Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Laughter is man's most distinctive emotional expression. man shares the capacity for love, hate, anger, fear, loyalty and grief, with other living creatures. But humor, which has an intellectual as well as an emotional element, belongs to man. Officer Cook, since I've reflected a little bit regarding your sense of humor, all seriously aside you were one great and distinguished police officer, who let his actions and words of encouragement speak for himself. I'm sure in school you were not know as a class clown, but your classmates knew the real persona of William C. "Billy" Cook, who went on to become a hero of Dade County citizens and in the law enforcement community as Metro-Dade Police Officer William C. Cook, Badge#1664. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

September 25, 2013

The essence of all jokes, of all comedy, seems to be an honest or well-intended half; a non-performance of that which is pretended to be performed, at the same time that one is giving loud pledges of performance. The balking of the intellect, the frustrated expectation, the break of continuity in the intellect, is comedy and it announces itself in the pleasant spasms we call laughter. I heard from people who knew you, Officer Cook, that you had a wonderfully maddening sense of humor and that you could utter something and begin laughing at that. You did take your life seriously, otherwise how could you have been so daring and fearless to risk your being in order to serve and protect us. One does not need to be Groucho Marx, George Burns or Jack Benny to make us laugh and forget about our worries or concerns that presently afflict us. Keep making us upbeat my neighbor, friend and hero with your million dollar smile as you patrol God's golden streets. Rest in peace.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

September 24, 2013

Man is a spiritual being in that-unless he is badly corrupted-he responds powerfully to non-material stimuli: the beauty in nature or in art, the trust of children, the needs of helpless people, the death of a friend even though long absent. You were a very devout person, Officer Cook, you and your beloved wife, Karen were loyal worshipers at Visitation Catholic Church near where you lived. A beautiful humble edifice where you and Karen gathered with the other members to communicate with Our Creator. But more importantly you spoke the truth, you voiced your opinions in a calming and logical way. This was how you conducted your professional life and how you treated others and they in turn gave this respect back to you and your loving family when they needed it the most. You harbored no prejudices, creed or color, all your peers and friends knew it, your family knew it. All I know or can assume is that from how lovingly your niece, Gina Wilkerson, spoke about you to me in your parents home, is that you were a very astute, loving and a compassionate human being-that is enough for me, it can't be any worse, other than the fact that you should by all rights be here with your family, colleagues and friends to celebrate their happy occasions.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

September 24, 2013

Man's unique reward, however, is that while animals survive by adjusting themselves to their background, man survives by adjusting his background to himself. You adopted your ways of policing Dade County streets, Officer Cook, according to your training in the police academy and the laws and rules which governed your department. You were humble, beloved by all, fearless in all your pursuits, dedicated to every citizen you came across personally and or professionally. You'll always be remembered for your passion, professionalism, commitment and attitude. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

September 24, 2013

The history of the world shows that when a mean thing was done, man did it; when a good thing was done; man did it. It really was a tragedy that on that fateful day of May 16, 1979, one young man who had been plotting to carry out a most vicious and vile action against the Metro-Dade Police Department and its officers, cost this thriving community the beloved life of one of its own, Officer William C. Cook,Badge#1664 and nearly took the lives of your two comrades, Officers DiGenova and Edgerton who were clinging to life by a thread and could have also taken the lives of your partner that day, Reserve Officer Scott Lincoln and Detective Don Blocker. Beloved and cherished by all. Your loving and devoted family members, friends in both your department and in the community at large who have had come to grips and continue carrying on with your legacy since your untimely loss. A huge loss to all mankind as you had so much more to offer and to give back to a community you knew and cared compassionately for at the tender young age of twenty-five. You deserved so much more my neighbor, friend and hero. How could we the people ever properly repay you for your prompt and courteous service? Rest in peace.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

September 23, 2013

One great error is that we suppose mankind is more honest than they are. There is no error what so ever in saying quite clearly and literally that you were a true Godsend, Officer Cook. Many of us just dream and waste our time with trivial pursuits. You spent every waking moment of your life as a young boy and until you became a man thinking and inventing new ways for success in making God's world and His green pastures a little more pristine. A little Yankee ingenuity can travel a long way toward making a person's goals, inspirations and aspirations reach stardom. You were without any doubt one the most honorable officers who patrolled the streets of Dade County and your sincere fashion of openness and calm reasoning lead to your achievements during your time with your department. We all should speak softly and carry that proverbial big stick as you handled so well. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

September 23, 2013

There are only two kinds of people in the world that really count. One kinds wheat and the other kinds emeralds. Your food, clothing and shelter which you and Karen worked very hard to provide, Officer Cook, is just one way you'll be remembered. The other way and the most important thing to keep and to bear in mind was that your humility, dignity and honesty in dealing with people is the material of which humble legends are made from. You surely will not be forgotten for having the fortitude to accept such an important role in our lives and for coming to assist and save your colleagues and the civilians that day from more danger than they were already facing. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

September 23, 2013

I believe that man will not merely endure; he will prevail. He is immortal, not because he alone among creatures has an inexhaustible voice, but because he has a soul, a spirit capable of compassion, sacrifice and endurance. Well stated, Officer Cook, because you and your colleagues who laid down your lives for us, all had one thing, no you all had many things in your favor; a passion to succeed and a drive to work harder than anybody else to make your aspirations, dreams, goals and desires come to fruition. you gave back to the Dade County community more than we as the citizens could give back to you. Your life had purpose, meaning it was bedecked with ingenuity and the intellect to survive all the rigors of police work that you can be exposed to on a daily basis. We shall carry on your good name and be as one community keeping and spreading the values and ideals you imbued. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

September 23, 2013

An institution is the lengthened shadow of one man...and all history resolves itself very easily into the biography of a few stout and earnest persons. You were a fearless leader among your peers, Officer Cook and it was those brave men and women colleagues of yours who looked up to you for determination and the inspiration when times got difficult. Your shadow can still be observed within your department and in your division as is your wonderful soul as it continues to illuminate this world from above in God's golden kingdom. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. When we look back in the history books of the Metro-Dade Police Department, May 16, 1979 and your humble name will forever be emblazoned within the recesses of our minds and hearts. The thirteenth Metro-Dade Police Officer to sacrifice their life for the good of our community, it is said that God possesses these same number of attributes which you, Officer Cook, also had and maintained them throughout your life and career.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

September 23, 2013

Honor, opportunity, perseverance and effort. If you put these four behavioral traits together, you have hope and that is what you personified, Officer Cook. you put your life and career in the Almighty's hands and you never were steered wrong. Because of your humility you were given not handed a golden opportunity to serve and protect Dade County citizens. The endeavor was only and always one-hundred percent solid in all your dealings with the public and for your humble achievements my neighbor, friend and hero. You'll forever be and continue to be honored with all the homage due to heroes and heroines so bold and swift in reacting to dilemmas that needed solving and resolving. Rest in peace.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

September 22, 2013

A charm from the sky seems to hallow us there, which, seek through the world, is never met with elsewhere. Home, home, sweet, sweet home! There's no place like home! There is no place like home! Every home where love abides and friendship is a guest, is surely home and home sweet home: For there the heart can rest. As I've reflected it all started in your home, Officer Cook, where you grew up in North Miami Beach, Florida with your parents who were so loving, so caring, so humble in how you and your loving sister, Nancy, were raised and provided all that you both needed to succeed in life, faith and the character that is necessary for one to make and take great strides in what we call life's pursuits. A charming man of devoutness, a man with a sense of humor, yet composed with a calming and soothing voice of reason to make your talent and dignity become more accentuated with your community, division and within your department. This is what endeared you my neighbor, friend and hero to others and why they have come to know and love you and to keep your legacy alive in their efforts. Rest in peace. Keep up with your charm and wonderfully bright and engaging smile while guarding God's golden streets.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

September 22, 2013

Joy dwells beneath a humble roof; heaven is not built of country seats, but little strange suburban streets. You came home each day to your humble place of residence, Officer Cook. You didn't just kick off your shoes and demand anything from your wife, Karen. You were composed and thoughtful in all you did and said. You brought flowers to both your mother, Mrs. Julia Cook, checked on her welfare and brought flowers or plants home to give Karen. You both were very blessed to have each other, to hold one another. We all wish you could be here today still holding each other. But your loved ones know heaven is now your eternal home and I'm certain Karen, though she has since remarried, still carries the wonderful and marvelous memories of her beloved husband, Officer William C. Cook's life with her each day and I'm sure her husband realizes you were one terrific and outstanding gentleman who now watches us from up above accomplishing in our life's challenges. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

September 22, 2013

Stay, stay at home, my heart and rest; home-keeping hearts are happiest, for those that wander they know not where are full of trouble and full of care; to stay home is best. Your home now is with God in heaven, Officer Cook, because you permitted others to return in safety to theirs and laying down your treasured soul for us to remain, peaceful, dignified and respected. You deserve all the tributes that come your way because of your exemplary mannerisms in creating loyalty and fairness and the peace and justice it so calls for. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

September 22, 2013

Goodbye to flattery's fawning face; to grandeur with his wise grimace: to upstart wealth's averted eye; to supple office, low and high; to crowded halls, to court and street; to frozen hearts and hasting feet; to those who go and those who come; goodbye, proud world! I'm going home. Your home, your humble abode, Officer cook, was where you and Karen invited many a guest, a friend to dine, to break bread with you and your partner in life and its pursuits. But more importantly, they were enjoying the company of a hero in life, a darling woman in Karen, two wonderful people who shared their lives and careers with others in their community where the two of you were quite successful in all your endeavors and where you touched the hearts of many citizens, the many patients you came into contact with personally and professionally each and everyday, Karen and your beloved husband whom I refer and proudly call my neighbor, friend and hero, Officer William C. Cook, will not be forgotten. A hero to cherish, a mensch, a person to be respected and looked upon as an honorable police officer for the ages. Rest in peace. The word "mensch" is a Jewish word meaning a real humble and trustworthy person of character who acts and performs truly the way Our Creator expects one to behave at all times on and off their job.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

September 22, 2013

Home is the place to do things you want to do. Here we eat just when we want to. Breakfast and lunch are extremely movable feasts. It;s terrible to allow conventional habits to gain a hold on a whole household; to eat, sleep and live by clock ticks. I can say, Officer Cook, that you and your beloved wife, Karen, did not live by a tick tock of the clock. every second of your lives was utilized to the utmost to achieve something wonderful in your neighborhood and in the community you so passionately served and protected. A person with concerns or worries may live by the tick of father time, by not yourself. Your beloved mother, Mrs. Julia Cook, has lived her live and continues to live her life by her faith in God, the good health we hope she still maintains and the spiritual prosperity she still relishes. You were her darling son, her man along with your beloved father, Charles, he stood for character and grace, never to be forgotten. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. However you could have helped society benefit you did exactly that and more!

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

September 22, 2013

We entreat God to open His door at the time of the closing of our door, because when the door to the past is closed, we can be confident of the opening of a new door to a brighter future. You opened our eyes and turned up the volume in our ears with your consummate compassion while carrying out a dangerous job, Officer Cook. The book of your life will never end because it was and is through your heroics and your family's endeavors that you live on and will forever live on in others. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

September 21, 2013

During times of crisis, we often desire to turn immediately to some other matter. when we heard or read of the accounts of your untimely tragedy unfolding, we had to keep the faith that with God's help we shall prevail. As inscribed on your gravestone-"We Shall Be One," there can be no more profound or compelling statement that portrays or more accurately describes your life lived humbly and your career carried out more honorably and with a very real zest for assisting others with dignity than those four words. Officer Cook, I know it's been many years since your passing, but at least I had the chance to go into your home and meet your niece, Mrs. Gina Wilkerson, her husband, Trevor and their children, Alexis, Skyler and Legend. Fine children indeed and they'll succeed because you are looking down on all of them and won't allow them to falter. Of course, I cried in your parents home as I wear my emotions on my sleeve. You were a very dear person, a son, a brother, a loving husband and a very great neighbor and friend to everyone based on the reflections of Mr. Leonard "Lenny" Cooperman and Mr. Scott Olifant. They at least knew you, my family and I may have met you and your family at a store by happen chance, but yet never met or knew you personally and to me this is quite sad. You were the stand up person in North Miami Beach, Florida that those who knew you came to admire and respect. My father and you, Officer Cook would have had the most wonderful conversations regarding police work and my sister and I would have known you and would have loved spending the time with your parents. Every arduous experience for us will only be a test of faith that we shall pass with a joyous outcome for you are always watching over us. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

September 21, 2013

Maybe a little extra wisdom can add to the inspiration of the simple mundane day to a miraculous seven others. Your wisdom, Officer Cook, your maturity to handle most any call that you were required to answer allowed you to be the most accomplished officer you could become. It was on that fateful day of May 16, 1979, when Dade County citizens looked up to a real hero in their midst. After all how many brave men and women would respond to a call they were not mandated to answer? How many officers or ordinary citizens would save the lives of seven people, including four of your colleagues and three civilians, putting your own life at risk? I or better spelled out we cannot think of too many. You went above and beyond, my neighbor, friend and hero and have been forever fondly remembered. Your feet, your heart and lungs, your soul will always deliver that needed energy to your successors who carry on with your watch. We sure should thank the Almighty for placing you here on this earth at our hands and feet to serve and protect. Rest in peace. Your future with your loving family would have been made much brighter if you were here with them, but the warm and loving memories of your accomplished life and career remain as vivid as yesterday. We all realize nothing is ever mundane in the life of a very dear and dedicated officer as you were Officer Cook.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

September 21, 2013

I've been taking a little time off with my family, Officer Cook, but I just wanted to leave a little reflection regarding your stellar reputation. I looked up at the clouds in the sky and the words your old neighbor, Scott Olifant left on September 17, 2013, seemed to have left an impression upon me as have all the reflections. All too many times police officers due their jobs aware of the many dangers they face in our rmodern society. You faced these dangers with all the tact that is required by officers and yet never once flinched from these dangers. Your caring concern, along with your compassion was what set you apart from our officers. I don't know if the city of North Miami Beach truly realizes or realized the kind of warm and passionate gentleman that lived among its residents there. I'm here to state in the affirmative that Officer William C. Cook, Badge#1664 only practiced and preached honesty and humilty in order to accomplish all that you helped to sustain and what continues to maintain and prosper for these last thirty-four years since your untimely passing. I'm going to try my utmost to bring your memory back in focus to the North Miami Beach area. You were too important a loyal servant to have given your life for a just cause and that was for peace in the community you dearly loved. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Brilliant, admireable, determined, genuine and efficient. You put that badge on your chest, your wore it with the respect and integrity that the people of Metro-Dade County came to know, treasure and forever admire.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

September 19, 2013

Safe in the hallowed quiets of the past. The present is the present, the past was the past, the future is the future and all of this has been made possible by your stellar achievements, Officer Cook and your colleagues, the forty-one other Metro- Dade police officers who were willing to sacrifice their beings on our behalf in order for us to live and prosper in a free world. You brought a common sense approach to your profession and the intellectual value that seems at times to be so lacking from some of today's officers. Your past my neighbor, friend and hero is secure as you rest in peace and will forever be remembered for your valor.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

September 18, 2013

History knows no resting places and no plateaus. For what history records, I think of no person finer than yourself, Officer Cook. Your other neighbor, Mr. Scott Olifant, left a very humble and beautiful reflection of your life. His thoughts are echoed by myself and my family. We lived around the corner from the Cook Family, the Davis family on NE 6th Ave. and 179th Dr. Your friend and my friend, neighbor and hero, Officer William C. Cook, Mr. Olifant was a humble person and I at least had a chance to meet his niece, Gina Wilkerson and her younger brother, Justin Miller, who looked like your friend and neighbor. I do visit his grave quite often and he is truly missed by all. I even went into the Cook's home and was sobbing like a baby. His sacrifice for Dade County citizens will remain as his legacy. His stand up character permeates throughout his family, friends and community he enjoyed serving. Maybe you can look me up Mr. Olifant and we could get together and talk. My dad he should rest in peace was a New york City polic eofficer for thirty-eight years so I know you friend, Officer Cook and my dad would have had a lot in common. It was a shame we never met each other other than perhaps by happen chance seeing them in the supermarket such as the Grand Union down the street. Rest in peace Officer Cook. I had written a letter to his mother, Mr. Olifant, yesterday was Mrs. Cook's ninety-eight birthday and three years ago while living in Hallandale Beach, I received a lovely and emotional letter from her. What a classy woman she is. I'm using present tense hoping you are doing well Mrs. Cook

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

September 18, 2013

I grew up two doors down from Officer Cook. I was four years younger than him, so we never really spoke too much. Still I remember that day in May, 1979 when all the police cars came rolling up to the Cook residence. While none of us really knew what had happened, we somehow, knew it was not good. later we learned that Billy (yes, that is what the neighborhood called him) had been shot and killed in the line of duty.

My vague recollections of him are that he was friendly and helpful. Basically just a stand up guy that wanted to do the right thing.

Perhaps the most telling tribute is that all these years later I thought of his name, and googled it, and found this site. This is particularly so in a day and age where so many "heroes" don't deserve the title, and many are truly despicable.

The selflessness, courage and humility of Wm. C. "Billy" Cook exemplify heroism. His dedication and sacrifice were absolute. His family's loss is profound. No doubt, Mrs. Cook's pain has never waned, nor that of his sister or other family members.

May it provide the Cook family some small measure of comfort and solace that his life is remembered by some kid that barely knew him that lived down the street, and knows he was able to grow up, go to school and live in a free society because of the character, honor and sense of duty that was Wm. C. "Billy" Cook.

Scott Olifant
Lawyer (now), brat down the street in 1979

September 17, 2013

Your character, Officer Cook and the integrity and honor you brought to your department, your family, friends and colleagues more than begins to give us a glimpse of the past. You set the bar, better yet, you raised the bar of excellence with your graceful mannerisms and calming approach in solving community issues that arose while you patrolled the streets. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

September 16, 2013

A morsel of genuine history, a thing so rare as to be always valuable. A look back into the history of your department, Officer Cook, records forever the actions of the brave men and women like yourself who sacrificed their lives for the protection and freedom of Dade County and its citizens. History can never be changed, although we can look back and always and only have positive things to comment on your impeccable life and a career so wonderfully carried out in truth and justice done the proper way. You administered to your community in a very concerning and loyal fashion. All forty-two officers including yourself, my neighbor, friend and hero all deserve kudos and the homage due to a hero. Rest in peace.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

September 16, 2013

I meant to say, Officer Cook, that sometimes you must do the thing you cannot do. The many things you did for society will never be forgotten. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

September 15, 2013