Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

A town that boasts inhabitants like me can have no lack of good society! Solitude is as needful to the imagination as society is wholesome for the character. What is wrong with the old Adam Smith philosophy and what should be completely unacceptable to any American and I would say this particularly to either democrats or republicans is the idea of the survival of the fittest. Let's put it this way: The fittest should survive and the fit shall also survive. Those who are "unfit" you have to have a social consciousness about, to take care of them. The "survival of the fittest" assumes the heck with the rest of them. This is wrong, morally and socially, apart from being completely wrong politically. The officers who can endure the police academy and its rigorous basic training routine both mentally and physically are the ones who will have the greatest impact in making a dent in their communities and taking a huge bite out of crime. Officer Cook, you were one of the many fine police officers in your day succeeding where other officers may have failed in their endeavors to curb violence and unite peace and justice under one canopy as we do with a man and woman on their wedding day. Everything needs to be running in sync. Otherwise, look at the results awaiting an officer at the end. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. This town, actually this city of North Miami Beach, Florida where you spent much of your life has been bereft of someone so humble and personable since your passing. One day I'll try and explain to the kids in this area who you were and what your life, career and sacrifice means to us all.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

January 30, 2014

Those who wallow in the imperfections of their society or turn them into an excuse for something other than the normal routine usually end up by eroding all social and moral restraints; eventually in their pitiless assault on all beliefs they multiply suffering. I know you would not want for those who knew and loved you, Officer Cook, to wallow in self-pity and forever be suffering over your tragic loss. But it's hard for someone like myself, who did not know you personally to get over your loss. It has had a profound affect on my life, since I met some of your family members. I do hope your mother, Mrs. Julia Cook, is doing well out in San Diego, California. You'll always be in my prayers Mrs. Cook. Your beloved son, William, Bill or Billy to his close personal friends and former colleagues was a truly humble, great and fine human being. To save seven lives risking his own in one day, actually in less than ten minutes, basically saving seven worlds, you cannot even begin to fathom the ramifications of his heroic actions. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

January 30, 2014

Without society and a society to our taste, men and women are never contented. And it is up to the residents and the many fine and upstanding police officers working in unison as a well-oiled machine to keep peace and unity on the same track. It's only to the benefit of those involved to keep evil from rearing its ugliness. Your character, Officer Cook, was one of the many reasons why Dade County is much better off, because of your love and desire to make that commitment and to honor you and other officers who were unafraid in making the ultimate sacrifice. The challenges you accepted upon yourselves will never be forgotten as long as there are the many honorable and law abiding citizens to stop, pause and reflect upon the lives of their dedicated personnel. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

January 30, 2014

Life is of no value but a sit brings us gratifications. Among the most valuable of these is rational society. It informs the mind, sweetens the temper, cheers our spirits and promotes health. You cheered us up, Officer Cook, whenever people or your colleagues were downtrodden. That spirit is surely missed this day, but we know you are up in heaven shining down that million dollar smile. The gratifying way you worked and made this world a better place can only mean that those officers who follow in your footsteps have to step up in their devotion, determination and dedication as you did. It's a department effort that allows citizens to rest a bit easier at night. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

January 30, 2014

There are things that should never be mentioned in polite society-for instance, the doings of a polite society. Good manners are necessary in any circle of life. But especially in a position where the utmost care needs to be exerted when dealing with the public interest. Your politeness and courtesies, Officer Cook, will never leave our hearts and thoughts. Certainly, some officers could use refresher courses in proper etiquette. The true civilization is where every man gives to every other every right that he claims for himself. Because of your dignity, Officer Cook, all citizens can participate in the allowance of courtesies that can be granted to one another. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

January 30, 2014

It is still in the lap of the Gods whether a society can succeed which is based on "civil liberties and human rights" conceived as I have tried to describe them; but of one thing at least we may be sure: the alternatives that have so far appeared have been immeasurably worse. God is the sole driving force beyond all of our every movements. God surely drove your life with Karen, Officer Cook. We ponder our movements and God is the factor behind all of our decisions we make. God has watched over you all these years and you are still involved in your family's vital decisions. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

January 30, 2014

The law of society is, each for all, as well as all for each. No one can keep to himself the good he may do, any more than he can keep the bad. It is not from the top to bottom that societies die; it is from bottom to top. If all law abiding people would just obey the laws of the land, it would not alleviate the need for police officers, but it sure would make their positions a bit easier. From top to bottom, Officer Cook, you certainly excelled in all your endeavors. Bravery beyond reproach. Courage and courtesy beyond reproach. Honor, integrity and dignity beyond ones imagination. Simply put: a cut above the rest. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

January 30, 2014

The ideal of socialism is grand and noble...but such a state of society cannot be manufactured-it must grow. Society is an organism, not a machine. All police departments are supposed to be well-oiled machines run by men and women of character. You were an officer, Officer Cook, who worked tirelessly to preserve our rights and freedoms. Police officers have a learning curve and yet as they go out on patrol daily due have to adjust to the different sets of circumstances that present themselves, in order to serve the residents of their communities of which they took a sacred affirmation to protect. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

January 30, 2014

The cocktail party or dinner party is, essentially, a fair, more refined and complex than those at which embroidery or livestock are entered in competition but for the same ultimate purpose of displaying and improving the craftsmanship or breed. The cleanliness of the house, the excellence of the garden, the taste, quality and imagination of the food and drinks and the deftness of their service are put on display before the critical eye of those invited to appraise them. Comparisons are made with other exhibitors. Ribbons are not awarded, but the competent administrator is duly proclaimed a good housekeeper, a gracious hostess, a clever manager or, more simply, a really good wife. Your beloved wife, Karen, was indeed a gracious hostess, and you, Officer Cook, were equally a gracious host who allowed many a fine person into your home and life as you were the consummate police officer. You shied away from accolades, you let your cunning vision and skillful mannerisms do your talking and that is why you were admired and respected by so many in your profession. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero, God has forever stamped His golden ribbon upon your entrance in His pearly gates. Just keep on watching and looking down on all of us.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

January 29, 2014

The highest civility has never loved the hot zones. Wherever snow falls there is usually civil freedom. Where the banana grows the animal system is indolent and pampered at the cost of higher qualities; man is sensual and cruel. Women can be this way as well. You did your job with the highest quality of concern and compassion, Officer Cook and did it no matter the matter the time, place or temperature. Of all the cordials known to us, the best, safest and most exhilarating, with the least harm, is society. We have each and everyday, brave people who are not afraid to dig down and do whatever it entails to promote safety and security. You can't say anything better than that. Doing a stressful job, doing it properly with tact and dignity sure states an awful lot about the stellar character of the many fine individuals in the law enforcement profession. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

January 29, 2014

Solitude is impracticable and society fatal. We must keep our head in the one and our hands in the other. The conditions are met, if we keep our independence, yet do not lose our sympathy. Sadly though, all police officers have to deal with different issues daily that could have far reaching consequences for their families and departments. You helped us, Officer Cook, develop and mesh our independence with all other citizens in Dade County regardless of who they were. You kept a cool head as you went about your daily duties and now for showing your true mettle, you are forever being honored accordingly. The true test of civilization is not the census, nor the size of cities, nor the crops-no, but the kind of man the country turns out. This land as sure as I am reflecting, turned out one marvelously fine individual as yourself, humble, lovable and mighty resourceful as you. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

January 29, 2014

'T' is the fine souls who serve us and not what is called fine society. Fine society is only a self-protection against the vulgarities of the street and the tavern. Fine society, in the common acceptance, has neither ideas or aims....it is an unprincipled decorum; an affair of clean linen and coaches of gloves, cards and elegance in trifles. There are other measures of self-respect for a man than the number of clean shirts he puts on everyday. First and most of all, Officer Cook, you were an honest gentleman, a fine and brave soul who defended your fellow brother and sister equality and with the same decorum that is at least expected from all police officers. Your elegance and Karen's elegance was only the tip of the iceberg. You wore your uniform very proudly each day. Cleaned and pressed, starched to the max if you liked them that way, you were not afraid to get dirty or soiled if that was going to keep peace and unity as an everlasting foundation in Dade County. Your last watch, you gave your very best effort and exerted yourself to save others not worrying about blood or whatever stained your uniform if that was going to keep freedom and its cogs on that wheel moving forward. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

January 29, 2014

The worthless and offensive members of society, whose existence is a social pest, invariably think themselves the most ill-used people alive and never get over the astonishment at the ingratitude and selfishness of their contemporaries. Hopefully, there were not too many of your colleagues, Officer Cook, who resented the way you performed your position in a most honorable manner. The officers who tarnish their badges, soil the good names of other fine men and women, should be weeded out, disciplined and removed from their forces. Honor and discipline need not be mixed with crime and dishonor. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

January 28, 2014

Society is frivolous and shreds its day into scraps, its conversation into ceremonies and escapes. Nothing frivolous about honoring a police officer so driven to succeed because he did all the proper things. You went over and beyond the call of duty many times before, Officer Cook. And every time you performed with the utmost grace, determination, devotion and dedication, you helped to take a large bite of crime off the streets of Dade County. If those officers who do not perform their jobs up to snuff are still allowed to patrol the streets, what then can be uttered about the fine brave men and women who risk their lives for our lives to be free of worry? There is nothing happy about laying an officer to rest with honors for what they have meant to our society to keep it free from harm. You did your part my neighbor, friend and hero, it's high time we did ours. Rest in peace.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

January 28, 2014

I meant to say in one reflection, Officer Cook, that your brave act on May 16, 1979, prevented more diabolical things from happening. Coolness and absence of heat and haste indicate fine qualities. A gentleman makes no noise; a lady is serene. Two lovely and caring folks, yourself, Officer Cook and your wife, Karen who exemplified the virtues of kindness and hospitality. You both let your humility do your talking as you conducted your professional duties. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. officers need to stay as cool and as calm as possible. You gave your life on a hot day with someone whose temper was even tragically hotter than the thermometer that day.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

January 28, 2014

Introduce a base person among gentlemen; it is all to no purpose; He is not their fellow. Every society protects itself. The company is perfectly safe and He is not one of them, though His body is in the room. Society will pardon much to genius and special gifts, but, being in its nature a convention, it loves what is conventional, or what belongs to coming together. As a man of love and peace, Officer Cook, you were slow to anger and plenty resourceful in kindness, compassion and in passion for doing a job you loved since you were a young man. Your life and career were a destiny in which all the I's were dotted and all the T's were crossed, nothing ever out of place. A man of responsibility whose mission was to provide first class service to all citizens. Life itself is that greatest of journeys in which we trust in God to faithfully steer our coming and going, hopefully with this heavenly help we shall not falter. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

January 26, 2014

Civilization degrades the many to exalt the law. Society everywhere is in conspiracy against the manhood of everyone of its members. Society is a joint-stock company, in which the members agree, for the better security of his bread to each shareholder, to surrender the liberty and culture of the eater. The virtue in most requests is conformity. Self-reliance is its aversion. It loves not realities and creators, but names and customs. Society never advances. It recedes as fast on one side as it gains on the other. The various police departments are the stock companies, its citizens who are served and protected by them are the shareholders who have a great stake in how officers such as yourself, Officer Cook worked feverishly to save, unify and allow them to live their lives as you would want to live yours. You only had the best interest of Dade County in your cross hairs at all times during your watch. The finest officers work here in South Florida and you were humbly stated among their best and most seasoned of them all. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. We can't thank you enough for your undivided and loyal service to those who relied upon you the most.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

January 26, 2014

We should be judged not by our acts, but by our temptations. The biggest transgression might be construed as sitting on your behind and not taking proper action when called or not called on. God must have rolled out His golden carpet for you, Officer Cook. For what you meant to our society personally and professionally how can you and your comrades be judged any differently? Heaven awaits its humble heroes and heroines who go above and beyond the means of their positions to assist Him in securing our streets the way you promptly did for six years. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Thank God, Officer Cook, you were a gentleman and officer of action. Reaction is always going to be a factor in the total equation of how we might be judged in the end.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

January 26, 2014

Some people spend their whole lives, from their infancy to their dying day, in going down the broad way to destruction. You spent your whole life from infancy until your last watch, Officer Cook, performing wonderful things on behalf of the entire world. I still cannot fathom why that young man acted so irrationally that day. With three generations leaving under the same roof as him, you would think he could have been steered in the proper direction, channeling his energies toward a positive outcome. One never knows what is lurking in the minds of others. After all, police officers while they serve many duel roles that come with numerous responsibilities cannot serve as doctors who can analyze and prescribe medication that can make people act normally. Your amazingly brave act, Officer Cook, prevented more diabolically things from occurring. Sin has many tools, but a lie is the handle that fits them all. Thank God you were a person who only dealt and spoke the honest truth my neighbor, friend and hero. Rest in peace.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

January 26, 2014

Concern for man himself and his fate must always form the chief interest of all technical endeavors....Never forget this in the midst of your diagrams and equations. Your concern for truth and justice, Officer Cook, must never be forgotten. The fate of your comrades who continue your watch can only be enhanced by how utterly well your performed in a supremely humble fashion. Those side panels officers now have as part of their protection are in large part due to your sacrifice on our behalf. The sanctuary helps save sinners, but science seeks to stop their manufacture. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

January 25, 2014

With the monstrous weapons man already has, humanity is in danger of being trapped in this world by its moral adolescents. Our knowledge of science has already outstripped our capacity to control it. We have many people who are using their educations in the fields of modern science to attempt to develop cures for various diseases through research, sadly too few people of God. As a man of God, Officer Cook, you were His ever so faithful servant who utilized all your God given talents to help fight crime. The personal salvation of your unselfish action has assisted those who carry on your fight to defeat evil. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

January 25, 2014

Revolutions appeal to those who have not; they have to be imposed on those who have. Repression is the seed of revolution. Our own revolutions have ended the need for revolution forever. We all recognize the right to revolution; that is, the right to refuse allegiance to, and to resist, the government when its tyranny or its lack of doing what is deemed proper is great and unendurable. I know we believe that citizens have a constitutional right to free speech and the right to bear arms. What we don't have the right to carry out is to use these weapons in any way, shape or manner to harm other citizens. And this was your assignment, Officer Cook, to serve, defend and protect our needs according to the laws of the county, state and community here in Dade County Florida where all law abiding persons shall have the opportunities to live among each other in freedom, peace and unity. And whatever means you felt compelled to utilize in order to do your job, you did by the book that all Metro-Dade County's sworn officers are handed out before going on patrol. Your unwavering and undaunting commitment for justice, law and order brought together in a fair and unbiased manner is what helped eliminate, repression, depression and oppression. The sacrifice you made my neighbor, friend and hero on May 16, 1979, has and always will represent the ideals and foundations which you stood for both personally and professionally. Your legacy is forever bounded by your character, stellar at that, your humbleness and perseverance that has enabled those of us to continue your fight for total equality among all residents. Continue God in this battle as you rest in peace.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

January 24, 2014

A single revolutionary spark may kindle a fire that, smoldering for a time, may burst into a sweeping and destructive conflagration. It cannot be said that the state is acting arbitrarily or unreasonably when, in the exercise of its judgment as to the measures necessary to protect the public peace and safety, it seeks to extinguish the spark without waiting until it has rekindled the flame or blazed into the conflagration. That is all it takes, one spark, one short fuse of a person to ignite terror and create mayhem in a community. This is exactly why we employ many fine police officers such as yourself, Officer Cook, to endeavor to keep peace and unity moving together on its cogs and the wheels of justice moving in only one primary direction: forward. Three-thousand honorable and devoted men and women seeking one common goal: Protection and safety through hard work and rigorous training. The physical and mental aspects and challenges of your profession, not to mention your positions mandate full compliance to a code of standards and rules that are meant top keep both officers and the citizens they watch over safe and sound. Hope. We can only hope as you rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero that your service to those people who respected and enjoyed speaking with you without hesitation have remembered your fight for their cause with a both passion and tremendous compassion. I know for sure your loving family has not, nor will it not ever forget. Your absence only makes their hearts grow fonder of defining who you were and what you represented in the North Miami Beach, Florida city where you grew up. The very fine name of Metro-Dade Police Officer William C. "Billy" Cook, 1953-1979, Badge#1664 will live on in the hearts and minds as we offer a prayer for your giving soul to ascend to the highest heights of God's divine eternal kingdom.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

January 23, 2014

Revolution is bloody, revolution is hostile, it knows no compromise, it can overturn and destroy everything that gets in its path. They are not just made: they come as natural as the growth of an oak tree. It comes out of the past and its foundations are laid far back. Police officers in your department from the past, Officer Cook, whose job performances were as sturdy as oak trees and who gave their lives laying the foundation for other officers to follow in their paths only knew of one thing, perhaps more than just something: Honor, dignity and integrity and dealing with and in handling all situations that they faced or that would have come their way. They were fearless as well and deserve a hearty salute for their bravery and courage in trying to assist Dade County in its endurance. Nothing ambiguous about your heroic feat, just an ambitious young man whose valor certified the continuance of past and present officers who serve our needs without any doubts or reservations. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero, that tall oak tree near your grave continues to grow as does your legacy within the realms of Dade County and all throughout this great land.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

January 23, 2014

It is not the insurrections of ignorance that are dangerous, but the results of intelligence. If only we knew why to start with why a young man, whose only fault at the time was deserting the Army, then perhaps the investigators could have gotten a better handle on what you, Officer Cook, your partner that day, Reserve Officer Scott Lincoln, your comrades and friends, Officers Keith Digenova and Robert Edgerton were going up against. A man bent on destruction, mayhem, looking to leave this world in a blaze of his "so called glory." All of you fine officers performed beyond your training and did everything according to the law and your department's manual. Besides yourself, Officer Cook, your comrades were heroes as well and every letter of tact was utilized in doing everything you could possibly do. You asked him to surrender, he did not listen to your commands. You had to resort to using your weapon just to defend your fellow officers, despite the fact that Dade County was experiencing racial tensions during that time frame. Above and beyond the call of duty, Officer Cook, putting your life on the line to save seven others, even though a block away and not being dispatched to that scene. Marvelous and magnificent only begin to describe the way you went about your daily duties and made us very proud, even though personally, I wish you were here for me to meet and speak to you. What a great gentleman! Literally and figuratively. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

January 23, 2014