Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

The most casual student of history knows that, as a matter of fact, truth does not necessarily vanquish. What is more, truth can never win unless it is promulgated. Truth does not carry within itself an antitoxin to falsehood. The cause of truth must be championed and it must be championed dynamically. You were our super champion police officer, Officer Cook, not only a champion in both class and in dignity, but, in challenging us all to work for the common cause. And it was and still remains this cause that exists here in Dade County today. You sacrificed for us and how can we but sacrifice a little extra something special for a real gentleman of your appeal. You represented everybody and attempted to bridge any gaps that may have existed back in your day with Metro-Dade and its fine police department. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Your giving up your life will never extinguish that flame and passion you maintained in vigilance to all. History will record your superior effort and that of those who went before you to keep justice churning properly.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

March 11, 2014

Truth, crushed to earth, shall rise again; the eternal years of God are Hers; but error, wounded, writhes in pain and dies among His worshipers. As previously stated, Officer Cook, your soul will forever hover above us because you were a practical man, a humble and loyal servant who only spoke the truth. If only some of today's police officers could act the part, it sure would go a long way in making important inroads and strides which need to be further brought together in a fraternity that sorely demands it. Your untimely line of duty passing serves to inspire the multitudes of the many fine women and men whose bravery is always counted upon to shore up the freedom and pursuits of its residents. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

March 11, 2014

As scarce as truth is, the supply has always been in excess of the demand, for truth there is no deadline. Sometimes in life, Officer Cook, it has been said that the truth is stranger than fiction. If the truth about our society is that it's perfectly safe, than we wouldn't need dedicated police officers such as yourself to serve and protect us. You and your fellow comrades who have made the ultimate sacrifices would still be here alive and well and living prosperous lives. But, sadly you and twenty-one thousand other terrifically marvelous heroes and heroines saved us through your devotions and determination. You were a saintly man and your cherished soul deserves to hover above us forever. You meant the world to your family, friends and colleagues all over this great land. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

March 11, 2014

Calamity is a more commonly plain and unmistakable reminder that the affairs of this life are not of our own ordering. Calamities are of two kinds: misfortune to ourselves and good fortune to others. It is a matter of much satisfaction and gratitude with me to observe how heroically most of us endure the misfortune of other people. When any police officer lays their life down for our benefit it is up to not only their department, but to their community and the nation as a whole to come to together and bond like no our time before. We share in a family's sorrow as the life and career of their loved one is remembered. You were eulogized by Auxiliary Bishop John Joseph Nevins, as a man of faith, a person of principle and resolute character, unbending and unwavering in all your pursuits including your professional mannerisms in keeping peace and unity as a framework for all citizens of Dade County, Officer Cook, I wished I could have attended your services, no dry eyes among the persons who gathered to pay their fond respects to a gentleman, literally who would go out of his way to assist others. Tragedies and sad events for the most part serve to unite those who have ever lived. It's a part of our lifecycle with whoever lives will at some point have to experience this. We just try to uplift those with heavy hearts. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

March 11, 2014

Look not mournfully into the past. It does not come back again. Wisely improve the present. It is yours. Go forth to meet the shadowy future, without fear and with a manly heart. What is time? The shadow on the dial, the striking of the clock, the running of the sand, day and night, summer and winter, months, years, centuries-these are but arbitrary and outward signs, the measure of time, not time itself. Time is the life of the soul. It is not till time, with reckless hand, has torn out half the leaves from the Book of Human Life, to light the fires of passion with, from day to day, that man begins to see that the leaves which remain are few to number. Time softly there laughs through the abyss of radiance with the Gods. The small intolerable drums of time are like the slow drops descending. The future is no more uncertain than the present. All most of us can say with certainty, Officer Cook, is that you performed admirably in a timely manner to save the lives of your fellow officers and the civilians involved in that domestic dispute in which you gave your life and career to make the lives of Dade County citizens much more vibrant. The bagpipes that were played at your Inspector's Funeral, the taps played and the gun salute afforded you because of how you utilized time in a most precise and wisely fashion. All that we have today could be directly linked to your dignity, integrity, compassion and determined passion to become the finest police officer that Metro-Dade has ever come to know and to respect. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Time marches on and as it does so too do the memories of a wonderful man, a loving son, cherished brother and a marvelous husband who worked enthusiastically to provide for his beloved wife and their home.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

March 10, 2014

The days are ever divine as to the first Aryans. They are of the least pretension and of the greatest capacity of anything that exists. They come and go like muffled and veiled figures sent from a distant friendly party; but they say nothing and if we do not use the gifts they bring, they carry them as silently away. Lost time is never found again. You may delay, but time will not. But do you love life, then do not squander time, for that's the stuff life is made of. Time flies over us, but leaves its shadow behind. You certainly brought a charming character and a compassionate charisma to life, that which you led by example in honesty, dignity and in integrity, Officer Cook. Thirty-five years from the time you made the ultimate sacrifice is nearly upon us, but one sure thing, your soul flies over us every moment of the day, afternoon and evening. The shadow of your goodness permeates over this community that you served so well with respect to all its citizens who are forever grateful for having you in their midst. You lived each moment as one should live and are now being rewarded for all your endeavors. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Today I visited your grave, but I found two small pinwheels broken on the ground and the stick of a larger one on the ground. I went to the office taped it back up and placed it in the ground. People who visit the grave of anyone, not to mention a heroic police officer should respect the site and what that individual represented to and in society.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

March 9, 2014

Honesty was essential for your growth, Officer Cook and you heroically risked your life to save your comrades and those civilians. Time is a test of trouble, but not a remedy, if such it proves, it proves too there was no malady. Obviously, if there is no evil in any society, we probably would not have the need for the many honorable and courageous women and men of law enforcement. But you were one of the finest officers in all of these United States of America. It's quite evident by the sacrifice you made on behalf of the citizens of Dade County. I still wish you were here, but we all recognize you are in a place now watching over the streets where you garnered many friends and people who knew you had their backs. Police officers cannot handle every single thing they just attempt to get a handle on most dilemmas that ordinary people would not dare involve themselves with. Sturdy as a rock, a solid personality to match, rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Officer William C. Cook, an honest and cool calm and collected gentleman.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

March 5, 2014

Time does not become sacred to us until we have lived it, until it has passed over us and taken with it part of ourselves. Softened by time's consummate plush, how sleek the woe appears that threatened childhood's citadel and undermined the years! I meant to say in the last reflection, Officer Cook, what you achieved in life as a police officer and as an individual. Your time on this earth though it was twenty-five years sure contained plenty of positive and everlasting accomplishments. You personality, your smile, your upbeat nature, your maturity and wisdom that is all sorely missed today. I'm sure growing up you and your devoted sister, Nancy, both had terrific upbringings and honesty with essential for your development as well as your continued successes in life and during your career with the Metro-Dade Police Department. A tragedy when a young man bent on evil commits an atrocity that not only undermined your family, but your friends and colleagues within your division and in the department. One thing he did not undermine is your ferocity in solving crimes, calming citizens down with your penchant for compassion and heroic risking your life as part of your official duties saving seven lives in a short time frame. You'll always be fondly remembered and thought of in the highest esteem. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. This is why we as citizens cannot waste one moment, we must persevere and carry on with the goals and aspirations of which you stood solemnly by.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

March 5, 2014

Backward, flow backward. O tide of the years! I am so weary of toil and of tears-toil without recompense, tears all in vain-take them and give me my childhood again! I have grown weary of dust and decay, weary of flinging my soul-wreath away, weary of sowing for others to reap; rock me to sleep, mother-rock me to sleep! However we look at one's life from whatever direction, it still takes the route of your vigilance and duly noted bravery, Officer Cook, making the sacrifice so others can reap what they sow, what they can achievement in honesty as you did as a dedicated and quintessential Metro-Dade Police Officer. Nothing in vain all the tears shed for you when Dade County Police Officers laid you to rest, to sleep under God's brightest of skies and in the darkness of His multitude of constellations. If you read this reflection, Mrs. Cook, I hope this finds you still in the best of good health, for you and your loving family realize that your loving son, William, "Billy" deserves to sleep peacefully among all the other heroines and heroes who fought valiantly in this world to vanquish evil. As my neighbor, friend and your heroic son you have many pleasant thoughts of your devoted son's life to cherish forever. Stay well and rest in peace Officer Cook, I'm going to remember his fine and wonderful life and career always.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

March 4, 2014

See childhood, youth and manhood pass and age with furrowed brow; time was-time shall be-drain the glass-but where in time is now? A person is born, with the good Lord's help they grow up to become something in this society and make a contribution which assists in its growth. brave women and men, police officers who stand ready to take on all of the tall and dangerous challenges which help us the citizens stay safe and sound. Time is one's best friend, teaching best of all the wisdom of silence. We are called to look no further than back that day of May 16, 1979, when one proud, yet humble public servant, Officer William C. Cook, thrust himself into action responding to a call in which the lives of at least seven people were in danger. You performed your job my neighbor, friend and hero beyond the call of duty without complaint and saved those persons, four of whom were your fellow officers. Dade County owed you a big debt of thanks for your sacrifice. The wisdom you possessed will never again be matched nor replicated, it was and is God's infinite wisdom that ultimately determines our fate and divine destinies. You will not ever be forgotten! Rest in peace.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

March 4, 2014

Heap high the board with plenteous cheer and gather to the feast and toast that sturdy pilgrim band whose courage never ceased. Give praise to that All Gracious One by whom their steps were led and thanks unto the harvest's Lord who sends our "daily bread." You worked extremely hard, Officer Cook, to provide for your family's daily bread and whatever was part of your table's spread. We can give thanks to the Lord for you being an integral part of us for twenty-five years and forever more as you rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

March 4, 2014

O summer day beside the joyous sea! O summer day so wonderful and white. So full of gladness and so full of pain! Forever and forever shall thou be to some gravestone of someone who passed and made us proud of him, to some landmark of a new domain. Summers are never quite the same as are all the seasons as long as our loved ones are no there to share them with us. The memories still remain fresh and vivid as though it were still yesterday. Somewhere, Officer Cook, in the glistening shadows of the next world where you lie, just cannot get the feeling of you and your loss out of my mind. You are always in my mind, heart and within this community of North Miami Beach, Florida where you were raised. You were the everlasting public servant who prided himself on honesty and dignity with the scent of integrity always following your pursuits in life and during your wonderful career. If May showers bring flowers, then what is so rare as a day in June? Then, if ever, come perfect days; then heaven tries earth if it be in tune and over it softly her warm ear lays. Your ears and eyes and bright smile still reach us, it is we who have to reach out to you, for they too represent a handsome and heavenly man who served his people, both professionally and spiritually with all of God's good graces. I like to keep your gravestone clean when I visit as I do when I visit that of my parents. You served with honor in life, comported yourself with distinction, so too in passing may you be given these same fine attributes. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

March 3, 2014

Often, when the wine in his glass were red, he longed for the wayside well instead; and closed his eyes on his garnished rooms to dream of meadows and clover-blooms. And the proud man sighed, with a secret pain, "Ah, that I was free again!" If you were only here today, Officer Cook, hoisted and toasted to your good health and retirement from a career and profession that you pursued with all the passion that God instills in each and everyone of His creatures. But the vision from far beyond of His lush green meadows is proof enough that He does know each of our destinies, your destiny, though short-lived and we are all mournful of your loss, as untimely as it was, was in the name of heaven and in the line of duty to enable us to carry on and to fulfill your dreams. You did get to witness nature as a photographer, I'm sure you would have become a very talented crime scene technician while carrying Badge#1664 with all the honor due to the position. You surely too would have risen through the ranks, your dignity and valor would have steered you there. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero, when your colleagues gather together, you are never far from their thoughts and prayers.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

March 3, 2014

I must admit that I measure success in terms of the contributions an individual makes to her or his fellow human beings. The man who never tells an unpalatable truth "at the wrong time" (the right time has yet to be discovered) is the man whose success in life is fairly well assured. A man is never so on trial as in the moment of excessive good fortune. The success that you delivered in high quality to the Dade County community, Officer Cook, will never again be replicated. You stood for sturdiness, honesty and integrity that was ingrained in you since you were a young man. A lot goes into the making of a fine individual and your parents who loved you, Mr. and Mrs. Charles and Julia Cook, have a lot to be thankful and very proud of, as does your loving sister, Nancy and your beloved wife, Karen. At least we've all come to understand that the badge that was pinned on your chest, your uniform when you graduated from the police academy spoke volumes of the very fine gentleman who would go on for the next years and would have been more to become one of the finest in the Metro-Dade Police Department to provide top service and protection to all who sought you out for advice on any situation that may have arisen during your watch. You didn't run from danger, you ran toward it top protect your fellow police comrades and civilians and you were one who shunned honors, they were awarded to you in a humble and in a humane fashion for your excellent work. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Your dad should rest in peace and I'll continue to pray for your mother at ninety-eight, Mrs. Julia Cook, a humble woman who went out of her way to write a letter to myself, even though we too never had the joyful pleasure to ever meet. I also received a letter from Mr. Scott Oliphant, a neighbor, your mom's letter meant a lot sentimentally to me and my family Officer Cook. Keep smiling and looking down on us, God surely has a really golden angel among His servants surveying the coming and going here in this world.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

March 3, 2014

He started to sing as he tackled the thing that couldn't be done and he did it. Of course everybody likes and respects self-made men. It's a great deal better to be made in that way than not to be made at all. In order to stand success you must be of a very stern fiber, with all of Our Creator on your side. There wasn't too much in your life growing up as a young boy that you could not handle, Officer Cook. Not knowing you personally, but from speaking with your niece, Gina and your nephew, Justin, you seemed to be an optimist by heart and yours was in the right place the day you decided to join the Police Academy at Miami-Dade North Community College on the pathway to becoming a very talented officer with the Metro-Dade Police Department who was confident in all his endeavors. Success can sometimes blind a person and lead them astray, it did not however do this to you. Superior, unique, confident, compassionate, energetic, serious and soothing-success. Let's hope all officers can continue to operate officially under this mantra and be safe in their efforts. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Sometimes in life you might have to take a step back in order to achieve your goals.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

March 2, 2014

He started to sing as he tackled the thing that couldn't be done and he did it. Of course everybody likes and respects self-made men. It's a great deal better to be made in that way than not to be made at all. In order to stand success you must be of a very stern fiber, with all of Our Creator on your side. There wasn't too much in your life growing up as a young boy that you could not handle, Officer Cook. Not knowing you personally, but from speaking with your niece, Gina and your nephew, Justin, you seemed to be an optimist by heart and yours was in the right place the day you decided to join the Police Academy at Miami-Dade North Community College on the pathway to becoming a very talented officer with the Metro-Dade Police Department who was confident in all his endeavors. Success can sometimes blind a person and lead them astray, it did not however do this to you. Superior, unique, confident, compassionate, energetic, serious and soothing-success. Let's hope all officers can continue to operate officially under this mantra and be safe in their efforts. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

March 2, 2014

Structure may be seen as a bandage, for some of us, but if it helps just a little, we need to apportion our time to fit the task, not to see everything before us on the same scale. Some people view their work as mountains; there is very little differential in the size of any job. It is daunting, distressing and you never seem to know a good time to start or to end any of them. You knew how to apportion your assignments, Officer Cook, you were the all purpose police officer who could be relied upon in a pinch or a tough bind. You responded on May 16, 1979, to a call which you answered many other times and responded beyond any one's imagination to endeavor which you did to save the lives of your comrades and the civilians involved. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. You observed and performed by the rules at all times. The consummate professional!

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

March 2, 2014

All success consists in this: You are doing something for somebody-benefiting humanity-and the feeling of success comes from the consciousness of this. Our self-made men are the glory of our institutions. You performed greatly, Officer Cook, in all kinds of situations and I believe your stellar career can be characterized as such. An asset to his department and to your division, you made the term common sense a household statement as one of Dade County's finest police officers of your day. When one sacrifices their life for the betterment of an entire community you can't say anything finer than those achievements that now and forever have changed the landscape here in South Florida. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. All the salutes for courage, bravery and valor that come your way should be joined with a doff of the cap. The numbers of your badge and that of my father's when added together equal twenty-eight the geometry for the word strength in the Hebrew language, which you had plenty of, as this was the pillar of you makeup. God should grant your loved ones the strength to persevere each and everyday.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

March 1, 2014

All successful men have agreed in one thing-they were causationists. They believed that things went not by luck, but by law; that there was not a weak or a cracked link in the chain that joins the first and last of things. Often a certain abdication of prudence and foresight is an element of success. Success in police work depends not only in departments and their divisions working for a common cause, but the work ethics of its finely and highly trained officers coming together each with their brand of dignity and integrity. You brought this trait to your position, Officer Cook and it served you well and for the most part it never let you down. When one officer falls, it's as if any entire nation has fallen. You would want for us to pursue our hopes and dreams as so vigorously did, appeal to the common good of people and be there to uplift their spirits, something I'm sure you did countless times. You are being honored countless times for bravery above and beyond the call of duty. You made the moments matter. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 27, 2014

Police officers create; ordinary leaders consume. The ordinary leader is satisfied with ameliorating the environment, not transforming it; an officer must be not only be a visionary, but an educator. The true professional does not despise any wisdom, howsoever lowly may be its origin. Getting moralities right is as important as is getting the formalities squared away. Police officers are teachers in that they are supposed to shape and mold the diversity of the human culture of which they loyally serve and protect. Back in your day, Officer Cook, the salary was not that much, but you all had a distinctively unique role to carryout in service to your communities. Sometimes you had to work under duress, under stress not knowing who or what you may have been dealing with. Very difficult for the average citizen. You my neighbor, friend and hero personified this profession in a highly humble and humane fashion, never forgetting your roots, nor the terrific upbringing that brought you to your role as a Metro-Dade Police Officer. Your accomplishments have contributed to the present day benefits that we all share and partake in. You flexed your mind and not your muscle in putting together solid plans to help combat crime and bring peace and unity back to the community where you were known and loved. A dove is a bird of peace and for every bird that flies above us if we think of your wonderful soul, it too will forever fly over us for you to gaze down below and witness the beauty in society that we can all share because of your unselfishness. Rest in peace.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 27, 2014

Again the blackbirds sing; the streams wake, laughing, from their winter dreams and tremble in the April showers, the tassels of the maple flowers. Statesmanship: the art of uncompromising devotion to humanity, the alleviation of suffering and the creation of a decent and peaceful environment throughout the world. A good and honorable young man, Officer Cook and this is your identity and this is why you were revered by all Dade County citizens. April showers, May flowers, birds singing, flying through the air, pinwheels that keep turning representing life that springs eternal. You played a large role in seeing a community change through leaps and bounds, we would have preferred if you could have been part of this change, but, none the less, your sacrifice stands for the epitome of this change. The ultimate statesman, a treasured and decent gentleman, literally, you oozed a unique passion and a special compassion that can never again be replicated. We can stand tall, because of your unwavering courage and common sense approach in solving problems most of us would dare not tackle. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 27, 2014

We are confronted with insurmountable opportunities. We all can state with clarity that when you were confronted with a decision, Officer Cook, you tackled any and all challenges with a clear mind and only with the utmost honor and dignity that you position called for. Police officers always have a plethora of situations that they must solve in order to ensure peace and unity in the community. You were the master at making tactical decisions that forever changed your community and going to that call that day saved countless lives of your brother officers and the civilians who depended on you and your firmness and calming manner to bring law and order to a community that yearned for it. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 26, 2014

If Dad's first love was his work, we take our job to be our full-time mistress and wonder if Dad is watching from his grave as we work ourselves into an early one. Of course, Officer Cook, your loving mother, Mrs. Julia Cook, may she live and be well was your beloved father, Charles' love and the focal point of his life. Your father like my father, Owen C. Davis, may he too rest in peace was a very loyal and devoted husband and father who too nurtured, mentored and motivated his children, myself and my sister, Michele, to do the right things to succeed in life. Your dad devoted his life to the military as my dad devoted almost forty years to the New York City Police Department. You were very much in love and very devoted to your wife, Karen as she was to you with her profession as a registered nurse. You and your father, Officer Cook, may you both rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero were devoted to the common cause and the goodwill of all mankind. This world, this society surely misses you free spirit, but we know it constantly hovers overhead watching our every move. It is a tragedy you were forced into an "early retirement, " by the evil perpetrated from a troubled young man. You'll forever be remembered by your loving family, friends, colleagues and this community of Dade County for giving back more than we could ever give back to you for making the ultimate sacrifice. Your dad worked very tirelessly to provide the necessary means for his family as did my father and when he worked as a policeman, bulletproof vests did not exist, I'm sure my mother, may she too rest in peace, Bernice said lots of prayers as did Karen for your safety. Your courage, your moxie will never ever come into question. May 16, 1979, you saved the lives of seven people and possibly countless more because of your unselfishness. All these many years later and you are still thought of in the highest regard.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 24, 2014

The word Armageddon strikes a chord that does indeed conjure up evil lurking within the minds of the criminal element. My candle burns at both ends; it will not last the night; but, ah, my foes and oh, my friends-it gives a lovely light. A most memorable light, but a short-lived glow. The light of your cherished soul, Officer Cook, will never be extinguished and for your wonderfully orchestrated life of twenty-five years, you are surely being reward for the bravery and heroism you solemnly displayed on May 16, 1979. We tend to exhaust ourselves, using up valuable energy. You recognized your limitations, Officer Cook, few and far in between. You took the energy you were created with and used it to serve and protect the citizens of Dade County very faithfully. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 22, 2014

Doubt grows with knowledge. The older we get the more questions we may ask. The intellect of man is forced to choose perfection of life or of work. And if it takes the second, it must refuse a heavenly mansion raging in the dark. The young man that took you from among us, Officer Cook, was bent on rage and did not care who he was bent on harming. Look at your amazing and heroic feat. You took on this young man, I'm not sure if you or your comrades were able to investigate his background before pursuing him. You all actually responded to an officer needs assistance and a domestic call of which you utilized your superior intellect and sheer brilliance to solve and resolve in a calming manner these sometimes extremely tough situations that are difficult at best to get a better handle on. Police officers need the training as rigorous as it can be, they also need a lot of different elements coming together in order to ensure their safety and the public for whom they serve and protect. Historically, we have no models for a hybrid life. As difficult and as demanding a profession as yours was, Officer Cook, your humbleness, love for the work as fine and as excellent as it was for six years this carried you each moment during your watch. God knows the kind of professional you were, the man behind the badge who acquitted himself beyond expectation. Choosing perfection on either path is dangerous, at least it is possible that danger lurks. You hoped and were able to strike a balance between work and family that created a well meaningful spiritual and a very well grounded physical life for your years with us. God rewards those who fear Him and serve Him with their entire beings. My neighbor, friend and hero as you rest in peace, know that you now watch from the heavens above, where only God's divine brilliance now radiates over His servants who serve Him as you did with honor, glory and a sheer will made up only of dignity and integrity personified. I know, we all know that if you were here today, Officer Cook, if there were any doubts, there never were any, that your maturity and wisdom would be of great help to all officers who serve the ranks as wisely and as professionally as you fulfilled your mission.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 21, 2014