Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

All I want is the same thing you want. To have a nation with a government that is as good, honest, decent, competent, compassionate and filled with love as are the American people. This is what all police officers attempt to do and that is to keep the peace and a unity in their communities that is everlasting. All you did for us, Officer Cook, is this and a whole lot more. You performed your position with much fanfare and expected the citizens to conduct themselves accordingly as well. You've earned the honor and respect of all. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 13, 2013

Haste makes waste and devoutness to one's faith is what distinguishes marvelous character from people. The church you and Karen prayed at was your basic source of spirituality and allowed you to fulfill God's words of advice which came in handy when speaking with all people. The time we are allotted is most important in how we use this time. You utilized your time, Officer Cook, for heavenly meaning and from this meaning can we accept God's Divinity and some reasons behind His plans in making this a better world. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. You gave your all to answer to answer God's call. Those who sacrificed before you are all just very special people who are in God's most meaningful master plan.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 12, 2013

That morning in September of 2010, was just a happen chance, Officer Cook, that I finally located your parents home and I'm glad I did. He sure reminds me of yourself, has the looks as your lovely mother alluded to me in her lovely letter.You keep watching over us and keep delivering quality golden patrol from the gates above. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 12, 2013

A man should accept onus for his actions, it is a shame that evil young man let his depression and personal concerns, problems spill over into wanton violence costing a very decent and loyal servant of God, yourself, Officer Cook, your life. We all have some burdens and of course we need someone to share them with. That's all you were endeavoring to do, what a shame! This community has always been touched by your sincerity and humanity. It was what you brought to the table my neighbor, friend and hero, that has left us feeling satisfied knowing you performed beyond the call of duty and yet a feeling of emptiness over your loss. Look, I'm still sad over your loss after all these years and still sob when I think of you which is quite often. Rest in peace. Your friendship would have been the best circumstance since my lovely wife, Holly, came into my life nearly twenty years ago along with my two sons, Matthew and Joshua.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 12, 2013

Go venture in pleasure, but work hard and know that whatever you accomplish as long as there is effort, the Good Lord will bless you. For all the good work you did, Officer Cook,you surely will be blessed. Your outstanding actions on May 16, 1979 saved the day and the hero that you always were will forever remain. For taking care of your parents and beloved wife, Karen and supporting them as you faithfully did, you will receive as you have been these past thirty-four years the ultimate reward. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Let you love shine down always, pave the way for us to travel through this darkness that still pervades our world.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 12, 2013

What men prize most is a privilege, even if it be that of a chief mourner at a funeral. The privilege was indeed an honor for those officers, men and women to have not only known you, Officer Cook, but to have worked with you at their side. To have been afforded the humble honor to act as a pallbearer at your Inspector's Funeral is of even greater importance. You were a very pertinent fixture within your division and your department was treasured to have you on board as one of their most truly valuable colleagues. Your absence today only makes our hearts grow fonder of you each and everyday that you have been taken, called by God to now serve Him eternally. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. It was most ironic that your young life was taken a day after the very first Dade County Police Memorial, Tuesday, May 15, 1979. You believed in truth and justice done properly and with a common sense approach of fairness for all.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 12, 2013

Audemus jura nostra defendere. A quick lesson in Latin. We dare defend our rights. You dared to risk you entire life for our safety and protection, Officer Cook, for what we as the citizens who were served by yourself and the many other fine men and women in law enforcement, we can at least pay homage to your bravery and look up to the heavens and now the light of your beloved soul will never be extinguished. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. These rights our an essential construction of our Constitution.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 12, 2013

The same space of time seems shorter as we grow older...in youth we may have an absolutely new experience, subjective or objective, every hour of the day. Appreciation is vivid, retentiveness strong and our recollections of that time, like those of a time spent in rapid and interesting travel, are of something intricate, multitudinous and long drawn out. But as each passing year converts some of this experience into automatic routine which we hardly note at all, the days and the week smooth themselves out in recollection to contentless units and the years grow hollow and collapse. As the years advance and we grow older, we all still remember the wonderful and caring person you were, Officer Cook. Your commitment, your honesty and valor along with a plethora of commendations will always stand the test of time as how you will be forever conceived. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 12, 2013

Nature abhors the old and old age seems the only disease; all others run into this one. If mother nature ever ran into your beloved mother, Mrs. Julia Cook, may she live and be well, Officer Cook, it would run up to he rand give her a big hug for the kind of first class upbringing she gave you and Nancy. I wish I could still go to San Diego, meet her and give her a big hug and say after all these years I can get the rust off off me by finally sitting down and speaking with her. She is truly a marvelous and a most honorable and dignified human being. So devout in her faith and in taking care of herself along with some aid from her two loving grandsons, Josh and Justin. It's my fault, I should have looked her up sooner once I read that book, "Forgotten Heroes." I was able to obtain her address by just driving in the area one September morning saw a yellow car and met your nephew, Justin. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 11, 2013

Be civil to all; sociable to many; familiar with few; friend to one; enemy to none. I want to utter with full clarity that these last few words most assuredly apply to you, Officer Cook. You were a man of many passions and hobbies. But, first and most importantly you were a devoted son, loving brother to your sister, Nancy, beloved husband to Karen. Caring serious, calm in the face of calamity, known to all in your division and department and enigmatic and energetic within your ranks, how could anyone go wrong, go astray knowing you would always back them up. Saving seven lives in one day, now this humbly take a really special kind of individual and Karen, Nancy and Mrs. Cook, your beloved was what America bases its core values upon. As you were way more mature than your twenty-five years in this world, you led the way in metriculating through your department and on patrol in this community to guarantee that one and all citizens enjoyed and prospered by your decency and instrumental approaches in solving everyday problems that may have arisen. I am sorry we never, rather, I never had the chance along with my family to have known you first as a friend, a neighbor, a most honorable and reliable police officer,and now and for eternity a hero. Attending Sabal Palm Elementary and John F. Kennedy Junior High as you and your neighbor, Leonard Cooperman did, I experienced a problem, bullying, this goes on in our schools today and if we were the same age, I'm sure as my friend, you would have not let this occur to me and myself, I would have defended and looked out after you. Back in 1959 until you graduated in 1965, I do not think this was happening with much frequency. Rest in peace, let your brightness and politeness shine as those whirlybirds by your grave keep spinning in the wind reminding us that life goes on as we all miss you very greatly.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 11, 2013

When women are the advisers, the lords of creation don't take the advice until they have persuaded themselves that it is just what they intended to do; then they act upon it and if it succeeds, they give the weaker vessel half the credit of it; if it fails, they generously give her the whole. You can give your wife, Karen, credit for all your success. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. She is a very inspirational person who made a terrific wife and companion for yourself.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 11, 2013

Let us be of good cheer, however, remembering that the misfortunes hardest to bear are those which never come. You were an accomplished individual, Officer Cook, always upbeat and optimistic with that beautiful smile which we all know is making those who have joined you on God's golden beat laugh a mile a minute. Today, I took my son, Joshua to visit your grave. You were a mighty person and my beloved neighbor, friend and hero. Rest in peace. You placed your good creed into all your deeds and never spoke with a double tongue, meaning you spoke only the truth in working to calm people down and realize that every side has two sides and where compromise could be attainable.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 11, 2013

It behooves every man to remember that the work of the critic ... is of altogether secondary importance and that in the end, progress is accompanied by the man who does...things. You did all the right things, Officer Cook and you lived your life positively by these virtues along with your beloved wife, Karen. Karen knew you were a sensationally gentle man and one of kindness and humility. She knew how very much you enjoyed your work, despite the risks involved. She knew you were her beloved husband in shining armor who saved the day on May 16, 1979 for all involved in that tragedy. Handsome and heroic, you personified why God places us on this Earth, to perform acts of loving and true kindness. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 8, 2013

The country needs and, unless I mistake its temper, the country demands bold, persistent experimentation. It is common sense to take a method and try it; if it fails, admit it frankly and try another. But above all, try something. You tried everything in your power with spontaneity to bring to an end the ugliness that cost you your life on May 16, 1979 and nearly the lives of your fellow officers. Your resolve was clear, as was your courage to conquer all. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 8, 2013

Every man feels instinctually that all the beautiful sentiments in the world weigh less than a single lovely action. And it was an action of which men and women of great resolve are known for performing on our behalf which further enhances the purpose by which we breathe and continue living. Officer Cook, your virtue and selflessness was very much a part of the morale within your division. The sense of humor you had made difficult moments a little easier to swallow. You'll be forever remembered for saving the day on May 16, 1979. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 7, 2013

Do not delay: Do not delay; the golden moments fly! Well they sure do pass us by when we are not aware of them. A promising career in law enforcement can fly by faster than a blink of the eye. Your bright future, Officer Cook,was one that permeated throughout the ranks. So brave, so certain, one of the best officers to firmly state who did his job well and with all the tools around you to make sophisticate matters look rather simple. Just more level headed and even tempered than most. Those golden moments indeed were special for you, Officer Cook and for sharing them with your family. God before He called you home allowed you to enjoy the most sacred times with those who truly valued your warm friendship. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davisl

August 7, 2013

The reality of an officer who sacrifices their life for our safety becomes the harsh realization that there are good and fair minded people who truly care about how this society functions. The nearer the dawn the darker the night. That fateful day, Officer Cook, as you awoke from your good night of sleep, you dressed, ate your breakfast, embraced Karen and off you went to endeavor to conquer the illness of our world. Evil. Though along the way, you came across many an articulate and intelligent group of people who enjoyed conversing with you. You now belong to Our Creator above and your memories still and forever belong to us to share with the generations of the future paved so eloquently by your inspiring presence. Rest in peace my neighbor,friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 7, 2013

You cannot have ecstasy and divine vision without bitterness and despair and both of these are the property of youth....For the young are not always lighthearted; youth bears with a heavy heart. The earth quakes beneath his tread; the stars are combined against him; he is the battleground for a menagerie which is ready to spring at his throat. And when in the midst of these disasters he finds a moment of calm or freedom, his heart goes up like a rocket to the farthest reaches of the sky. Your very soul which touched us with its tremendous passion, Officer Cook, is now like that rocket that goes where no person dared to explore. The work ethic which accentuated your life and career is the place where you battled evil so many times and came out in front of all. Our visions of tomorrow should be as bright as were your visions were back in the day. We can continue our voyages because of your travels in patrolling Dade County streets ensuring high quality protection to every citizen who ever walked those sacred sidewalks. And because of your firmness and calming mannerisms in police work the community you so dearly loved and those who respected and loved you now have better buildings, homes to raise their children, all in the good name of their hero and a genuine Dade County Police hero, Officer William C. Cook: Badge#1664. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. We applaud you and your fellow officers who were unmoved by violence and tackled danger head on risking your entire beings for our safeties and knowledge that one day we will all reunite with you to share the magnificent stories of our lives that your soul could only look down upon.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 7, 2013

I mourn no more my vanished years: Beneath a tender rain, an April rain of smiles and tears, my heart is young again. Your tender heart will forever be young and vivacious again, Officer Cook. You spent your entire being, your life seeing that others would follow in your footsteps and passions. You just wanted to live life to its fullest and you did. We just wanted you here for many more decades to share what you appreciated and what you contributed back to this society. Tears and smiles of honor and dignity were given you when this community said their goodbyes and laid you to rest for a job done properly and with grace. We'll always mourn your tragic loss, we can cry whenever we want to shed tears of hope and renewal that because of you my neighbor, friend and hero, we can all breath easier at night knowing you cared for your community so dearly and were our most loyal advocate championing the causes of good versus evil and succeeding in that battle.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 7, 2013

Blessings on thee, little man, barefoot boy, with cheek of tan!... From my heart, I give thee joy- I was once a barefoot boy! You gave your parents so much pride and joy, Officer Cook, and you would be amazed by your great-nephew, Legend, what a fine young man he is, having kicked a soccer ball in your parents backyard with him. You now rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero fully robed in honor with your full uniform on. You shining badge pinned to your chest , your name plate and even your weapon on your waistband. These essentials are what you took with you to heaven when God called you home to now serve as His Golden Angel where wickedness can't rear its ugliness.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 7, 2013

Youth sees too far to see how near it is to seeing farther. Our youth is like a rustic at the play. That cries aloud in simple-hearted fear. Curses the villain, shudders at the fray and weeps before the maiden's wreathed. You had the clearest vision, Officer Cook, to view far beyond what a mere mortal come view, you embodied all the basics what made you so sure of yourself. With this inane clarity, we can see why you were successful and so achieving. The best of the best, Chief Jacobs, now I really understand why your friend, classmate and colleague, Bill Cook, Officer Cook to myself and others was ahead of the scales of time. These scales of justice are missing out on one truly extraordinary gentleman. His humbleness and his humility did his talking while passionately performing his duties. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. His foundations of maturity allowed him to be the person who could do anything for anyone no matter what their race, background or affiliation. Just a super human being, more importantly a never to be forgotten hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 7, 2013

Youth condemns; maturity condones. This be our solace: that it was not said when we were young and warm and in our prime, upon our couch we lay as lie the non-living, sleeping away the unreturning time. I wish, we all wish we could get back the time that has gone, we can't, but we can still vividly remember what you meant to this this great land, Officer Cook. Young and bold, unfazed by fear which grips our very souls and unafraid to conquer where no person would travel to, your common sense approach to life and to its mysteries will forever remain a treasured legacy. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. You served us in confidence and for serving with honor and integrity, you deserve to rest in eternal comfort surrounded by your father and a multitude of multi-talented men and women who too were unafraid and unfazed to tackle life's challenges to make living safer and more sound.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 7, 2013

Oh, thou child of many prayers! Life has quicksands-life has snares! Care and age come unawares! No one knows when their time is near. We live our lives go through tunnels, climb the highest mountains, look up at the bright and shining stars at night and know that now because of your career, Officer Cook, you are among those constellations. You were born in November, not sure what your sign is, but we will remember your commendable life and your colleagues will remember your dependability in times of trouble. They {the county or city} should declare each day as a day of honor for each officer or officers who sacrificed their life or lives on that day. We can't have a problem with every May 16, being referred to as "Officer William C. Cook Day." There is an officer, you might have known who worked for your department and has two street signs in his honor, a little unusual but fitting never the less. His name was Officer Ephriam Brown, the first officer in the city of Opa Locka killed in the line of duty. He is buried near you in the Saint Patrick's One Section at Dade Memorial Park. His birthday was November 30, 1957, four years after you were born. Coincidence, don't know, but just as brave and courageous as yourself. His stone does not have a badge, no one other than his family or someone like myself would know he was a police officer. Someone should at least put an emblem on that stone and give this young man some honor and dignity for what he too accomplished. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 7, 2013

The number one thing young people in America-indeed, young people around the world-have going for them is their sense of honesty, morality and ethics. Young people refuse to accept the lies and rationalizations of the established order. You gave your life on behalf of these morals, Officer Cook and we the citizens of Dade County owe you a giant debt of gratitude for having taken on what most men and women would dare to touch, much less tackle. A young man willing to forgo his life and stand face to face bravely saving seven persons does not just happen commonly everyday. You were the prime example of what true character and exemplary leadership is all about. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Youth comes but once in a lifetime and it most assuredly was served when you became a Metro-Dade Police Officer who gave more than an honest day's effort to keep Dade citizens safe an din check.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 7, 2013

Respect the child. Be not too much his parent. Trespass not on his solitude. Growing up as I mentioned previously, Officer Cook, I'm sure you and your wonderful sister, Nancy, had rules to follow. You went to friends homes, had sleepover nights and parties, but you were expected to adhere to guidelines that were set forth by your loving parents. Now I can see why you became so successful, so honorable and where you garnered your compassion and empathy for others. Your beloved mother, Mrs. Julia Cook and your beloved father, Mr. Charles Cook, may you both rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero, saw to this that you turned out well. Your mother should live and be well. I should have looked upyour mother in North Miami Beach and made sure to stop by her home on a daily basis while I was residing in Hallandale Beach and check on her well being. This was after I read you lived in this area in the book, "Forgotten Heroes." You did this and were justly rewarded. It says in our Old Testament, the Torah, that a person who honors their mother and father receives the blessings of a long life. God placed you on His earth for twenty-five years and you succeeded mightily in all of his challenges and you made this world a much better and a more prosperous place because of your imbued values and grace. I'll always think the world of your life and heroics, you made others better because of your acute awareness for their plight and if you saw a way to uplift someone you responded without a call being necessary. Rest in peace. This is the greatest heavenly reward one can earn.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 7, 2013