Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

There is no more welcome gift to men than a new symbol that satiates, transports, converts them. They assimilate themselves to it, deal with it in all ways and it will last a hundred years. Then comes a new genius and brings another. The gifts you provided to this world, Officer Cook, are assured of lasting forever. It was a pleasure for many brave women and men to have known you both personally and professionally. Your behavior both on and off work spoke volumes and continues to do so today.. Clearly this is the message that most assuredly needs to be imparted to today's officers. Some officers still seem to find trouble outside the lines of their departments, they should read your story and your valiant life and take copious notes. They surely can learn from a model citizen and a top notch police officer that you grew up to become. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 6, 2013

It seems as if the present age of words should naturally be followed by an age of silence, when men and women shall speak only through facts and to regain their health. We die of words. We are hanged, drawn and quartered by dictionaries. The present day police officers could probably glean a lesson or two from officers of the past generation, such as yourself, Officer Cook. Respect is a word that needs to be reinforced upon all officers and to the public of which it is charged with serving and protecting. You were a man of humbleness, whose control of their language and its usage only enabled you to become a much better police officer. That fateful day my neighbor, friend and hero, there was no justification for your senseless death, the words drop your weapon and surrender peacefully should certainly have been heeded. You were a hero in life and during your career and never will be forgotten. Rest in peace.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 6, 2013

In a last reflection, I meant to say, Officer Cook, it was how you used your voice. The inflection and modulation can offer a way for any officer to try and successfully calm a person and to quiet a situation. The common faults of American language are an ambition of effect, a want of simplicity and a turgid abuse of terms. You utilized the English language precisely as you needed it to get a point of information across to your colleagues. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 6, 2013

All words are pegs to hang ideas on. The words we speak are like a knife, in that they can injure a person in one way, shape or form. Words can constructively permeate a person's mind and change the way they accomplish their goals. Your goal of becoming a police officer, Officer Cook, was the highlight of a life well-lived, humanely orchestrated and humbly graced. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 3, 2013

Every language is a temple, in which the soul of those who speak it is enshrined. And it was in your home and House of Worship, Officer Cook, where whatever came out from your lips was only the truth and nothing but the truth. This should be every person's mantra, unfortunately, people some for whatever the reason take advantage of persons not as educated or as fortunate as they are and may lead them down an evil path. Shame on them! You were the voice of appeal, you had the mind of a logically thinking officer who only offered sound words of advice and encouragement. God has a special angel my neighbor, friend and hero in yourself, who can only and did give very special and useful words of advice during your career and in life. Your counsel is what some of the morale surely needs today if it is going to begin to conquer wickedness. Rest in peace. I'm also sure your presence humbly speaking is most definitely missed on the altar where you and Karen attended services.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 3, 2013

Of all kinds of knowledge that we can ever obtain, the knowledge of God and the knowledge of ourselves are the most important. Growing up in a very nurturing environment, Officer Cook, you recognized the basics of a very sound family life, a wonderful and loving sister in Nancy, who loved and cared about her darling little brother. Your beloved parents who were most instrumental in providing you both with an excellent upbringing. Your unwavering faith and loyal friends that you went to their home after school and did things that most young men do such as play with kites, flying them, operating model trains and the like. Your peers, comrades who you befriended while in school and afterward in the police academy who you went to battles with while on patrol maintaining law and order on Dade County streets. People who knew Officer William C. "Billy" Cook, understood you were very businesslike in your approach to police work and just about anything thing else in life. This is why you were most successful and have passed this on to your family and friends who counted on you the most. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 3, 2013

Justice, I think is the tolerable accommodation of the conflicting interests of society and I don't believe there is any royal road to attain such accommodations concretely. Justice was served for the young man who took your young and vibrant life that was of full of promise. It is always a tragedy when deadly force has to be implemented to curb an individual gone mad. You answered the call that day Officer Cook, not knowing other than hearing two numbers being called out on your cruiser radio what really was transpiring. We can say that if the young man surrendered peacefully, the outcome would have been more positive. But, you will always be recognized as a true Dade County police hero who totally realized his calling in life and through your deeds and actions demonstrated your willingness without any doubt or reservation to help preserve mankind and to rein in the violence that still to this day pervades society. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 3, 2013

That which is unjust can really profit no one; that which is just can really harm no one. sadly, when police officers are injured or heaven forbid killed in the line of duty, the feelings of the departments that lose an officer are always how can we replace an officer? One cannot replace the infinite value of a life, that of a loved one who served a noble purpose to expound peace and good will. Departments, divisions have to move on in a constructive manner insuring through diligence and proper training that the lives of their very unique talented officers will be safe. Your rigorous training program, Officer Cook, insured that you would be as prepared for your profession as humanly possible. We have to make the moments count as you did my neighbor, friend and hero for your twenty-five years of existence. Rest in peace. One way your department was able to make its officers safer was by purchasing those side-panels which came at the ultimate price. Your very cherished life and career in which your championed and channeled all your hard work and efforts into a completely positive career.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 3, 2013

The liberty of the press is essential to the security of freedom in a state. The media has its rights in certain matters, but when police officers give up their lives for just cause in protecting the public, sometimes it's better to back off a little bit and allow respect for the families of these brave men and women. You have got to allow the emotions of the day and moment to simmer and cool down a bit. Police officers performing their mission in life deserves all the coverage it can receive, I'm not against this, it is just sometimes they-the media can go a little overboard. The coverage of your tragedy, Officer Cook, I'll never forget Channel 7 reporter, Steve Dawson, who covered your visitation at the Bennett and Ulm Funeral Home and your burial at Dade Memorial Park. It was a very high quality of professional journalism that was done and the respect and dignity you provided citizens was afforded your family in their time of need. I wish I could have gotten a copy of the Miami Herald reporting your passing. Unfortunately, microfilm might be the only way to do so. A marvelously talented and a most humble gentleman, rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 3, 2013

What has God wrought! I can safely say God brought you into this world, Officer Cook, as all people are created differently to perform good deeds and to act fairly and properly with one another. Once a person, an officer lays down their life in the line of duty, the one and only thing we can do for their families is to constantly endeavor to emulate their ways as our way of clinging in the sense to Our Creator. Just try and accomplish something each day as you did, Officer Cook. You would be surprised what you'll learn. A friendly smile, a wave of the hand, a good morning can go a long way to respectability among all individuals. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Your devotion and dogged determination are sorely missed today and everyday.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 3, 2013

A tool is but the extension of a man's hand and a machine is but a complex tool. And he that invents a machine augments the power of a man and the well-being of mankind. Police officers today have more sophisticated tools to utilize at their discretion. Lasers for one are employed when necessary from time to time. Computers in their vehicles are also a welcome source of information when needed. It's a shame back in your day, Officer Cook, it took your pristine sacrifice to have side-panels made and fitted for all Metro-Dade Police Officers. They should have been there for you. I'll always state affirmatively that you were one fine individual who I'm still sorry I never had the chance to meet and discuss any and all topics. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Your greatest asset was your voice and has you used it to maintain calm and reason.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 3, 2013

Man;s insanity is heaven's sense; and wandering from all mortal reason, man comes at last to that celestial thought, which, to reason, is absurd and frantic; and weal or woe, feels then uncompromised, indifferent as his God. One thing about police work and the craziness that exists because of all the different situations one must be able to handle, you yourself have to stay calm, focused and sane to get through your shift. Certain officers deal better with certain dilemmas. You were excellent in dealing with domestic issues, Officer Cook, because of your calming and soothing voice of logic and reason. The methodologies you employed surely carried over to other officers today, let's hope so at least. One great man, one loving brother, one devoted son, one darling husband, a true companion to all who shared life's adventures along with your beloved wife Karen. Your persona will never be absent from our beings and thoughts. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Woe is this world for your tragic loss, a huge loss for all mankind, those of us fortunate to inspire through your humility and compassion. Those who read these reflections for each officer, stop and think about this for a moment, how many people can humbly say they rescued seven people in one day from imminent danger? In the name of God's world and all that was created by Him for our benefits and pleasures.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 2, 2013

Insanity is often the logic of an accurate mind overtaxed. If this is the case, then why are so many police officers taken so violently and without provocation from this world? You have to stop and think about this a little. Why are humble servants such as yourself, Officer Cook, who mean no harm to anyone, who listened and was raised properly along with your sister, Nancy, taken by Our Creator on an eternal trip to His golden streets above? The why part will always be there, it won't depart from our brains, our hearts, from the air we take in and let out from our lungs. The world we all share in is always I suspect going to be a little crazy, a bit insane. Brave women and men like you, Officer Cook, who were devoted and doggedly determined to control this madness will only be paid the utmost compliments for your service and honors you richly all deserve. Just remember to keep looking over us and those officers of solemn spirits who faithfully continue your watch. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 2, 2013

Bagpipes wail, bells toll and yet individuality, the pride and centripetal isolation of a human being in himself-personalism....It forms, or is to form, the compensating balance-wheel of the successful working machinery of aggregate America. They do indeed toll loudly and proudly when rung. The wailing of those pipes along with those who gathered to not only mourn your life and career, Officer Cook, but to celebrate your humble accomplishments and is just the genesis of your loving, caring and most beneficent soul returning to Our Creator, that you worshiped and in turn served with respect and honor so vital to our safety and protection. We are share in our moment of silence, the quiet and peaceful times with our loved ones. You were a personable human being along with Karen. It is, it was this unique humility that you possessed and properly maintained ever so faithfully throughout your life and career within your profession which enabled to steer through the streets of Dade County with the proper reverence that your position demanded. What is demanded of us is to now show the proper level of dignity and commitment to you my neighbor, friend and hero for being a true man of character and compassion. Rest in peace. The first man created Adam, ate from the tree and did not listen to God and for this was punished. Officer Cook, you listened to God's call, revered all people, served with grace and epitomized a hero in both life and in spirit.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 2, 2013

You must pay for conformity. All goes well as long as you run with conformists. But you, who are honest men in other particulars, know that there is alive somewhere a man whose honesty reaches to this point also, that he shall not kneel to false god's and on the day when you meet him, you too sink into the class of counterfeits. Everything in life has its own intrinsic value, a price so to speak. Your honor and reputation, Officer Cook, was always and only for the purpose of performing loyal and very credible service. Unfortunately, nothing can bring you back to all of us, so to pay homage to you, your family as beloved as they are all and are very special to me and my family and to your comrades, we leave these loving and lasting tributes of a very proud and humble life well lived and a career that extends way beyond the community you faithfully loved serving. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero, conformity has extracted a very dear price on us all, your treasured soul. At least we all realize you are now quietly guarding and protecting God's golden streets where conformity and not confusion, contradiction and chaos rein.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 1, 2013

I received a nice letter back from your neighbor, Mr. Scott Olifant, who works as an attorney in Las Vegas. He sends his best wishes to your family. It was very humbling to receive a letter back from him. I guess being a police officer's son, Officer Cook, my neighbor, friend and hero can humble you quite a bit. I had looked him up and found where he is still practicing as a lawyer. Not so much of thee is left among us, as the hum outliving the hushed bell. The bells of St. Mary's Cathedral sounding that sad day of May 19, 1979, as your flag draped casket was being borne into the cathedral for your Inspector's Funeral where your family, friends and comrades gathered to pay their respects and to offer you one truly final salute for your humbling, graceful and honorable police service and protection to the citizens of Dade County. Bells ringing, helicopters flying overhead and bagpipes playing Amazing Grace, along with singing Our National Anthem can instill quietness amongst all the tears of sorrow and respect, love, affection and grateful appreciation for all your hard work and loyal effort. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Whenever I drive on I-95 past North Shore Hospital and the cathedral, I always think of you and your comrades who were given their Inspector's Funerals at that humble House of Worship.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 1, 2013

I received a nice letter back from your neighbor, Mr. Scott Olifant, who works as an attorney in Las Vegas. He sends his best wishes to your family. It was very humbling to receive a letter back from him. I guess being a police officer's son, Officer Cook, my neighbor, friend and hero can humble you quite a bit. I had looked him up and found where he is still practicing as a lawyer. Not so much of thee is left among us, as the hum outliving the hushed bell. The bells of St. Mary's Cathedral sounding that sad day of May 19, 1979, as your flag draped casket was being borne into the cathedral for your Inspector's Funeral where your family, friends and comrades gathered to pay their respects and to offer you one truly final salute for your humbling, graceful and honorable police service and protection to the citizens of Dade County. Bells ringing, helicopters flying overhead and bagpipes playing Amazing Grace, along with singing Our National Anthem can instill quietness amongst all the tears of sorrow and respect, love, affection and grateful appreciation for all your hard work and loyal effort. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Whenever I drive on I-95 past North Shore Hospital and the cathedral, I always think of you and your comrades who were given their Inspector's Funerals at that humble House of Worship.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 1, 2013

There is something better, if possible, that a man can give his life. That is his living spirit to a service that is not easy, to resist counsels that are hard to resist, to stand against purposes that are difficult to stand against. Forty-two Metro-Dade police officers, including yourself, Officer Cook, gave your lives and values on behalf of your community. There are no nobler individuals than those who dare to explore, dare to risk their beings in the holy name of Our Creator and in the name of peace, security and the decency with which we live, breathe and enjoy the fruits of our labor, because of the sacrifices made to further humanity as each of us us views it. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

September 30, 2013

It is my living sentiment as it is from all those who live and by the blessing of God it shall be my dying sentiment,-Independence now and Independence forever! Because of all police officers we can choose to live in a free modern day society and continue living our very lives as we see fit. Officer Cook, you placed a great deal on the line for the welfare of Dade County and its residents and will never be forgotten for your professionalism. We long lived until we had to cry, we loved until our last goodbye. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. For some your Inspector's Funeral on May 19, 1979, was the last time those colleagues, friends and family members were able to gather and pay their respects and offer condolences to your family. You were a truly humble and a most profoundly compassionate gentleman.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

September 29, 2013

His brow is wet with honest sweat, He earns whatever he can and looks the whole world in his face, for he owes not any man. You sweated for us, Officer Cook, so we could cool down and then when you were suddenly taken from our midst, we cried and cried, from what I read, there was not a dry eye that day as many came from all over the country and Canada to offer a fitting and final salute to you for you personal and proud life highlighted by your brilliant and outstanding career with the Metro-Dade Police Department. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

September 29, 2013

My apple trees will never get across and eat the cones under his pines, I tell him. He only says, "Good fences make good neighbors." As we say God's most beautiful fields are the ones that are most blessed. We take a fruit and offer a pray over it, thanking God for all he has done and continues to do for us. We always need to take a moment out of our day, step back and thank Our Creator for inspiring women and men of boldness and bravery for capturing our imaginations. You captured our very souls, Officer Cook, with your dogged determination and persistence. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

September 29, 2013

Studies of ease and fond of humble things, below the smiles, below the frowns of kings: Thanks to my stars, I prize the sweets of life, no sleepless nights I count, no days of strife. I rest, I wake, I drink, I sometimes love, I read, I write, I settle, or I rove; content to live, content to die unknown, Lord of myself, accountable to none. Your humbleness, Officer Cook, helped accentuate your very life and career. Your bright smile lit up any room you were present in. Being a police officer, I'm sure there were many a sleepless night for your family and your beloved wife, Karen. We learn in a free world and society because of individuals as daring as you were dedicated to the service and the protection of its citizens. As a devoted officer, you were accountable to not only your superiors, but to we the people who count on your honesty and integrity on a daily basis. Now as you rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero, help our Chief Accountant as He watches over those chosen who have offered their service by hard and arduous work to maintain dignity, peace and unity that is needed most for all of us to prosper in the same manner that you served so diligently for six years with your department.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

September 29, 2013

I affirm that I think now that every thing without exception has an eternal soul! The trees have, rooted in the ground! The weeds of the sea have! So too the animals! Every living being has a soul and the vitality to properly maintain that through proper nourishment, food or water. Your soul, Officer Cook, is now being properly maintained by Our Creator, who makes sure it can go wherever and whenever it decides to float above as do the souls of your other comrades who bravely stood face to face with evil battling it everyday during their watches. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

September 28, 2013

Immortality is not a gift, immortality is an achievement; and those who strive mightily shall possess it. Your actions and deeds of righteousness, Officer Cook, were what we expected from heroic police officers who take an affirmation to serve and to protect. The unique gifts and quality of your refined character is not something all of us possess. It takes a long time to work on and to develop humbleness and other character traits that are so very essential to our successes in life. Life itself is not a game, like the X Box or some joke that can be made fun of. You can smile and maintain a vivid sense of humor. Life is what you can attempt to do and to become when you are passed that baton, that blueprint so vital to our existence. Nothing is ever given or conceded in life, we live life in each moment. The quiet times, the personal moments with our beloved spouses or whoever we occupy moments with. You were the quintessential person, the go to leader to follow for times of inspiration. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

September 28, 2013

Here is my creed. I believe in one God, Creator of the Universe. That He governs it by His Providence. That He ought to be worshiped. That the most acceptable service we render Him is doing good to His other children. That the soul of man is immortal and will be treated with justice in another life respecting its conduct in this. This was certainly your motto, Officer Cook and it was imparted in you and Nancy at a very early age. You and Karen were faithful servants who impacted citizens and the patients you both served and maintained in grace and dignity. Your service was sincere, as it touched the very backbone of all of us. God is watching over you my neighbor, friend and hero as you observe Him treating others as you treated them. Rest in peace. I tell people as a Rabbi, that there is one one God, not as many as the croutons floating in your soup. They laugh and smile, but they comprehend the meaning of this statement.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

September 28, 2013