Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

O Time and change!-with hair as gray as it was that winter day, how strange it seems, with so much gone of life and love, to still live on! Give fools their gold and knaves their power; let fortune's bubbles rise and fall; who sows a field, or trains a flower,or plants a tree, is more than all. Time has surely changed Officer Cook, since you paid the ultimate price for our liberties. Your knowledge and wisdom would certainly be in high demand today. We give people freedoms and sometimes they get carried away or go crazy and something terrible seems to happen. You planted the field of our dreams and now we must make proper usage of it. Of all your aspirations, we must have the right motivations to carry on your legacy. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 9, 2014

A little more tired at close of day, a little less anxious to have our way; a little less ready to scold and blame; a little more care of a brother's name; and so we are nearing the journey's end, where time and eternity meet and blend. Police officers work extremely hard and we pray safely and honesty. Some days we need a little talking to, who better to listen to than your local friendly police officer. You place you life in their trust and not knowing when that day will arrive, you go out into the streets to do battle and when you shift has ended you can go home safely. Time and eternal life don't wait, they constantly move around God's heavens above, there to meet new heroes and heroines who now proudly walk the golden beat. Now, Officer Cook you have joined a fraternity of God's most humble and respected heroines and heroes, brave women and men unafraid to take that next challenge to ensure our security and you were among the best. Your colleagues have taken notice as you were one of their fondest brothers and sisters of the law enforcement community so bold to act on our behalf so we could remain at peace and united for a common goal. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 8, 2014

As life runs on, the road grows strange with faces new,-and near the end the milestones into headstones change, beneath every one a friend. That's it, as life goes on, we grow a bit older and hopefully a little wiser. New faces come and go, people retire to do our other things, we pray for the opportunity to celebrate happy tidings, milestones are what we should strive to live for. Being buried sometimes people will remember who you were and for what you stood for, some may forget. You represented all citizens, Officer Cook and there was no one who I cannot imagine did not like you. Too bad that young man who took you from those who loved you, could not have sat down with you and spoken in a rational manner, you probably were a very good listener, with the patience of a saint. We will never know, maybe the message would have penetrated his mind. You were that special friend and a mentor to all, who laid down his life for his friends and those citizens who came to appreciate your intelligence. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. until the end you were that very compassionate and a most passionate person who saw the chance to make this society a little better off by your efforts.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 8, 2014

Age is opportunity no less than youth itself, though in other clothing and as evening twilight fades away the sky is filled with stars, invisible by day. For your twenty-five years, Officer Cook, age was just a number, you kept yourself young and fit and it did payoff in dividends for you. To be able to handle the rigors of a job that you so masterfully accomplished with valor and with a humble confidence, that alone says everything. It kind of defines who you were, the quality of your character. Now we can look up to the constellations at night and see your beautiful soul shining as brightly as any star. You never disappointed anyone at all, it's just a horrible shame you are not with those who knew you, who loved you, but nevertheless you are always going to be held in high regard. God placed a really compassionate person on this earth and you succeeded in a supremely humane fashion. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 8, 2014

The same space of time seems shorter as we grow older...in youth we may have an absolutely new experience, subjective or objective, every hour of the day. Apprehension is vivid, retentiveness strong and our recollections of that time, like those of a time spent in rapid and interesting travel, are of something intricate, multitudinous and long-drawn out. But as each passing year converts some of this experience into automatic routine which we hardly note at all, the days of the week smooth themselves out in recollection to non-contented units and the years grow hollow and collapse. Time does at times seem at little bit shorter. When police officers start their professional careers after graduating from the police academy, they become aware of the need to try and stay safe all the while they serve their communities with dignity, integrity and honorably. This was how you maintained a proper balance, Officer Cook. Your maturity helped you gained an edge that would act as a springboard for the rest of your watch. Being able to retain what you learned surely made you the top notch, the top flight gentleman,the police officer who could be counted on in a pinch to assist others. You must start with a basic foundation and you did well in this. As each year since your sacrifice passes, time does not stand still, but we do pause to remember and to reflect, look back on your life, career and the importance of what you represented in your community of Dade County as a hero, whose humility spoke loudly and precisely. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 8, 2014

Spring still makes spring in the mind, when sixty years are told; love wakes anew this throbbing heart and we are never old. At twenty years of age the will reigns; at thirty the wit; at forty the judgment. You gave your life, Officer Cook, for all of Dade County on a nice hot and clear Wednesday, May 16, 1979 afternoon in Liberty City. How appropriate in an area where all of its residents yearn to live in freedom and in unity. You were the right police officer who along with your partner that day, Reserve Officer Scott Lincoln were out on patrol and five minutes before the end of your watch heard a couple of numbers called out on your radio, a thirty-four and a three thirty, you both responded to the scene and what unfolded within a five minute period, forever changed many lives, your beloved family's, your friends and your colleagues. It was your inspiration,which started with an aspiration, it was your devotion, dedication and determination, along with God's will that steered you there to try and stop a troubled young man bent on violence and hatred. Your wisdom, judgment and intuition then took over and you became the beloved hero that the Metro-Dade Police Department and all departments throughout the United States have come to know and to revere forever. I'm sure holiday celebrations have not been the same for your family without you. you certainly sprung into action my neighbor, friend and hero and as your Division Chief, Dale P. Bowlin reflected that he thinks of you and your actions that day to save your four comrades and those three civilians from certain harm. Outstanding just taps the surface as to how you professionally maintained your daily performance in the line of duty. You had your liberties taken tragically, but, because of your sacrifice, our hopes have not been dashed nor sullied. Rest in peace.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 8, 2014

At twenty a man is full of fight and hope. He wants to reform the world. When he's seventy he still wants to reform the world, but knows he can't. Your spirit lives on, Officer Cook, just as your tenacity to see justice carried through. Hope does spring eternal, let us hope and pray that one day we do not need to keep fighting these battles against evil and that only goodwill prevails in our society. It is sorely a necessity that must live on through the sacrifices of the many talented and very brave men and women like yourself, my neighbor, friend and hero. Rest in peace. I don't think you would look much different at seventy as you would look today at sixty. Still very handsome, with a big bright smile and an endless amount of charisma to match. I think your friends would all take notice and your beloved wife, Karen, would still be as beautiful as on the day of your wedding.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 7, 2014

Come, Captain Age, with your great sea-chest full of treasure! Under the yellow and wrinkled tarpaulin disclose the carved ivory and the sandalwood inlaid with pearl riches of wisdom and years. Your friends in your department all recognized, Officer Cook, your infinite wisdom and maturity beyond your twenty-five years. If we could bring you back today, I'm sure you could dispense that information which would serve as a motivator for other officers to share and to assist the ranks in making them safer and more able to be diligent in their policing of their communities. There was a character named, "Captain Cook", you certainly had all the wonderful attributes to move up the ranks to becoming a police captain. It's up to us to try and to open God's heavenly treasure chest.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 7, 2014

The stones and trees, insensible to time, nor age nor wrinkle on their front are seen; if winter come and greenness then do fade, a spring returns and they are more youthful made; but man grows old, lies down, remains where once he's laid. There are trees, plenty of grass and beautiful memories of the many people buried where you now rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. The opportunity to grow older gracefully should have been given to you, but as we all know, each moment is a gift from God to cherish and you, Officer Cook, treasured all of your moments, days, months, hours and years working as the devoted officer we all knew to come and to respect. The gravestone that serves as your marker for eternity isn't just some slab of marble with a bronze cross on it, it serves as the foundation of how you lived your life as a gentleman and more importantly a humble hero. I know when I visit your grave it still evokes memories of the past, pleasant ones that your family has forever.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 7, 2014

It is easy to believe that life is long and one's gifts are vast-easy at the beginning, that is. But the limits of life grow more evident; it becomes clear that great work can be done rarely, if at all. Your treasured and most valued life and career should still be going on, your life that is. Your colleagues as I've reflected before, all wish you could have been part of the massage changes in Dade County. Believe me, Officer Cook, your cunning, your courage and bravery are indeed the reasons for the positive outlooks that reflect those changes, you were a huge part, your spirit still reflects the need to see these changes continue. And we the citizens will keep the guarantee of your sacred words which laid the foundation for this to occur. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. You'd be a man of sixty years now, still full of fresh ideas, compassion and the yearning to continue helping others in their battles against evil. You deserved to be here with us and I will continue to utter these words, you are greatly missed and you have been and always will look down over those you loved and and who in turn loved and admired you, your life and professional career.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 7, 2014

If it enriches not the heart of another, its waters, returning back to their springs, like the rain, shall fill them full of refreshment; that which the fountain sends forth returns again to the fountain. Your candor, knowledge and wisdom, Officer Cook, were like a fountain of value information which when shared with other officers could only help not only the morale of the department, but the community at large. This was what brought not only your family pride and joy, but it was a pleasure through and through for you, Officer Cook, to be out and about serving and protecting our best interests. The fountain of life springs eternal, so while you rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero, we hope as we get ready around the world to usher in Good Friday, Easter Sunday and the holiday of Passover, you assist Our Creator in keeping His fountains running with plenty of water for us all to drink. You took in as much training and knowledge and were able to pass it on and to become the dedicated leader that you were. Your instincts were par excellence.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 7, 2014

What is so pleasant as these jets of affection which make a young world for me again?....The moment we indulge our affections, the earth is metamorphosed; there is no winter and no night; all tragedies, all things lacking in spirit, vanish,-all duties even. A young man that you were, Officer Cook, when you sacrificed for our security, you certainly were not lacking in ambition or confidence. The affection and respect you displayed toward all citizens will not be forgotten, but only duly noted. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Those jets are always high flying a sis your soul.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 7, 2014

Each person is a hero and oracle to somebody and to that person whatever they say has an enhanced value. We should be careful and discriminating in all the advice we give. We should be especially careful in giving advice that we would not think of following ourselves. Most of all, we ought to avoid giving counsel which we don't follow when it damages those take us at our word. He had only one vanity: he thought he could give advice better than any other person. Always do right-this will gratify some and astonish the rest. You were that shining hero, Officer Cook, whose star now burns brightly for others to look up to the heavens above at night. No one ever had to instruct you other than your beloved parents on the difference between right and wrong. If only on May 16, 1979, could anyone have told that troubled young man the difference between right and wrong. Everybody who got the humble pleasure to meet you, work with you or do anything with you, knew you were a loyal servant whose devotion to duty never steered you down the wrong way. The company you keep is part of how we can judge our fellow brother or sister. One cool judgment is worth a thousand hasty counsels. The thing to do is to supply light and not heat. By the light of day and the heat of that hot asphalt, did you my neighbor, friend and hero, Officer William C. Cook #1664, give you life for Dade County and its residents in heroic fashion, never to be forgotten, remembered for your sincere righteousness. forever. Rest in peace. You were the consummate officer cool as a cucumber under pressure.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 6, 2014

Sometimes the best way out of a difficulty is through it. Strengthen me by sympathizing with my strength, not my weakness. They seemed like old companions in adversity. laugh and the world laughs with you, weep and you weep alone; for the sad old earth must borrow its mirth, but has trouble enough of its own. The nearer the dawn, the darker the night. When a man is finally boxed and he has no choice, he begin.s to decorate his box. That was your strength, Officer Cook, to deal with a disadvantage and to be able to come up with a solution that would benefit all concerned. Your last day on your watch you had two of your division and department's finest officers working with you, Officers Keith DeGenova and Officer Robert Edgerton. All three of you went to battle evil daily and that day you responded though not required to and as a result, you were honored a hero with an Inspector's Funeral with a flag draped box and this does not make anyone happy. Your family deserves a lot of credit, as do your friends and colleagues who have faithfully tried to carry on. Just ask your two colleagues" Officer Piloto and Chief Jacobs, they'll tell us how they feel about you and the loss the entire police world has experienced. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 6, 2014

We know what a person thinks not when he tells us what he thinks, but by his actions. Caution is the confidential agent of selfishness. Your actions, Officer Cook, did your conversing and when you stopped to talk with someone, they listened, they knew you had only pearls of wisdom leaving your lips. Officers always have to use care and execute caution, some officers display this trait better than others. You were indeed a very well respected and liked officer, whose colleagues certainly took note of your work ethic and have admired this all these years later. I believe your life and professional career should be a blueprint that should be shown to recruits coming through the police academy. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 6, 2014

I know of no more encouraging fact than the unquestionable ability of man to elevate his life by a conscious endeavor. It was never a doubt in any of your abilities and mannerisms, Officer Cook, which enabled Dade County citizens to live in a unified and peaceful lifestyle. There will never be a tainted scent regarding your brave and unselfish actions on May 16, 1979, it was only to save your comrades from further harm and that of those civilians. You and your partner that day did what any normal thinking police officer would do, respond and attempt to calm down someone bent on evil. You have and always did my neighbor, friend and hero possess the firmness and the virtue enough to maintain what we consider the most enviable of all titles, the character of an "Honest Man." Rest in peace.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 6, 2014

I meant to say, Officer Cook, as one looks back on his life. We, that is those who knew you personally, could look back and have the fondest of pleasant memories. There are continents and seas in the moral world, to which every person is an isthmus or inlet, yet unexplored to him. Well you were an explorer, a hunter and an avid photographer, so being out in nature was nothing new to you. You just really are missed and now that your treasured soul has ascended to the heavens above, let it keep exploring over all of God's green and lush fields. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 5, 2014

How often must one feel a she looks back on his past life that he has gained a talent but lost a character....Society does nominally estimate men and women by their talents-but really feels and knows them by their characters. Those who knew you, Officer Cook, your loving family, colleagues from the department and personal friends knew the humorous person you were, but they also got to meet and work with a seriously talented and caring gentleman. When it came time to go to battle, you stood tall, you stood ready and you foremost, stood face to face on May 16, 1979. This is how you'll always be remembered. The following of your admirers is endless as was your honesty and valor. Society lost a brave soul and one of its most admired police officers. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Few have displayed the virtue and zeal that accompanied you around the streets of Dade County.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 4, 2014

We falsely attribute to men a determined character-putting together all their yesterdays-and averaging them-we presume we know them-Pity the man who has a character to support-it is worst than a large family-he is silent poor indeed....A large soul will meet you as not having known you-taking you for what you are to be, a narrow one for what you have been-for a broad and roaming soul is as uncertain-what it may say or be-as a scraggy hillside or pasture. But we all indirectly or directly determine the kind of character we become from the moment we are old enough to be responsible for our actions. Your life of honor, humility and stellar character, Officer Cook, was a key ingredient in all your personal and professional successes and endeavors as a Metro-Dade Police Officer. You could cheer up a sad person just with your bright smile. A wonderful heart that stopped beating before its time, but your cherished soul continues to forever infuse light in this world upon the darkest of days. Dade County truly has suffered greatly from the loss of your superior character and inspirational wisdom and a maturity to match. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. There was a show with Tom Selleck on television called,"Kids of Character." You were a kid at heart and the hero in you always will shine brighter than ever. The commitment you undertook was undoubtedly the best thing that could have ever happened to your community where you were their loyal and dependable servant and protector. Departments do rely greatly on both men and women of character and integrity along with a mighty large dose of dignity.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 4, 2014

The pessimist...is seldom an agitating individual. His creed breeds indifference to others and he does not trouble himself to thrust his views upon the unconvinced. The optimist, Officer Cook, that you always strived to humbly become, let his deeds speak louder than just anything that comes from a person's mouth. The words you spoke were the truth and nothing but the truth. A person's passions are determined by their physical actions and how they can deal with any circumstance placed before them. Domestic disagreements were one of your specialties and how you went about your professional business of handling or defusing them. One truly sad day, you went out to a call you had gone to many times and tried your utmost to diligently make peace between a young man, his girlfriend and your colleagues. Who knew what the outcome would be? You are very much missed by all and your heroic actions, fueled by your passion and compassion towards others resulted in you being taken home to God to help Him watch over other officers who like yourself, try valiantly to keep the peace while attempting to bring unity and freedom to their communities. The bridge is still there for others to cross and it is because of you, Officer Cook, the police officer who loved helping those in need. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 3, 2014

Private character, always dear, always to be respected, seems almost to be canonized by the grave. When men go hence, their evil deeds should follow them and for me might sleep oblivious in their tomb. But if the smoldering ashes of the non-living are to be raked up, let it not be for the furtherance of injustice. Whether at work or in your private moments with your beloved wife, Karen, Officer Cook, there was no doubt as to your stellar character, which can never be maligned. You sleep soundly now and forevermore in eternity knowing you came into this world a humble man and left it as an even greater hero whose humility dictated your every move, tactical or otherwise. When the caretakers at the cemetery rake and mow the grass by your grave let it be known that here rests a truly humble, courteous and totally loyal gentleman. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 3, 2014

You must believe in yourself or no one else will believe in you. Be self-confident, self-reliant and even if you do not make it, you will know you have done your best. Now go to it. It may seem simple, go to the academy, graduate, pass all the required mental and physical tests and get in a patrol car and start policing. As a famous sports commentator said, not so fast my friend. Obviously, you must believe in yourself, yes you can have a certain level of apprehension, but most of all, you must show a coolness under pressure and duress. You cannot let the stress of the profession eat away at your insides. You handled most dilemmas, Officer Cook, not only passionately and with a calming voice of compassion, you handled things the absolutely correct way, by the book, with honesty, dignity and integrity. This is what made you so very much respected and very well liked in the Dade county community that you so enjoyed patrolling. You won a huge victory for the citizens with your valor and with your humility. Humanity will forever be grateful to men and women so brave as you were. It's a shame you had your life taken while you were such a young and vivacious gentleman with an even bigger heart that no one can match. Your intestinal fortitude will shine as brightly as your caring soul. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 3, 2014

It is by presence of mind in untried emergencies that the native mettle of a man is tested. No beggar ever felt him condescend, no prince presume; for still himself he bare at manhood's simple level and wherever he met a stranger, there he left a friend. Long before your sacrifice, Officer Cook, you became an instant friend to everyone, so personable, so congenial, no hidden agendas, a citizen could walk up to you on duty and start a conversation with you and they knew you were concerned for their well being. You'd give your last dollar to a stranger t help them in need find food or something necessary. This was the essence of your beloved son, William's life, Mrs. Cook and I do hope you and your family enjoy the healthiest and joyful of Easter holidays. I can see he received his fine mannerisms from both you and his father, Mr. Charles Cook, may he too rest in peace. Watch over us my neighbor, friend and hero. Your character speaks volumes all of these many years later and it's still hard to imagine almost thirty-five years later. Time does not ever stand still. We must keep the faith and continue to march on in all of our pursuits. Do not abandon our plans.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 2, 2014

They are slaves who fear to speak for the fallen and the weak. A merciful providence fashioned us to holler, O' purpose that we may let our principles swallow. Your voice, Officer Cook, continues to boom down from heaven loud and clear. Some of us have to swallow our pride, but you, my neighbor, friend and hero never had to do this because of how you acted with humility and hope. This does spring eternal. It gives us the second chances to make the most of the opportunities that are placed beside us. You paid a very dear price to ensure this element prevails in all of our days and years that lie ahead. Rest in peace.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 2, 2014

Not in the clamor of the crowded street, not in the shouts and plaudits of the strong, but in ourselves, our triumph and defeat. No matter the day or time, Officer Cook, you were there to defend us. The mighty, the downtrodden, all of them deserve the same treatment and it was from the many fine and upstanding police officers such as yourself, Officer Cook, that their voices continue to be heard loud and clear. Make no bones about it you were their savior and hero. Not only were you capable of serving and protecting, but your many fine attributes allowed to be deserving of any honors that may come your way. Not may, but should come your way, a top flight police officer whose zest for truth and justice and whose passion to persevere led you to many different situations of which you could handle with a calming and soothing voice. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. We should clamor to read about your life, humbly led and career, compassionately carried out and then we shall see what a true hero is all about.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 2, 2014