Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

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

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