Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

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

I meant to say the bagpipes that were being played at your Inspector's Funeral, Officer Cook, served to remind of your sacrifice and how we can do much better in our daily efforts. Spring, with that nameless pathos in the air which dwells with all things fair. Spring with her golden suns and silver rain, is with us once again. Winter lingered so long in the lap of spring, that it occasioned a great deal of talk. All things being fair, well it's unfair that our police officers who give so much to make our lives that much more safer have theirs snuffed out by people who just don't care about the ramifications of their heinous actions. The heroes and heroines who we honor like yourself, Officer Cook, will remain the face and backbones of their departments and in the hearts and minds of Dade County residents forever. Your love and support that began your careers was fostered by your loving parents who guided you down all the proper pathways of life with Our Creator steering your directional compass every step of the way ensuring your achievements, successes and accomplishments by which you made us all very proud. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. The ring of spring is that very thing that tells us the person, the police officer you were who fought vigorously until the end to spread the message of peace and unity within the community where you humbly served us and were in turn honored for your charisma, passion and dedication.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 20, 2014

Wag the world how it will, leaves must be green in spring. Spring rides no horses down the hill, but comes on foot, a goose-girl still, And all the loveliest things there be come simply so, it seems to me. Everything with your life and career seemed to be going only uphill, Officer Cook. For your family my neighbor, friend and hero, things should only be brighter as you look down from the heavens above and making certain they are putting forth their best effort as you always did. Rest in peace Thinking about what happened to you brings a chill to my spine and goose bumps all over.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 20, 2014

Then seems to come a hitch-things lag behind, until some fine morning spring makes up her mind....Then all the waters bow themselves and come, sudden, in one great slope of shedderin foam, just so our spring gifts everything in tune and gives one leap from April into June: then all comes crowding in; before you think, young oak leaves mist the side hill woods with pink. The one thing that may have lagged behind were the side panels that all Metro-Dade Police Officers should have had as part of their equipment. It took your sacrifice, Officer Cook, tragically speaking to make this a reality. No matter the month, the time or the season, you were there Officer Cook, to serve and to protect Dade County citizens and you exceeded beyond expectations. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 20, 2014

Then came the lovely spring with a rush of blossoms and music, flooding the earth with flowers and the air with melodies vernal. Plenty of roses and many other beautiful flowers in full bloom were displayed at your Inspector's Funeral, Officer Cook, as well as the sound of the bagpipes been played outside of St. Mary's Cathedral, that hot Saturday afternoon of May 19, 1979. It was a clear day just as it was on May 16, 1979, the Wednesday afternoon when you sacrificed your young life so our lives could continue. No one prospers from the death of a police officer, much less from someone so humble and well respected within your department and in the Dade County community as you were Officer Cook. You were the inspiration whose aspiration should serve to challenge us to climb to more greater heights. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 17, 2014

The lovely town was white with apple-blooms and the great elms overhead dark shadows wove on their aerial looms, shot through with golden thread. The Liberty City is certainly different then in your day, Officer Cook and has only been enhanced because of your sacrifice which has benefited everyone. Now we may know why the month of May is a perfumed word. You spread a good scent with your undying spirit to all concerned. It is an illuminated initial. It means youth, love, song and all that is beautiful in life. You indeed my neighbor, friend and hero were exactly that, a beautiful person with a wonderfully giving sense of character and humor that uplifted those whose hearts were down. Rest in peace.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 17, 2014

Came the spring with all its splendor, all its birds and all its blossoms, all its flowers, leaves and grasses. All the splendid service you provided Dade County, Officer Cook, will never go unforgotten like the leaves when they turn brown at the change of the season. The leaves on the big tree near your grave stay green as do the wonderful memories your family, friends and colleagues have of your determination and devoted compassion toward everyone. This will always stay in full bloom. You brought a measure of sanity to the residents and this is the true litmus test of which all future officers must follow to the letter if they are going to succeed and to remain safe. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 17, 2014

The swallow is come! The swallow is come! O, fair are the seasons and light are the days she brings, with her dusky wings and her bosom snowy white! No matter the season, there can never be any reason why innocent police officers should have to sacrifice their lives, but we do realize it is part of their job, their profession, it's their willing to risk everything to keep both external and internal peace and unity in their communities. Officer Cook, this was your mantra to keep vigilance and protection over us. We cannot put into many more words all that you stood for in honesty and in dignity. You were the epitome of bravery when all evil reared its ugliness that awful day of May 16, 1979 and you were Dade County's true Godsend to be at the right place at the right moment, even though you could have gone back to your headquarters, you did all you could do with the powers and training you had to save your comrades and those three civilians. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 16, 2014