Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Liberty does not consist...in mere declarations of the rights of man. it consists in the translation of those declarations into definite actions. "A free field and no favor." Police officers as most of us look at them at those expertly trained brave men and women who mesh their talents together to create a department, a division and a unit that can work together cohesively to maintain proper law and order, as well as peace, freedom and dignity in any community where its residents have the rights to do whatever they choose to so long as it confines itself to the law. And you were among these brave souls, Officer Cook, who went out on patrol in order to make this occur. Your stellar life and consummate career are the reasons why we have what we have today. The playing field was made level by your wonderful care and consideration for all folks. A truly loving and articulate gentleman who made law enforcement matter. You helped all of us stay the course. Now what we can do is try a bit harder each day to make those dreams of yours continue to take hold in a community that revered you and your family. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Your engaging demeanor meshed so divinely within your department and division and will never stop any kind words from coming your way, you so deserved every honor that now comes your way as our hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

May 5, 2014

When liberty is taken away by force it can be restored by force. When it is relinquished voluntarily by default it can never be recovered. Liberty, when it begin to take root, is a plant of rapid growth. Liberty and Union, now and forever, one and inseparable. Liberty is something you cannot have unless you are willing to give it to others. As I've said not only civilians have freedoms, but the many brave men and women who expose themselves at all times trying to maintain a saneness in their community. You had these freedoms too, Officer Cook and tragically they were taken from, but your heroism and valor will always stand out front. You gave so much to the Dade County community and its citizens, it's still hard to come to grips and yet life goes on. You smiled and yet maintained a serious demeanor when the time and place called for it. There are no free rides, your commitment to duty has summoned us to think regarding how we act or react to a situation as you would have done during your watch. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. The words on your gravestone-"We Shall Be One" have now taken on a more serious meaning when me make a choice of choosing that which is moral and proper versus evil and condescending.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

May 2, 2014

Our reliance is in the love of liberty which God has planted in us. Our defense is in the spirit which primed liberty as the heritage of all people, in all lands everywhere. Destroy this spirit and you have planted the seeds of despotism at your door. Familiarize yourselves with the chains of bondage and you prepare your own two limbs to wear them. Accustomed to trample on the rights of others, you have lost the genius of your own independence and become fit subjects of the first cunning tyrant who rises among you. We the people of this great land of the United States of America have grown accustomed to having diligent, honest, dignified and caring law enforcement professionals, the many courageous and brave women and men who have made the commitment, some paid the ultimate sacrifice to keep unity and freedom in their community a living reality. Those officers such as yourself, Officer Cook, who cared a great deal an done who went over and beyond the calls of duty, now have your comrades and loving family members stand guard over your legacy that left an indelible imprint on the community you loved serving and left at too young an age with so much more to attain. We relied on your infinite wisdom to guide us through the turbulent times and you were there for us. Nothing can place a damper on your wonderful and beautiful spirit that now and forever floats high above keeping tabs on all the happenings. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero, your physical being served us in strength and now your spirit that God has taken to the next world serves as a holier stabilizing force among those many colleagues who were willing to pay the ultimate price for liberty to maintain itself and evil to be put in its proper venue.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

May 2, 2014

During the holiday of Passover, and I hope your family enjoyed a Happy Easter and to you, Mrs. Cook, I will continue to keep you in my thoughts and prayers. I was the substitute Rabbi out by Century Village in Pembroke Pines, Florida. I gave five sermons, two were titled A left-handed complement, clear restraint an deja views. The first had to do with the Jewish people, since two of your former neighbors, the Oliphants and the Coopermans were of the faith. Basically it was a story of how Sandy Koufax who pitched for the Brooklyn and Los Angeles Dodgers was treated by his late manager, Walter Alston. When the Jewish people were exiled in slavery they were treated very rudely. You my neighbor, friend and hero, Officer cook, always dealt with all persons in a dignified and honest fashion. If you lectured someone, it was only for their care and safety. A message of clear restraint falls within the realm of policework, because of the tensions and riots that would befall Dade County citizens after your untimely passing. You took the actions on May 16, 1979, only after you heard shots, saw Officer DiGenova fall out of the Nova and were defending yourself, your partner, your comrade, Officer Edgerton and those three civilians. You sure were a mighty excellent officer and a most respected member of both your division and department. The patches on your arm said District two, but we all realize you were their number asset and a most resourceful police officer. There were never any back handed things that ever emanated from your lips, God certainly has a truly remarkable and treasured angel among His midst who now has been charged with observing the activities of all those brave men and women who have taken over your watch and attempt to be the finest officer, most down to earth and caring person that you grew up to become, Officer Cook. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Your family would have appreciated the inspirational messages that I imparted on the congregants. No one relishes using their weapons other than on the target range, your heroic action brought about the change in a community that was surely yearning for it. Your life, the sacrifices and commitments you made, Officer Cook, stand as humbly as the new edifices that have been erected in the Liberty City area because of your professional preoccupation to its citizens and their needs and concerns. Don't know if you were a lefty or righty, I would loved to have played some tennis with you.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

May 1, 2014

Today is the annual Metropolitan Miami-Dade Police Memorial where you and over one-hundred and forty comrades will be honored for your bravery and commitment to duty. A "forced retirement" was not something any family of a deserving and dedicated law enforcement officer should ever have to come to grips with. You were that kind of intellectually distinguished officer as well as a gentleman literally and figuratively. With a big kind-hearted personality, it is easy to comprehend why you were so well-liked and cherished by all. Officer Cook, you were the very lovable, humble and consummate professional whose standards of conduct demonstrated no only your skillset, but the necessary integrity and alacrity needed to carry out the rigors of an occupation that so demand this from all of its officers and agencies. I wonder if your partner that day, Reserve Officer Scott Lincoln still works for the department or has retired. it is always an asset to have a partner and yet sometimes we understand the job must be maintained by working solo. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

May 1, 2014

The boisterous sea of liberty is never without a wave. Liberty in the wild and freakish hands of fanatics has once more, as frequently in the past, proved the effective helpmate of autocracy and the twin brother of tyranny. Liberty without learning is always in peril and learning without liberty is always in vain. In one of the last reflections, Officer Cook, I meant to say that your watch was about to conclude and you still maintained a vigilance in the community looking after our lives. It can be difficult and brutal at times in any community and this is why we have highly trained, motivated and dedicated officers such as yourself, Officer Cook, to help weed out evil from good. I don't know how the rest of your day went but after 2:00 pm things got a little escalated in the Liberty City part of Dade County and lo and behold you and your partner were there to assist though not dispatched, you went down giving every ounce of your strength in a legal manner to stem the tide. Your faithfulness and heroics helped remove tyranny, bring about a liberty to that community like no other before. A young man bent on evil, deserting the Army, his only mark on his record, but certainly things got heated and you my neighbor, friend and hero came through with flying colors saving your comrades and those civilians. A grateful community will never forget you, my family and I surely will not forget. Rest in peace.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 30, 2014

Good fortune could be described as number one: being in the right place. Number two: the time of the event and number three: the proper usage of language. All three of these events help to frame an event. Every single law enforcement officer who has given their life in the name of justice and truth has had these traits appear when they took the necessary actions to stop something horrific from unfolding. You were a very blessed gentleman, Officer Cook. Despite the fact that your watch was able to conclude, there you were still lending a hand assisting your fellow officers. Dade County cannot thank you enough for stepping in heroically to ensure that the required security remained intact for its citizens. God's divine intervention just shined down from above, your loss has been felt today just as much as it was thirty-five years ago. Every person has a destiny and I believe, Officer Cook, since you were very devout in your faith, that Our Creator took your beautiful soul to an even greater height to assist Him in watching over the safety of all police officers who succeeded you in looking out for the residents freedoms. We did not want you to leave us, as I've said before, you still had more greatness to fulfill in this world. Police officers function twenty-four hours a day seven days a week, they do get days off from time to time. Having reached the pinnacle of achievement and paying the most dearest price for us to maintain or lives, let it be known you always will be well thought of and your legacy deserves to be continued through the deeds of both your loving family and comrades. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero, continue reaching down here to take the pulse of those continuing their movements toward goodness that will one day triumph over wickedness.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 29, 2014

The meticulous preparation all police officers undergo during their basic training allows them to remained unbiased and to be able to solve problems before they become even greater. A man of intellect, an officer of high esteem based on the intelligence you garnered through your daily preparations enabled you, Officer Cook, to go out level-headed each and every moment of your watch channeling good will, peace and unity into Dade County. All it takes is a drop of reasoning to make the residents feel more safe and secure. Your diligence was directed to every facet of all citizens regardless of their race, ethnicity or background. Back in your day, it took a lot of self-control to be able to go out and solve disputes before they reached the zenith of violence and on the day you sacrificed your being for others to live, we all witnessed the superiority of greatness and humility working in unison as partners as you and Reserve Officer Scoot Lincoln did that very day. You taught us a big lesson, Officer Cook and the blackboard shall always bear the chalk marks of what you left for us to view. Nothing needs erasing, for we know what you pursued with the class and credit that will always come to you. A very loyal and faithful servant, rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 29, 2014

There is no such thing as a small deception, an insignificant theft or a tiny fib, God is the God of truth, His seal or insignia is truth. The uniform your wore and displayed to all citizens, Officer Cook, stood for reason, resolve, integrity and reliability. All characteristics you graced this community with. A man of truth and valor tied to your heroics can only make your humble legacy stand out even more. Your soul shines that much more brightly and the message that you imparted to us is to stay the course. Be honest in your efforts and accountable to all. Resolve with a soothing calmness all you can resolve, usually this way appeals to most who place their trust in your service and dedication to protecting their best interests. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. The life and career you pursued was one solely based on truth and dignity that came from your lips. Mr. and Mrs. Cook, for never having had the pleasure to meet you, your son and daughter, I can see where they get their class from and how it allowed them to reach the pinnacle of success. Your courageous and brave son won't ever be forgotten.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 29, 2014

Words of blame, easy to say, they trip off the tongue more easily than just about anything else. Since it gets me no farther to blame others and makes me not a bit happier, I'll try to look only to myself for the answers to my problems. Obviously, most of us who read the accounts of what happened to you, Officer Cook, on May 16, 1979, feel touched by your tragic passing. You stoically stood in their for our safety and made sure to save the lives of your grateful comrades and the three civilians who were involved in that domestic dispute. One can never go wrong when our brave men and women of the law enforcement profession step in and try to avert further mayhem to the community they serve and protect with all their might. Metro-Dade Police Officer William C. Cook, Badge#1664 was just that special kind of loyal individual and a servant of God unafraid to step and lend an assist whenever the time came as it did that day. Always well spoken. Always considerate and caring. Your heroics changed the landscape of Dade County and sadly you are not here today to witness those many changes that have taken place because of your dignified and determined watch. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. You took your career seriously and challenged other officers to do the same. That is and was why you were the consummate leader and team professional. The citizens always and only knew you had their best interests on your radar screen. I know they are and were grateful. It brought them solace when they saw your smiling face in your squad car.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 28, 2014

No people ever lost their liberties unless they themselves first became corrupt....The people are the safeguards of their own liberties and I rely wholly on them to guard themselves. We relied on your intuition, Officer Cook, to guide us through both the brightest and darkest of days. Your purpose helped us all stay the course. A path driven to excel and accomplish only positive things. The hero you were and continue to forever be to all will only insure what we can label as the best of times. Keep looking down and send your blessings from above. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. You will be always our very first safeguard against the corruption that seems to keep cropping up.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 27, 2014

What -light is to the eyes-what air is to the lungs-what love is to the heart, liberty is to the soul of man. Without liberty, the brain is a dungeon, where the chained thoughts die with their pinions pressed against the hingeless doors. It was a very sad day indeed, Officer Cook, when you were just performing your job without the utmost honor and bravery, when you had your life taken, our lungs had the air sucked out of them, our hearts raced faster then ever and our eyes shut, just pondering why this had to happen to such a conscientious and compassionate human being. Thanks to your resolve, liberty continues from those who use it both wisely and intelligently. There is no slavery but ignorance. Liberty is the child of intelligence something you mastered and wonderfully beyond your twenty-five years here in this world. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 27, 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. 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