been chronicled in the book, "Forgotten Heroes." The picture in the book and at another website called, "Find a grave" shows a very charming picture of you, Officer Cook. Something I didn't know either was that back in your day officers wore patches of the districts where they patrolled. District two-the Central Division was where you endeavored to maintain law and order. Now those who take up your fight have been presented many challenges that confronted you on a daily basis. A young man taken before his time, you lived by honor and gave your life for the very ideals which make us a free nation of which you'll forever be remembered. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 17, 2014

For we cannot tarry here, we must match my darlings, we must bear the brunt of danger, we the youthful of sinewy races, all the rest on us depend, Pioneers! O Pioneers! You were a pioneer in a way, Officer Cook, but it should have not been because of a lack of side panels. Because of your valor and heroic act, all officers in your department and possibly in all of Dade county now have these important pieces of equipment to protect officers. You were not afraid to face danger and you stood face to face in an effort to help keep us safe and sound. We the citizens who stand front and center realize the importance of the many brave and bold people like yourself who expose their bodies to shield us from any harm that may be inflicted upon us. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 17, 2014

We have been the recipients of the choicest of bounties of heaven. We have been preserved these many years in peace and in prosperity. We have grown in numbers, wealth and power as no other nation ha sever grown; but we have forgotten God. We have forgotten the gracious hand which preserved us in peace, multiplied and enriched us while strengthening our forces; and we have vainly imagined, in the deceitfulness of our hearts, that all these blessings were produced by some superior wisdom and virtue of our own. The feats achieved in Dade County were accomplished by your humble courage, leadership, charm and magnetism, Officer Cook. It takes cunning and the maturity you gained through experience to help us to succeed and to reap the fruits of our labor and what we have sown. We cannot forget that it was and continues to be God's hands which guided you down His pathways and it does the same for others who have taken over your watch. By the way, Happy Holiday Chief Jacobs, God bless you and the entire Cook, Tidwell and Wilkerson Families. I wonder if you have a black and white 3 by 5 picture of your dear friend and colleague, Officer Cook. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. It was your engaging personality that enriched those who knew and admired you.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 17, 2014

Turning our eyes to other nations, our great desire is to see our brethren of the human race secured in the blessings enjoyed by ourselves and advancing in knowledge, in freedom and in social happiness. We all take stock in America and the very ideals that come from a nation so full of promise. It's this yearning to succeed that fuels our everyday challenges that lie ahead of us. It is the many brave men and women of law enforcement, such as yourself, Officer Cook, who made us see these changes and who by your unselfish commitment allowed us to reap these blessings of which you were and are still an integral part of. The liberties were are privileged to have and to uphold are solely because of your upstanding and outstanding passion to carry out your job with honor and the dignity so vital to the human race and to every citizen receiving a fair opportunity. No need for us here to carry this umbrella, it is yourself, my neighbor, friend and hero who among the other twenty-one thousand valiant souls who carry on watching God's golden streets brightening the darkest of days. keep shining down on us and your family this Passover and Easter holiday season. I spoke to at a synagogue during the holiday and my message was rather simple, it is a time of restraint and to remember why we have our freedoms. Rest in peace. You were very blessed to perform a job that requires everything from physical and mental skills, honesty and tact. You always gave one-hundred percent full attention to details and excellence. We come to expect the same from today's officers in service and in protection.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 17, 2014

I meant to say which has stood as your legacy. Rest in peace Officer Cook, my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 14, 2014

Here in America we are descended in blood and in spirit from revolutionaries and rebels-men and women who dared to dissent from accepted doctrine. As their heirs, may we never confuse honest dissent with disloyal subversion. As a Metro-Dade Police Officer, Officer Cook, you represented all the people and as such you were not blinded by bias, racism and the like. You served the county with honor and distinction befitting a hero. And now your family members have been passed your torch with his stood as your legacy all these years. God bless them. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Today is my birthday and was thinking of you while out taking my morning walk. I think of you when I see planes flying overhead. I guess you should be on them with Karen visiting many exotic places. Heaven is just that venue reserved for the bravest of heroes and heroines who act in a humble manner.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 14, 2014

There are two things to aim at in life: first, to get what you want through hard work and diligence and after that, to enjoy it. Only the wisest of mankind achieve the second. The trouble with being number one in the world-at anything-is that it takes a certain mentality to attain that position in the first place and that is something of a driving, perfectionist attitude, so that once you do achieve number one, you don't relax and enjoy it. Everything most people including police officers do takes years and then many hours of study, both the mental and physical aptitude to carry out the daily grinds that the position demands. Your positive upbeat demeanor, Officer Cook, was largely the reasons for your professional accomplishments. The ever ready officer, you saved seven lives within a few minutes and you weren't even dispatched. So this says a lot regarding the stellar character you possessed which kept you and the residents safe and sound. I can say with the utmost confidence that you did not boast or gloat. One can never brag, because in your profession, one minute you are here, the next minute we never know what Our Creator has in store for us. But your bravery and courage was destined to reach the heavens above where now it surely resonates louder and clearer and its light helps keep other officers safe so they can carry on your watch. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. No one takes a beating like a bragger. You sir were the most consummate and compassionate gentleman whose humbleness and humility spoke volumes. No officer can ever let their guard down.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 13, 2014

A fierce unrest seethes at the core of all existing things: It was the eager wish to soar that God has wings to fly. For your humble and unselfish commitment to excellence, Officer Cook, you will never need permission to soar. You and those who made the same commitment to excellence as God's golden angels can now fly high above at all times observing the coming and going of those who we trust faithfully carry out their professional responsibilities. Still permit us to seethe as you did have your life and career taken when you still had unfinished business and much enjoyment remaining. but as you know, God determines each person's destiny or lot in the preoccupation we call "life." Everyone has a value in making this world a better place to thrive and you did this at all times above the letter of the law and without a hint of reservation or hesitation. We should go for the moon, if we don't get there, we can still head for the stars. A beautiful person who has reached the heights above and whose soul still keeps flying higher than ever.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 12, 2014

My own thoughts are my companions; my designs and labors and aspirations are my only friends. Greatly begin! Though you have time but for a line, be that sublime-not failure, but low aim is crime. Since police officers always have to think while both sitting and standing, it may seem a bit easier to ponder what they have to plan for. You always seemed to be able to formulate a plan, Officer Cook, that would bring quiet and relief to an area where you devotedly patrolled. All those who knew you wish you were here, I guess if side panels were around during your time, we really don't know the real answer, perhaps you might be retired now and living a rich and wonderful life with Karen. You are fondly remembered and now we hope that those who took over your watch have been as diligent in preventing crime as you were. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Your heroics have given all residents the chance to have a new lease on their opportunities that they have been given through your determination and dedication.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 12, 2014

I see, but cannot reach the height that lies forever in the light and yet forever and forever, when seeming just within my grasp, I feel my feeble hands unclasp and sink discouraged into night. Most people would succeed in small things, if they were not troubled with great ambitions. We may not be able to see you physically, Officer Cook, but surely we can feel the good vibes that echo from your shining soul above. It was and continues to be nothing but positive feedback. You look at all your wonderful accomplishments garnered with such dignity, integrity and with honor, it's no wonder and not a coincidence that all your loving family members are successes at what they have achieved. I'm sure at night before retiring, they say a little prayer and look up to the brightest of stars where you are telling them to stay the course and be positive that everything will turnout alright. At least ambition never blinded you, one of God's most trusted, loyal and faithful servants to grace Dade County citizens with service, protection and a real compassionate heart to match. You wore the badge and police uniform the proper way, something many officers would stop today and take notice of. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. I'll continue to say prayers for you Mrs. Cook. Happy Easter to you and yours.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 12, 2014

Heaven is not reached at a single bound; but we build the ladder by which we rise from the lowly earth to the vaulted skies and we mount to its summit round by round. Officer Cook, your distinguished life and career was compared to a building block. You laid a foundation and worked feverishly from the ground up. All your dreams, aspirations and crowning achievements have earned you forever a very special place in God's heavenly kingdom. All of our heroes and heroines, brave men and women police officers who let their dignity and honor lead by example have been the partners in helping create peace and unity in their communities. You my neighbor, friend and hero a very prominent person in this community of Dade County where you and forty-one other diligent officers paid the very dear price so we could be safe and sound at all times of the day and night. Rest in peace. Sadly that ladder has been getting higher as you have been welcoming more of your fellow brothers and sisters of the law enforcement profession into God's golden streets.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 11, 2014

I want the voice of honest praise to follow me behind and to be thought in future days, the friend of humankind; that after-ages as they rise, exulting may proclaim, in choral union to the skies, their blessings on my name. We only and forever want the citizens that are afforded service and protection by many of the finest and the humblest brave and courageous men and women to know that their loved ones are not ever forgotten, And you won't ever be, Officer Cook. Your wonderful family and the Cook name stood for honesty, integrity, dignity, responsibility and pride. All of these very meaningful characteristics were instilled in both you and your sister, Nancy, at a young age. You carried the Cook family name both personally and during your professional life as a Metro-Dade Police Officer. Badge #1664 was just not any ordinary number pinned to your chest, it represented the entire department, your division and the eyes and ears of the entire country. The good name you so faithfully maintained has been passed on to some of your family members for their safekeeping and they are doing a great job at upholding all the values that the Cook family represents today. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Your soul is sending all the good blessings that it can bestow upon your family, friends and colleagues who cherished the opportunity to work beside you.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 10, 2014