Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I want a wife affectionate and fair, to solace all the woes of life and all its days to share; of temper sweet, of yielding will, of firm yet placid mind, with all my faults to love me still, with sentiments refined. You complemented each other so well, Officer Cook, you and your beloved wife, Karen and for what you had to endure to become what you dreamed of always wanting to be, Karen and the rest of your family misses you very greatly. It's still hard to imagine thirty-four years have passed since your untimely passing. Your memory has not nor will it ever be just a passing moment. I never had the opportunity to ever greet and meet you, you'll always be held in high esteem with the respect your heroism calls for. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Two people so meant for one another, so caring for each other, so devoted to their passions in life, your life was one of tremendous success, it's hard to imagine it being replicated by anyone. Those who devote their moments to success will only be rewarded in the end by Our Creator.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 21, 2013

You were a sure officer of certainty, a doer by definition and an integral part of his department and division. Officer cook, you displayed friendliness towards all citizens which has never been lost in translation. The talents you had transferred to the streets of Dade County where you excelled in its service and protection. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. A man of courage, vision and intellect, who engineered the passion and compassion which is sorely missed today and everyday.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 21, 2013

Man's conclusions are reached by toil. I'm no better than the best and whether worse than the rest of my fellow-men who knows? The truth be said, you were among the best of the crop of officers during your time, Officer Cook. The problem is all officers should strive to emulate your traits and do it with respect, grace, dignity and honor. Stand up, take the onus upon your shoulders, which is only what you did in your life and career. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Your sacrifice was only due to a man of true convictions, who never compromised the integrity of any investigation.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 21, 2013

Your loved ones continue doing good deeds as you did during your life, Officer Cook. Shallow men believe in luck, believe in circumstances....Strong men believe in cause and effect. Luck plays a part in most everything in life, but it is those who take the pains in achieving whatever challenges lie in front of them that usually find the most success. You accomplished my neighbor, friend and hero because of the hard work that you put in, in willing to sacrifice your life for our benefit. If the fortunes of that fateful day of May 16, 1979 could have changed, we all would be very happy. But those who knew your work ethic and perseverance, respected you a lot will never forget you or the loved ones you left behind. Rest in peace.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 21, 2013

And all things that were true and fair lay closely to my loving eye, with nothing shadowy between- I was a boy of seventeen. When you were seventeen, Officer Cook, I believe you were just starting out your career as a Dade County Public Safety Officer and when you turned twenty you joined the ranks of the Miami-Dade Police Academy at Miami-Dade Community College North Campus. It was there where you learned your lessons well that would serve you quite well during your life and career on the streets of Dade County where the momentum of your feats stands out today as large as that everlasting smile. The skill, grit and determination you brought to your department and division is the benchmark by which all future Metro-Dade Police Officers strive for this same quality in service. Never to be forgotten. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Through your sacrifice, Officer Cook, the one fairness given to all officers are those side-panels attached to the bulletproof vests, that should have been an integral part of your equipment during your time. Some dream, most desire, but to those unafraid, they achieve mightily beyond our hopes and efforts.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 20, 2013

For still in mutual sufferance lies the secret of true living; love scarce is love that never knows the sweetness of forgiving. As true a gentleman as you were, Officer Cook, so lovable and caring, so humble and loyal, there can never be anything scarce other than those who miss you so dearly. The price you and your forty-one other Metro-Dade colleagues paid for our liberties can never truly be repaid to you, so we gather and take a moment out of our busy lives to reflect back on your time as an officer and a life so endearing to those whose beings reached across and shook hands with you. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 20, 2013

Love is born of faith, live son hope and dies of charity. This I have known always; love is no more than the wide blossom of which the wind assails, than the great tide that treads the shifting shore, strewing fresh wreckage gathered in the gales; pity me that the heart is slow to learn what the swift mind beholds at ever turn. All law enforcement officials who sacrifice their lives in the performance of their duties all have this certain bond of love and faith that surrounds them and their families. This was your make up, Officer Cook, your DNA, you never left your house without it. It served you well for six years and much more in all your endeavors. The breeze blows the leaves where you rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero and the silence can be deafening, but let no person make the mistake, only someone so brave lies in the hallowed ground beneath. Your charitable deeds forever follow you have traveled. Your loved have continued setting this example in your honor. You would be very proud of them.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 20, 2013

So blind is life, so long at last is sleep and none but love to bid us laugh or weep. When brave men and women like yourself, Officer Cook, give up their lives, there is always something not right with that equation. We may gain an insight as we grow older. Your family wishes you were given that chance to grow older as you had so much more to give back to your community. Most of your comrades who went to battle with you each day to gain an upper hand in this fight we call a war, remember your smiling persona and the proudest confidence that you so often displayed. Your memory is their legacy of which we can all remember you by even the lay people, the citizens you took pride in serving and in protecting. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero, sleep comfortably in God's shade where those comrades can gather from time to time to pay you homage for a job well done.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 20, 2013

Love is anterior to life, posterior to death. The love you gave your loving family and the love and respect you received from all only serves as the model in how we should not only live, but to conduct our lives and careers with a solid and a most moving respect. You did a dangerous job, Officer Cook and served with pride right up until the last breath you took on our behalf. The front and back of your police uniform that you wore with a sense of pride, humbleness and honor only reinforces the need for all to act this way. This duplication should only motivate us to succeed in whatever ventures we follow through with. Love those as you would want them to respect you. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 20, 2013

This dust was once the man, gentle, plain, just and resolute, under whose cautious hand, against the foulest crime in history known in any land or age, was saved the Union of these States. Your remains, Officer Cook are buried near a tall green tree. Very fitting, as you were an outdoors person. You were a gentle, humble giant of an officer who possessed a heart bigger than ever, when it came down to assisting others. Whenever an officer is taken from their family, friends and colleagues this certainly is one of the more heinous crimes that can be perpetrated against society considering the freedoms we are afforded because of your sacrifice and that of over twenty-one thousand other heroes and heroines. The scent of a grand person, a loving son, brother and husband will forever encamp those who considered you a friend and colleague. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. This state, this city and county will always remember your courageousness.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 20, 2013

His head is bowed. He thinks of men and kings. Yes, when the sick world cries, how can he sleep? Too many peasants fight, they know not why; too many homesteads in black terror weep. Our heads were down the day you gave up your life, Officer Cook, to make our community safer and more sound. You gave unity, freedom and liberty a new meaning as do all officers who bravely make the ultimate sacrifice. You brought forth victory for the downtrodden, liberty for the afflicted and peace for those able to go out into the community for their livelihoods. You sleep soundly in God's eternal shelter in His golden gates where many have joined you after waging war against this constant nemesis, evil. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 20, 2013

Criticism means an attempt to find out what something is, not for the purpose of judging it, or imitating it, nor for the purpose of illustrating something else nor for any other ulterior purpose whatever. There never will be any issues with officers who not only risk their lives, but sacrifice their souls so others can live. Your boldness and swiftness to act and to react that day, Officer cook, says an awful lot about your stellar character and morals that are so vital not only in your profession, but in any endeavor that helps our lives become a little better. You were not one to ever waver and your courage and bravery serves to motivate us on how we can each do a little better everyday. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 17, 2013

American muse, whose strong and diverse heart, so many men have tried to understand, but only made it smaller with their art, because you are as various as your land. All people are eclectic in their ideas, morals and personal values. You, Officer Cook, took these ideals and expounded upon their virtues and these made you the best person, the best officer, with a dogged determination to succeed mightily where others may have failed. Failure was not a word in your vocabulary. Helping others and picking up their spirits was one of your many humble mantels in life. To be the best, you not only need to be the best, but display this trait in treating others. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 17, 2013

No more for him life's stormy conflicts, nor victory, nor defeat-no more time's dark events, changing like ceaseless clouds across the sky. When a living being passes from this world to the next world, the first question they are asked by God: Did you do good deeds? You could answer that question only one way, Officer Cook, in the affirmative. You lived and were raised by family values and it was these values which transformed you into the gentleman you grew up to be. There was no need to shine your badge, it was shining with honor, dignity, humility and the confidence to succeed the first time. We cannot say this unfortunately about all officers, a little polish is needed in proper ethical conduct and tact that just might be the medicine they need to ingest before getting out on patrol. The day you gave your life, my neighbor, friend and hero was a very bright hot and sunny day. Tragically, darkness enveloped your division and department when word came down that you sacrificed your life in the cause of liberty and freedom for all citizens. But the darkness has abated a little bit as we continually remember the light from your soul which always has and forever will illuminate this seemingly perpetual darkness. Rest in peace as your soul climbs that ladder to guide Our Creator in watching over God's golden streets.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 17, 2013

He has doctrines, not hatreds and is without ambition except to do good and serve his country. You took your lead along with Nancy, Officer Cook from your mother, Mrs. Julia Cook and your father, Mr. Charles Cook, in these positive attributes and they made you both the type of individuals who grew up to humbly accomplish whatever you wanted to do successfully. You were a very hard working and ambitious person who desired to have a good quality of life and to provide the necessary needs for your beloved wife, Karen, as well. You looked out for one another and were always interested in her professional career as she was for yours. She realized what you were determined to do and one hundred percent of the time supported you in all your efforts. Supporting, loving, caring and sharing is the proper route for a young couple to navigate down as you had begun your careers. Your sacrifice instills in all of us that if you have the proper intentions and the will to do well is a solidly placed foundation, then you can never fail, nor go wrong. Police officers are trained public servants who operate under the canopy of honor and integrity in performing a dangerous job, yet they too rely on God to see them through the tough times. God determines our lots in life and yours, my neighbor, friend and hero was well placed, well-valued and well-lived for twenty-five years of grace and dignity with a compassion that no other person can even come close to duplicating. Rest in peace.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 17, 2013

He held his place-held the long purpose like a growing tree-held on through blame and faltered not at praise. And when he fell in whirlwind, he went down as when a lordly cedar, green with boughs, goes down with a great shout upon the hills and leaves a lonesome place against the sky. You held your ground, Officer Cook, in your daily battles with evil and that day of May 16, 1979, you acted no differently, you utilized your intellect and professional training in saving your four comrades and those three civilians from eminent death, placing your being ahead of the citizens who knew and respected you for your achievements. Your final resting place is by a tall green tree, fitting for you were a passionate photographer. Like the General Electric promo, "You brought good things to life." Your spirit as you rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero continues to bring us good things to ponder and remember your legacy by. God's eternal lens continues to snap off some great pictures of this world made greater by your pursuits of unity and justice for all.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 17, 2013

With my own ability, I cannot succeed, without the sustenance of Divine providence and of great free, happy and intelligent people. Without these I cannot hope to succeed; with them, I cannot fail. God guided you, Officer Cook, in all your abilities and you never failed nor let anyone down. I just wish I could as a civilian been there that awful day to do whatever I could have to save you. You stood out as a man among men. Brave and valiant, that is why your friend, Chief Geoff Jacobs said your maturity was way beyond that of others. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 17, 2013

O I see now that life cannot exhibit all to me, as the day cannot, i see that I am to wait for what will be exhibited by death. Thanks to great men and women like yourself, Officer Cook, I can go wherever, for health, the midday sun, the impalpable air-for life, mere life. We owe our lives to your life, my neighbor, friend and hero. The serious approaches you undertook to maintain dignity on this Earth. Everything we do, is in large part due to your diligence, your perseverance, most of all, your courage and bravery is the driving force by which we continue to maintain our battle with evil and lead our lives with plenty of a fighting spirit to carry this torch which you faithfully passed on to us. Rest in peace.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 16, 2013

My candle burns at both ends; it will not last the night; but, oh, my foes and oh, my friends-it gives a lovely light. The past belongs to God, the present only is ours, still overseen by God and short as it is, there is more in it and of it, than well we can manage. You burned that candle along with your beloved wife, Karen, Officer Cook at both ends to properly provide a solid roof, clothes, food, and lovely house for both of you. As I've said before, the two of you would have made a great set of parents devoted and giving. Your family my neighbor, friend and hero carries on with their lives, because of your determination in achieving your goals, your dreams and desires to become a very successful police officer. The light will never go out, because your soul, Officer Cook, would never permit such a thing to occur ever. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 16, 2013

A little while the tears and laughter, the willow and the rose; a little while and what comes after no man knows. An hour to sing, to love and linger, then lutanist and lute will fall on silence, song and singer will be mute. Life truly is a voyage that is homeward bound. None but a good man is really a living man and the more good any man does, the more he really lives. All the rest is death, or that which belongs to it. All the laughter and tears you brought to your loving family, Officer Cook, all the sweat and toil you delivered with competence to your department, outweighs the negative of losing you. I say this because nothing, absolutely nothing will remove or tarnish your brilliant career as a police officer. No one wants to ever have to bury a child and to your mother, Mrs. Julia Cook and to your father, Mr. Charles Cook, raised a very giving and righteous son, whose morals go well beyond any individual who walks the face of this earth. God's radiance bounces off your soul as it lights up this world with good wishes for good health, peace and prosperity. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero along with your father.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 16, 2013

Ships that pass in the night and speak to each other in passing, only a signal shown and a distant voice in the darkness; so on the ocean of life, we pass and speak to one another, only a look and a voice, then darkness again and a silence. We look up each night to the big bright blue moon, the stars twinkling in the skies, we see your vivid soul, Officer Cook, that has been circling us for these past thirty-four years. We keep asking ourselves how can this be? You are still with us in spirit, that never left our sides, only your physical presence returned to the earth from where we come from. We can feel the radiant touch of your soul as it hovers over us and your loving and giving family members. A sure sign of good things to come. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 16, 2013

Life is what happens while you are making other plans. But life is sweet, though all that makes it sweet and lessens like the sound of friends departing feet. We all make grand plans, yet tragically, the best laid plans of mice and men can go awry. Your grit and devotion in serving us, Officer Cook, will never be overlooked in the total equation of your life and the career which you nurtured and maintained with grace and your uniquely passionate style of law enforcing. You were a mainstay of your department and your colleagues, friends and loving family who gave you to your department will always treasure your life and its shining legacy you left behind for those to remember and to aspire to become as good a citizen as you were in representing those who trusted in you. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 16, 2013

Life is a shadowy, strange and winding road. For police officers who have to constantly and on a consistent basis deal with the public welfare, one never can assume anything. You lived your life and career, Officer Cook, by these virtues and these virtues were the impetus in the beginning of your police career with the Metro-Dade Police Department. An unassuming no nonsense officer you always challenged yourself and the other officers in your ranks to be the very best they could become. The winding road you patrolled now takes on a very different dimension. It leads to God's golden streets where your main task is to observe those diligently brave officers continue in their battle against evil, to rein in those whose aim is to keep peace and unity from taking shape in the community where you excelled in formulating peace, unity and good will among all people. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 16, 2013

I meant to say, Officer Cook, your parents made sure to properly instill confidence and certainty in all your ways as well as Nancy's too. Like phantoms painted on the magic slide, forth from the darkness of the past we glide, as living shadows for a moment seen in airy pageant on the eternal screen, traced by a ray from on unchanging flame, then seek the dust and stillness where we came. There are no magic formulas that will bring you back with us, Officer Cook. I wish they existed, but for the prompt and quality service you provided Dade County citizens, we can visualize what you stood for, the proper dignity you carried with your badge and the uniform you proudly wore for six years. When they show you face and that smile at the Police Memorial at Tropical Park in Miami, we can all look back, cry and yet remember all the good memories of a life that was well-lived, well thought out and planned in a very fitting manner. As it says in both the Old and the New Testaments, unto dust shall you return. Your precious and beautiful soul has gone on to do what Our creator now has assigned for you and your comrades who have made the ultimate sacrifice. Be that "eternal shadow" watching over those officers who serve and protect us in the most dignified manner as you so solemnly and faithfully executed during your career. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Keep the reservoir of unity and peace flowing perpetually from the heavens above.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 16, 2013

A life of leisure and a life of laziness are two things, but without discipline, there is no life at all. You had the proper discipline to achieve all that you set out to accomplish in this world, Officer Cook. You exhibited the morals to properly carry out your solemn duties towards Dade County and its residents. Life is a great joy and a grand bundle of little things. It was these little things and even the most mundane situations that made you the top notch Metro-Dade Police Officer your friends, family and colleagues all grew to get acquainted with. Discipline is like the disciple, in that if the proper message is not decoded, all sorts of bedlam could rear its ugliness in our society. You got a handle on this for six years, now it is up to those who succeeded you to carry this assignment out with the same grace, honor, dignity and proper respect you demanded from other officers. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Police work is not the time to sit back leisurely and in a lazy manner which some of today's officers sadly exhibit thus endangering the lives of their comrades and those civilians they take that affirmation to serve and to protect. We all recognize when it was time for you to go to your job, you gave your department, your division one hundred percent solid and quality service to be remembered by all people. You stood tall in a crisis period and backed up your comrades with that same loyalty and enthusiasm.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 14, 2013