Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

You did have a first-rate mind, Officer Cook, but there was a keen sense of pride when you first went out on patrol with your field training officer. Intelligent people are a dime a dozen. But you had class and character which allowed you the privilege to humbly achieve your goals and dreams. When it came time to put your foot to the pedal, it was your wisdom, maturity and leadership that made you stand out among your colleagues and superiors. They have all taken notice and continue to reflect and remember your life and career as one of Dade County's police heroines and heroes. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 1, 2014

If in my high moments, I have done some good, offered some service, shed some light, healed some wounds, rekindled some hope, or stirring someone from apathy and indifference, or in any way along the way helped somebody, then this campaign ha snot been in vain....If in my low moments, in word, deed or attitude, through some error of temp, temper, taste or tone, I have caused anyone discomfort, created pain or revived someone's fears, that was not my truest self....I am not a perfect servant, i am a public servant doing my best against the odds. As I develop and serve, be patient. God is not finished with me yet. All of your life and the length of your days, Officer Cook, you only did and gave one hundred percent of an honest effort. You were one of Our Creator's most trusted.loyal and very faithful servant. The virtue and talents that you took with you to go out and patrol your community where you were well liked and respected stands for your legacy. Some of your most heated battles were only for the sake of heaven and in establishing peace, freedom and unity where it was needed the most. Your physical life and watch has ended, but God is not finished with His special job of leading you through His Kingdom in helping to look down on those who have continued your watch. Those traits which your parents possessed, an innate sense of justice, wisdom and virtues wrapped in honesty have never left you. You have been dispensing these characteristics from above all these years. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 1, 2014

Forgive me Officer Cook, in one reflection, one of the last ones I mistakenly said you were afraid to endeavor. You were not afraid to endeavor, it was through your courage, hope, honesty and goodwill that Dade County and its citizens have a lot to be grateful for. Wounded vanity knows when it is mortally hurt; and limps off the field, piteous, all disguises thrown away. But pride carries its banner to the last; and fast as it is driven from one field unfurls it in another. Police officers have to adapt in order to stay the course and to stay safe. You did this, Officer Cook and were driven to succeed without much fanfare. You let your work ethic speak for itself. The one thing in Dade County that is green and white that speaks of your heroic value is the new street sign at NW 17th Avenue and NW 75th Street. You deserve the salutes and accolades that come your way. Truly an amazing and special human being. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 1, 2014

There is a healthful hardiness about real dignity, that never dreads contact and communion with others, however humble. Go on deserving applause and you will be sure to meet with it; and the way to deserve it is to be good and to be industrious. Real humility can humble the most sophisticated person. But as far as your abilities, Officer Cook, that was a byproduct of your terrific upbringing. The dedication, determination and devotion that you brought to work each day, well it's a measurement that some of today's police officers wish they had. From the top officers to the regular patrol officers, it is what can make or break a career. Your outstanding leadership, legendary as it was, was molded from those three D's above. The life you led, the career you followed, all are valid reasons why Dade County has seen several lasting changes within its residents and in its reforms. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. The sacrifices that police officers may be called on to make should be a springboard to only positive achievements, nothing should ever be taken for granted.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

March 31, 2014

The prouder a man is, the more he thinks he deserves; and the more he deserves, the less he really deserves. There is no end to the sufficiency of character. It can afford to wait; it can do without what is called success. Pride, plenty of it and poverty along with infamy, when they join together to form a proper chain, this cannot be severed. A very proud and humble man, Officer Cook, you took those talents and when they were meshed together formed a bond that was truly unbreakable. You are to be saluted for dispensing justice in a truly loyal and forthright fashion. God has not looked you over for medals, degrees or diplomas, but the scars you received for putting yourself ahead of anything else to make certain that people could function properly and continue along these paths all these years after your untimely passing. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

March 31, 2014

No nation is free from the terrible burdens of historic evils; no nation is composed of angels, free from human frailty. The relevant question is not-are these people perfect? but-what are they doing about their imperfections? In what direction are they moving-and how fast? Most anyone I know has character flaws, it is the one who can truly mend their ways and make a positive contribution to society that enables those of us to live our lives more freely, that is what really makes all the difference in the world. Officer Cook, you were that consummate difference maker. Your valor helped shape the community where not only you lived but where others can reside in peace and in unity. All change is a miracle to contemplate; but it is a miracle which is taking place every instant. Habit is habit and not to be flung out of the window by any man, but coaxed downstairs a step at a time. You did as much coaxing that day my neighbor, friend and hero, it was up to that young man to take the next step and surrender. Your professional stance was well within the bounds of your police training, somewhere in this equation we needed God to step in and in doing so He determined where your destiny lied. He certainly has a very loyal and respectable guardian angel helping Him now and forever patrol His golden streets. Nothing can ever harm you, Officer Cook. The love you had for all people is the gospel by which all of us carry this tremendous onus to faithfully follow. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

March 31, 2014

Familiarity may breed contempt in some areas of human behavior, but in the field of social ideas it is the touchstone of acceptability. Those of us who were fortunately enough to have known you, Officer Cook, I sadly was not one of the them, knew you could size up and take charge of a situation without anyone getting hurt. it was your modesty that kicked in, your politeness and general mannerism that included your calming voice of logic and reason. So if other officers envied your way of doing things right and by the book, well to tell you the truth, all officers should strive to emulate your humble ways. Your God given abilities spoke for themselves. You made your mark as a stabilizing influence within your division and department that nothing can ever take that away. The cornerstone of your life and career can be characterized by all the positive changes that have occurred in Dade County because of your bravery and courage. You were the unsung hero that Dade County residents will always come to know and revere. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. The conduct of some of today's officers could be labeled as contemptuous at best and has no place in any department, much less them being out on patrol.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

March 31, 2014

To ask for overt renunciation of a cherished doctrine is to expect too much of human nature. Men and women do not repudiate the doctrines and dogmas to which they have sworn their loyalty. Instead they rationalize, revise and re-interpret them to meet new needs and new circumstances, all the while protesting that their heresy is the purest orthodoxy. I know, most rational and lucid thinking individuals hope that their sworn police officers act in a professional manner that is most reflective of their department's standards. Situations at least some of the time dictate how an officer is going to go about their business of solve a problem. You were this type of officer, Officer Cook, who was able to adapt to change. You were afraid to endeavor, all you can really do is your best and be honest and show class and some integrity. You were a modern day thinker in your day and surely some of that we hope has rubbed off on other officers. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

March 31, 2014

A little integrity is better than any career. Gross and obscure natures, however decorated, seem impure shambles; but character gives splendor to youth and awe to wrinkled skin and gray hairs. We all know your conduct both privately and professionally was above and beyond reproach, Officer Cook. Your sincerity and honesty spoke as loudly as the methods you employed in resolving situations between the citizens you were charged with serving and protecting. A bit of dignity and integrity can travel a long distance in determining whether a police officer has what it takes to make a long and prosperous career in law enforcement. You should have been given the opportunity to grow older, as I told your niece, Gina and her loving children, you would probably still have a full head of hair, no gray, even though, gray is a sign of wisdom and maturity which you had plenty of. You took direction excellently and were able to transfer this to other colleagues in your charge. Just ask Officers DeGenova and Reserve Officer Lincoln, who was with you when you made the ultimate sacrifice protecting him and your other comrades that fateful day. Your fine mannerisms still stand today my neighbor, friend and hero. Nothing contradictory about anything your stellar life and career which unfortunately ended way too soon. Your rewards for exceptional police work came about through your humbleness and humanity toward others. Your family would and remains extremely proud of you. I always say, I will never forget you. Rest in peace.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

March 30, 2014

When it comes time to do your own life, you either perpetrate your childhood or you stand on it and finally kick it out from under. A little silliness, but you grow up make amends, forgive and move on. You had a wonderful support system of loving parents, a devoted sister in Nancy, who looked after you and watched her darling younger brother grow up to become the devoted and treasured hero that Dade County has known to love and cherish. Officer Cook, this reflection, paraphrased, comes from a book called, "Meditations For Men Who Do Too Much." Believe me, you could never have ever done as much, your heroic action on May 16, 1979, not only saved lives, but demonstrated to all who knew you both personally and professionally what it takes to not only live a life as a hero, but to humbly act as one in the line of duty. The additions. enhancements and dramatic changes in the community were all a harbinger of your determination, dedication, dignity, desire, integrity and total honesty. You will forever live on not only in your family's pursuits of happiness, but in those whose hearts you touched with your congeniality and warm smile. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

March 29, 2014

Some of us just look at the clock and decide it's too early to start a new task or to finish some unfinished assignment. Workaholics are all around us and you, Officer Cook, were one of them. Instead of going back to finish your shift which you could have done, you went to answer a call and made the ultimate sacrifice to save your colleagues and the civilians involved. Structure may be seen as a bandage, but if it helps whatever works is fine. You were charged that day, Officer Cook, with a daunting challenge and your dedication and sheer determination proved mighty helpful. Your community will never forget you. You stayed the course and your vigilance was just what was necessary for peace and unity to occur in Dade County. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

March 28, 2014

Who is...the forgotten man? He is the clean, quiet, virtuous domestic citizen, who pays his debts and his taxes and is never heard out of his little circle. You lived a very humble and taciturn life, Officer Cook, paid your taxes, and you paid the greatest sacrifice, a bigger debt we the people of Dade County can never truly pay you back for your actions. It was not just reaction, it was all police academy trained action. It's what stimulates the consummate police officer to be on the alert to serve, defend and protect. You did your job well and now you can rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. A clean-cut no non-sense officer with a true sense of fair play, putting calmness and a soothing voice of reason into your everyday routine of patrolling the streets where you now have become a legend.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

March 27, 2014

Between the dark and the daylight, when the night is beginning to lower, comes a pause in the day's occupations that is known as the children's hour. I'm sure at night your family, niece and nephews, great-nieces and great-nephew say a little prayer for their "Uncle Bo." They pray for your soul, Officer Cook as this keeps alive all of their dreams, hopes and aspirations. You were their loved one, their inspiration and nothing should deter them from accomplishing anything. You paid the ultimate price so they too and all of us can contribute to meeting the challenges that lie ahead of us. You are our biggest uplifter, so why can't we just try as you did. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

March 27, 2014

Over the trackless past, somewhere, lie the lost days of our tragic youth, only regained by faith and prayer, only recalled by prayer and plaint: Each lost day has its patron saint. How beautiful is youth! How bright it gleams with its illusions, aspirations, dreams! Book of beginnings, story without end, each maid a heroine and each man a friend. Childhood knows the human heart and as we lay upon our couches, as those who sacrificed rest in peace, we sleep away the time that won't return. Your youth and growing up, Officer Cook was probably a terrific time for both you and your family. To see you grow up and become a man and to become a shining star in Dade County police history for all time sake, what a proud beginning, the ending wasn't what we expected, but the life of your soul, will never end, the light it gives off will always shine brightly. Your physical presence only left us for a short while and one day those closest to you will see your smiling face again. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

March 27, 2014

Always will we remember the character of the onslaught against us. No matter how long it may take us to overcome this premeditated invasion of wickedness, the citizens and people of the United States of America, in their righteous might, will win through to absolute victory. Hostilities do exist and there is no blinking at the fact that our people, our territory and our interests are in grave danger. With confidence in our police officers and law enforcement-with the unbounded determination of our people-we will gain the inevitable triumph-so help us God. We now live in a time where tragically evil still seems to have its upper hand, but you, Officer Cook,were one of Dade County's biggest difference makers in making peace and unity a reality in the community. Look at what you had to put yourself through to accomplish so much in a twenty-five year span. It's something for your loved ones, colleagues and friends to fondly honor your memory by. Years after your sacrifice, look at what has been happening in the county and in the community where you have been recognized for your heroism. Never a doubt about your effort, that big bright smile says it all. I was walking in my area of North Miami Beach, Florida by the canal and looked at your picture on my phone and started to shed a tear. Keep beaming down on us. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. The hostility was lessened a little by your courage, bravery and extreme valor.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

March 27, 2014

Up! Up! in nobler toil than ours, no craftsmen bear a part: We make of nature's giant powers the slaves of human art. Police work is one of the noblest of professions and that is why, Officer cook, you chose to work harder than ever to join its distinguished ranks. You were its nicest and most thoughtful officer who dearly loved watching over the people of Dade County and now you are eternally looking out for our best interests. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero among your nobler peers who displayed the same grit and gumption to battle evil.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

March 27, 2014

Heeding truth alone and turning from the false and dim, lamp of toil or altar burning are alike to Him. You listened to the truth and only spoke the truth in a caring and considerate manner, Officer Cook. I'm certain the pulpit at the church where you and your beloved wife, Karen prayed at still sparkles with the words of God that came flowing like honey from your lips. If you seek truth, speak the truth, no matter what a person does in life, they can never go wrong, no matter what job or career they choose to occupy themselves with for the loved ones to assist with the betterment of modern society. Your stellar career produced nothing but sparkling and spectacular work that left nothing but positive feedback. It is just that you are dearly missed and should be celebrating family events among your loved ones and friends. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

March 27, 2014

No race can prosper until it learns that there is as much dignity in tilling a field as in writing a poem. Employment gives health, sobriety and morals. Constant employment and well-paid labor produce in a country like ours, general prosperity, content and cheerfulness. We should all do what gives us joy. There is no trade or profession, but the young man or woman who may become a hero or heroine. No one can prosper if we don't have honorable men or women who are willing to go above and beyond the call of duty, placing their lives at risk for our fundamental freedoms. And you were that exceptional and loyal police officer, Officer Cook, who was willing to accomplish this, in the sense that you knew and accepted the risks and the challenges to make unity and peace in their community a reality. You fought tooth and nail to eliminate evil and your personable demeanor was surely an asset to your division and the department. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

March 27, 2014

The callous palms of the laborer are conversant with finer tissues of self-respect and heroism, whose touch thrills the heart, than the languid fingers of idleness. The aim of the worker should be, not to get their living, to get a "good job," rather to perform well a certain work....Do not hire a person who does your work for money, rather hire them for them working for the love of it. The blessing of Earth is toil, heaven is blessed with perfect rest. And nothing comes to anyone who does not work hard. There is a time for work and a moment for play. You worked very diligently, Officer Cook, a master police officer of compassion and passion who steered cleverly around Dade County streets ensuring all citizens they would remain safe and sound. It's a shame back in your day those sideplates were not yet around. For what some officers earn today they should give back part of their paychecks to the families of officers who like yourself paid the ultimate price for peace and unity. For your dignity, desire and devotion you can now rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero away from the battle cries of wickedness in this modern day world. For serving with distinction, a perfect peace shall always surround your cherished and beautiful soul.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

March 26, 2014

I admire he or she that does hard and difficult work worth doing. I pity the creature who does not work, at whichever end of the social scale he or she may regard themselves as being. Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing. Good for the body is the work of the body, good for the soul the work of the soul and good for either the work of the other. We all admire men and women who display the swiftness to act under sometimes the most dangerous of conditions. Since you thoroughly enjoyed serving Dade County citizens, Officer Cook, we now owe you the highest amount of esteem and respect for showing the courage and bravery that is needed to perform a high caliber profession in which second chances are not always afforded to its loyal and dedicated police officers. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero for serving and defending with a fire and a passion, you now can rest among other comrades who valiantly pursued the morals and ideals of what it takes and means to be able to live in a free society.r

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

March 26, 2014

Our place is beside the poor, behind the working man. They are our people. Some promote, while others provide. You did provide, Officer Cook, had you not had your life and career tragically cut short, a promotion may have been on your radar. You did all you could to save your comrades and those civilians, still a crying shame we could not have done the same. I know the doctors did all they could within their human capabilities, it was God calling you home my neighbor, friend and hero to keep the watch going eternally. Your soul still burns as brightly as it ever did for twenty-five years, for all these last thirty-five years you've been steering your colleagues in this world out of harms way with God as your co-pilot. Rest in peace.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

March 25, 2014

No man is born into the world, whose work is not born with him; there is always work and tools to work with, for those who will: And blessed are the spiny hands of toil! And but two ways are offered to our will, toil with rare triumph, ease with safe disgrace, the problem still for us and all of human race. bad work follows you as long as you shall live. You were destined to succeed mightily, Officer Cook, the sweat of your brow, the toil of your hands and feet were all part of the total package you carried with you into the police academy and then transferred to Dade County streets. You accentuated your life and professional career like no other person I can personally think of. You performed a sometimes thankless job with precision and mastery that it takes to get things achieved. God bless you Mrs. Cook, hope you are doing well out in San Diego, California and God bless you Chief Jacobs in Porterdale, Georgia, keep up the excellent work you and your department does each day. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

March 25, 2014

His brow is wet with honest sweat, he earns whatever he can and looks the whole world in the face, for he owes not any man nor woman. Sometimes getting soiled, having a uniform tear is the price that police officers have to pay for our freedoms in society. What occurred to you, Officer Cook, was not just any officer sidestepping their obligations, it was your bravery that spoke volumes and for what you went through, your honor will always stand as tall as your pride with that big bright smile. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

March 25, 2014

Never fear the want of business. A man who qualifies himself well for his calling, never fails of employment in it. It is wonderful how much may be done if we are always doing. Few can be induced to labor exclusively for posterity and none will do it enthusiastically. Posterity has done nothing for us; and theorize on it as we may, practically we shall do very little for it unless we are made to think we are, at the same time, doing something for ourselves. Wanting to work is so rare a merit that it should be encouraged. One can never be discouraged for pursuing their passions in life. Officer Cook, you displayed the cunning and keen sense of awareness to carry out your duties in Dade County for six years of service and protection. You answered all your calls with bravery, dignity and integrity, now God has called you my neighbor, friend and hero to his heavenly post to patrol His streets with the same characteristics of which made you a superior police officer. Heaven's rewards await those that truly deserve to reap them. Your accomplishments were legendary and were no mirage, that is why you sweated and toiled very hard to get to where you needed to get to, while others may just dream about what they need to do to endeavor. Rest in peace.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

March 25, 2014

One machine can do the work of fifty ordinary men and women. No machine can do the work of one extraordinary man or woman. Every child should be taught that useful work is worship and that intelligent labor is the highest form of prayer. No one officer can do the assignments all by themselves, but if you have every officer pulling their weight it does make things a tad more simpler and a bit less complex. As devout an individual as you were, Officer Cook, your heroic life and career will never be forgotten. You more than carried your department's crown on your shoulders with honor and decorum. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

March 24, 2014