Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

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

Man must be doing something, or fancy that he is doing something, for in him throbs the creative impulse; the mere basking in the sunshine is not a natural, but an abnormal man. What the world eminently requires is some wise adjustment, some remodeling of the social machinery, diminishing its friction whereby every person willing to work shall assuredly have work to do and the just reward of that work in the articles most essential to his sustenance and comfort. run, if you like, but try to keep your breath; work like a man, but don't be worked to death. You did something very special indeed, Officer Cook and as I've said many times, not many would dare to enter this profession. And this is exactly why you and twenty-one thousand other fine and upstanding men and women took on the challenge and showed swift boldness to the calls of action. You did not just react impulsively on May 16, 1979, you responded swiftly and with a cause, a purpose to achieve peace and unity to a community that at the time was crying out for this. The sacrifice you made my neighbor, friend and hero, forever changed the landscape of Dade County's fine residents. You made things happen. You made things matter. Rest in peace. Police departments are like one well oiled machine, they need tuning up and some minor tweaks once in a while. You ran right to a dispute you answered many other times, wished we could have run to you sooner to try and do something for your sake.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

March 23, 2014

Diligence is the mother of good luck and God gives all things to industry. Then plow deep while sluggards sleep and you shall have corn to sell and to keep. The eye of the master will do more work than both His hands. People work together I tell them from the heart, whether they work together or apart. To love what you do and feel that it matters-how could anything be more fun? The truth about many of today's police officers is I think for the most part they try to be diligent and honorable, you just have to try and weed out the rotten apples who shame and disgrace their departments and the uniforms they don with dignity and integrity. The uniform you proudly wore, Officer Cook, stood for this much more. You carried yourself with bravery, courage and valor that can't be duplicated by others. Badge#1664, your badge stood for something pretty special, all we have to do is go back and look at your police employee jacket. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

March 23, 2014

It is not work that people object to, but the element of drudgery. We must drive out drudgery wherever we find it. We shall never be wholly civilized until we remove the treadmill from the daily job. He that rises late must trot all day and shall scarcely overtake his business at night. Police work can be drudgery at times, in fact many different elements play into the equation of what it takes to become an honest and resourceful police officer. You possessed these fine qualities and because of your unwavering characteristics, Officer Cook, we the citizens of Dade County can sleep more peacefully by day and at night. You worked all shifts and having worked a job at night, it can definitely take its toll on one's body and mind. Imagine the stress working the so called"graveyard shift." I worked by the way as a dispatcher for the Postal Service. Not too often, would I get written up for missing a piece or a few green bags of mail. I'm thinking this is not a police job where you need a certain amount of sleep before undertaking your official duties to be able to maintain a certain stress level. Obviously, you were superior in all your duties and won't be overlooked for having made the ultimate sacrifice to make Dade County better for everyone. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

March 23, 2014

I look on that man as happy, who, when there is question of success, looks into his work for a reply. You certainly were a very vibrant, healthy, happy and content young man, Officer Cook, we do not need to look further than the heavens above for one day an answer might come as to why your life and career were cut short by someone bent on violence thinking this would change the ways of the world. With honesty and clarity we can safely say that the sum of wisdom is, that the time is never lost that is devoted to work. As I scan and look after these reflections for other officers as brave as you, I'm bamboozled as to why these situations occur to fine upstanding and courageous women and men in law enforcement. Accidents do happen, but one must refrain and know when to discharge one's own weapon. The wisdom must be properly served in order for justice, peace and unity to take hold. God is making sure everything takes hold as He watches over you and others so marvelous in their pursuits and totally dedicated and determined to put forth an honest effort. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Still hard to imagine you being gone all these years, but I'll never forget you!

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

March 23, 2014

There is no substitute for hard work. What is the hardest task in the world? To think. The high prize of life, the crowning fortune of man, is to be born with a bias to some pursuit which finds him in employment and happiness. There is no subbing for a hard, loyal and dedicated worker. You were that kind of police officer, Officer Cook, fearless and determined to a tee. There is no prize other than being honest, dignified and having large doses of integrity. All these traits are essential when carrying out the arduous assignment of serving and protecting Dade County residents. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

March 21, 2014

One of the chief arguments used in support of the policy of an open shop is that every man has an inalienable and constitutional right to work. I have never found that in the Constitution. Every person has a right to pursue a career of their choice. And every person is guaranteed the right to life including duly sworn police officers who may sometime during their careers be called upon to make the ultimate sacrifice, God forbid. The Constitution gives us the right to bear arms, but not to abuse that privilege. Officer Cook, a depressed young man living with three generations of his family members and who deserted the Army took your young life. people are depressed, people are desperate, but that does not mean one can go out into society, rob a bank or in cold-blood gun down police officers who are compensated to perform a very dangerous profession that most of us would not enter into. But you were a very intelligent and most responsible individual who should be highly commended for standing eye to eye with the evil that stands out still in our world and you courageously endeavored to quell a bad situation. You be forever remembered for your great valor and bravery beyond any shadow of a doubt. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. We would all agree that on May 16, 1979, Officer William C. Cook, Badge#1664 performed as heroically as one can perform and you too tragically had your rights violated because of a callous and heinous action perpetrated against yourself, your division and department. An entire nation and community greatly suffered from your loss, your wonderful and loving family, colleagues and friends outside of your department.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

March 20, 2014

It is the mind which does the work of the world, so that the more there is of the mind, the more work will be accomplished. A truly American sentiment recognizes the dignity of labor and the fact that honor lies in honest toil. You toiled mightily for us, Officer Cook and Dade County residents could not have been any happier with your superiority. Police officers earn their living, earn their stripes, their promotions they may pursue by being honest, hard-working and intuitive. Their mental and physical capacities must both be on par and functioning as one if crime is going to be taken out of the equation. Good women and men have fought the battles through the centuries, the decades, the years and yet we find evil still lurking out in any given city, town, village and community here in the United States of America, land of the free and home of the brave. It is the humblest of men and women like yourself, Officer Cook, whose willingness to accomplish whatever the task or assignment you were given in an effort to bring matters to a peaceful conclusion. And it's our heroines and heroes whose bravery in the line of duty that highlights their lives and careers and has assisted with unity and peace coming together. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. American labor is the capital of our workingmen and women, since women have too played a large role in our achievements.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

March 20, 2014