Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Grief can take care of itself, but to get the full value of joy you must have somebody to divide it with. The grief over any loss is usually shared not only by family and friends, but by the community at large. Your community mourned your loss, Officer Cook, they came from all over the country to share in your family's anguish and to offer you one final salute for a job well done. Your commendable actions, your humility of character is something that has resonated loud and clear all these years and will forever continue to do so. The loss of one brave and very skilled and talented officer does not permanently shut down a police department, as brave men and women patrol the streets while all the honors that you deserve come your way as the bagpipes wail, the helicopters fly above, men and women in polished shoes and freshly pressed uniforms gather to salute your gallantry. Oh yes they do, they stand in the same elements, hot and cold weather to remember your life as a hero and your vivid career as a humble servant of God when you laid down your life to preserve and protect our prosperity. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. We meet grief with dignity in sadness and yet rejoice in knowing that our loved one no longer suffers from constant pain. Of course, it's different when a young man of reason, of purpose who just has the best intentions in serving our needs is needlessly taken suddenly from us. It's hard to conjure up emotions just by snapping our fingers and yet we know God has a plan for us all. We believe, at least some believe we will by united one day. We Shall Be One! One nation under God indivisible with liberty and justice for all.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

September 9, 2013

Happiness is a way-station between too little and too much. Happiness is the only sanction of life; where happiness fails, existence remains a mad and lamentable experiment. That golden smile coming from you, Officer Cook, if only we knew each other. I can tell and your family could verify this for me, that you were a happy and contented person. You married a lovely woman in Karen at a young age because of this maturity that accentuated your personas and the career that you had with the Metro-Dade Police Department and Karen as a registered nurse. It made you the humble and yet supremely confident officer in all your abilities. Those who knew you lament your loss, a loss for all mankind, the family that loved you and you gave back all the love and warmth that any child could give to their parents, your friends in the department and within your community where you resided. Your upstanding faith and the devoutness by which you placed your trust and Karen's in Our Creator's hands to steer your comings and goings. The world today through your bravery and valor is a little less dangerous than when you watched over us. Now it is this great onus that God has placed on your shoulders for eternity to continue observing us as you rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

September 9, 2013

Happiness, to some elation; is to others, mere stagnation. You always made others happy, Officer Cook, your family, friends and those men and women who risked heir lives to keep us safe and sound. Stagnation was not a word in your vocabulary. The officer you were was someone who if they saw a problem or trouble just tried to help others tackle or to solve it. For six solid and well committed years this was your daily sweat, toil, and in the end, your blood that came from your being, in order for our beings to have the necessary peace and unity. If only that young man had complied with you and your fellow officers, of course, to say should, could or would is not going to change the complexion of what transpired. You have and will forever be our hero. A man of character to your family, to your faith, a shining light whose wonderful soul remains lit for eternity. A true Godsend and disciple of trust, truth and loyalty. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

September 9, 2013

It is neither wealth nor splendor, but tranquility and occupation, which give happiness. You and Karen, Officer Cook, lived humbly and worked tirelessly for all. You served and protected Dade County with valor and courage, Karen, provided excellent quality care as a registered nurse with a compassion and a passion that was unlike her peers. You both were very devoted and dedicated human beings who inspired others around you to perform not only properly, but do a first class job as well. Your professions were your sounding boards as our inspirations today as they were yesterday. Your sacrifice my neighbor, friend and hero, may have partially broken that sacred chain, but it did not break it off completely, as our fine men and women continue your watch. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

September 9, 2013

The greatest obstacle to being heroic is the doubt whether one may not be going to prove one's self a fool; the truest heroism is to resist the doubt-and the profoundest wisdom, to know when it ought to be resisted and when to be obeyed. We sometimes show pity on persons who are lacking in understanding. Sharing our knowledge might tend to raise their horizons a little bit to where they become a bit more aware. Officer Cook, you raised the bar of excellence within your division and in your department. It not only would be, but is a crying shame when officers go astray from the very same laws we have to obey that they take an oath to require us to comply. A man rich in knowledge that broadened all persons and their horizons, you inspected what you expected and have always wanted for your fellow comrades to follow along on this path. They can never go wrong, listening and learning from their life and career paths. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

September 9, 2013

What I must do is all that concerns me, not what people think. This rule...may serve for the whole distinction between greatness and meanness. It is harder because you will always find those who think they know what is your duty better than you know it. It is easy in the world to live after the world's opinion; it is easy in solitude to live after our own; but the great man is he who in the midst of the crowd keeps with perfect sweetness the independence of solitude. You were this type of person, Officer Cook, in character and in deed. personable to all and you treated all citizens you served with the utmost respect. You kept the peace and unity in the community where you were dearly loved and cherished. You performed your duties only at the most proper and highest level that is expected of all officers. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. The solitude you experience in God's heaven and have experienced for the last thirty-four years is where the peaceful quiet is quite beautiful. Your reward is everlasting as you and your father, Charles enjoy the finest eternal conversations with one another and with those men and women who paid the same dear price as you paid for our safeties.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

September 9, 2013

Freedom is the right to one's dignity as a man. And it was one's young man's violent indiscretion which lead to your death, Officer Cook and motivated Dade County to purchase side panels for its Metro-Dade police officers. For this a great thank you my neighbor, friend and hero is paid to you and your fellow comrades who have sacrificed in order for freedom to be realized. Rest in peace.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

September 8, 2013

There is no freedom on earth or in any star for those who deny freedom to others. Men and women of law enforcement so bold in their swiftness to act, who give their lives in the line of duty for the safety of their communities, factually have their freedoms taken from them and yet when it comes to having Miranda rights, these people who are culpable and should be held accountable have these legal avenues to utilize when hiring representation to defend them. As I've read on the Officer Down Memorial Page too many times these persons have been acquitted by juries who might and were blinded by the truth. Officer Cook, your jurisdiction over Dade County citizens revealed your honorable character and well intentions in allowing us to pursue our lives and livelihoods as we see fit. History will and has recorded your meaningful life and career which culminated on May 16, 1979 with your stellar accomplishments saving your four colleagues and three civilians. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

September 8, 2013

A man of discipline, a disciple of faith, character and loyalty. This was what you represented in life, Officer Cook and in your profession. You stood up for the rights of every citizens you served and did so with honor, integrity and dignity. Your service my neighbor, friend and hero allowed us to have and to make choices based upon our needs, because you placed our needs above yours and your sacrifice constitutes a great deal of appreciation on our parts. Rest in peace.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

September 8, 2013

We are reluctant to admit that we owe our liberties to men and women of a type today we hate and fear-unruly men and women who resent and denounce what was
described as 'the insolence of elected persons"-in a word, free men and women....Freedom is always purchased at a great price and even those who are willing to pay it have to admit that the price is great. Your loving family, friends and comrades all know the very dear price you paid, Officer Cook and have always truly recognized how very special, loyal, dear and uniquely superior you were as one of Metro-Dade's finest and one of its most personable and ever faithful servants to its citizens. You protected us with all your might and with an unusually large dose of compassion and compassion blended together to produce the proper results. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero, allow us to follow in your paths along the lines of decency and honesty. It generally enables a person to travel a long way down the trails of success. Keep God's Honor Roll intact as you and your comrades watch over the officers of this great land attempt to bring down evil.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

September 4, 2013

There is...but one response possible from us; force, force to the utmost, force without stint or limit, the righteous and triumphant force which shall make right the law of the world and cast every selfish dominion down in the dust. It took force to calm this young man down, Officer Cook and you'll never be doubted for your actions that day, you did want to use force, but reacted properly to defend yourself, your partner, Reserve Officer Lincoln and your colleagues who came under fire. It took your sacrifice, my neighbor, friend and hero to furnish future officers as well as those already on the force with those side panels. It should not have cost us the cherished life of one fine young officer to accomplish this, but you will be forever remembered for your charming demeanor and so much more. Rest in peace. Detective Blocker, your colleague arrived on the scene and heroically dealt with the young man, ending his life for having taken yours in the line of duty and nearly those of your fellow comrades. What happens to officers who are etched in marble is truly horrible, they surrender their life, so we can live another day, to go around as a child, to laugh and play, look at the price they pay, for us to walk around today. Just to ponder this thought is truly remarkable.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

September 4, 2013

The primary fruits of great people are their acts of goodness. An angel is called "the one who stands." Man is called "the one who walks." Officer Cook, as a man of devout faith, you walked every moment from conception in God's ways, as each who is born into this world does. Some of us strive, some are fortunate to survive and the others are just glad to be able to contribute in making this world a much better place. Your mission was to take from the examples of other officers and carry on their torch as passed down to you. The brilliance of your effort was like a shiny new and polished diamond. You enhanced police work by using your intelligence and the resources that were allotted to you in making Dade County citizens united once again. You molded and helped shape the the vision and inspiration of officers who joined the force after you. And your memory and heroism continues to be the driving force of inspiration and vision which had lead your department into the 21st century. We are indeed greater than angels, but it is yourself, Officer Cook, my neighbor, friend and hero who walks with humility among God's brightest stars in humbleness and alacrity with those heavenly angels. Keep making visions and inspirational paths wider for those to walk upon as you pave the way for all to follow in. Rest in peace.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

September 4, 2013

The primary fruits of great people are their acts of goodness. An angel is called "the one who stands." Man is called "the one who walks." Officer Cook, as a man of devout faith, you walked every moment from conception in God's ways, as each who is born into this world does. Some of us strive, some are fortunate to survive and the others are just glad to be able to contribute in making this world a much better place. Your mission was to take from the examples of other officers and carry on their torch as passed down to you. The brilliance of your effort was like a shiny new and polished diamond. You enhanced police work by using your intelligence and the resources that were allotted to you in making Dade County citizens united once again. You molded and helped shape the the vision and inspiration of officers who joined the force after you. And your memory and heroism continues to be the driving force of inspiration and vision which had lead your department into the 21st century. We are indeed greater than angels, but it is yourself, Officer Cook, my neighbor, friend and hero who walks with humility among God's brightest stars in humbleness and alacrity with those heavenly angels. Keep making visions and inspirational paths wider for those to walk upon as you pave the way for all to follow in. Rest in peace.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

September 4, 2013

The primary fruits of great people are their acts of goodness. An angel is called "the one who stands." Man is called "the one who walks." Officer Cook, as a man of devout faith, you walked every moment from conception in God's ways, as each who is born into this world does. Some of us strive, some are fortunate to survive and the others are just glad to be able to contribute in making this world a much better place. Your mission was to take from the examples of other officers and carry on their torch as passed down to you. The brilliance of your effort was like a shiny new and polished diamond. You enhanced police work by using your intelligence and the resources that were allotted to you in making Dade County citizens united once again. You molded and helped shape the the vision and inspiration of officers who joined the force after you. And your memory and heroism continues to be the driving force of inspiration and vision which had lead your department into the 21st century. We are indeed greater than angels, but it is yourself, Officer Cook, my neighbor, friend and hero who walks with humility among God's brightest stars in humbleness and alacrity with those heavenly angels. Keep making visions and inspirational paths wider for those to walk upon as you pave the way for all to follow in. Rest in peace.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

September 4, 2013

The probability that we may fall in the struggle ought not deter us from the support of a cause we believe in to be just; it shall not deter me. The greatest accomplishment is not in never falling, but in rising again after you fall. Never mind; if some of us were not so far behind, the rest of us were no so far ahead. Police officers all brave men and women who lay down their lives do so with a valid and a sacred purpose; to keep our land and its communities safe and sound. This is why among the twenty-one thousand officers who have given their lives, Officer Cook, yourself and forty-one other brave and courageous Metro-Dade Police officers have been so honored and will continue being afforded these honors. It was through your inspirational pursuits, your passionate vision to look at the big picture clearly and to be able to do so with all the personification of grace, dignity, honor and valor in a clear and concisely ethical manner. You were years ahead of other officers in the learning curve and in maturity. We have to bear in mind that this is not a race to the finish line to witness who comes in first place. We keep in mind that all officers act and react much differently than one another, but yet all of the above factors come into play when out on the streets patrolling your assigned areas. If morale seemed a bit sluggish, it was yourself, Officer Cook, who by your distinguished patience would gladly assist another officer and show them the proper way of handling a problem. You took pride in your profession and obviously it stood out as it did for Dade County's other heroes and heroines of law enforcement. A brave soul with a kind heart, who was truly compassionate and quite thoughtful, faithful in service with a bright smile that could light up any room and this is sorely missed each day. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

September 4, 2013

It is right and noble to fight wickedness and wrong; the mistake is in supposing that spiritual evil can be overcome by physical means. You prevailed in the fight, properly put, the battle in keeping the streets of Dade County peaceful. The evil that took you from us, Officer Cook, is tragically something that manifests itself in our country each day and officers from all across the United States and Canada attempt to rectify these elements in making peace a reality in their communities. Your colleagues have and will continue the fight you waged and you'll be forever honored with dignity for leading such a battle. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

September 4, 2013

As a person is equal to their house of worship that they choose as well as being equal, so too they are equal to every other person. You afforded all persons equal justice, Officer Cook and this is the legacy of which you'll forever be solemnly remembered for. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

September 4, 2013

A thousand ways cut short our days, none are exempt from death. A honey-bee by stinging me did stop my mortal breath. Unfortunately, officers have succumb to bee stings, this is one of the risks of the profession. The epitaph on your grave, Officer Cook, speaks humbly regarding your stellar character, "We Shall Be One," you were a gentleman and a fine young police officer who truly was committed to your community and it was demonstrated by your actions on May 16, 1979. I've just thought about you these last thirty-four years, I wished I could have been there to pull you to the ground and keep you from harm's way. Your heroism and grace will never be forgotten or placed on the back burner ever. You unified this community be using your intellect and fortitude to rein in evil. Wonderful, smart, believing and a person who accepted the onuses placed upon him. Never one to walk or back away from a challenge. Your wife, parents and sister knew the kind of personable human being who walked the face of this earth. You walked with humility and only truth was in your heart.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

September 3, 2013

It is an undeniable privilege of every man to prove himself right in the thesis that the world is his enemy; for he reiterates it frequently enough and makes it the background of his conduct, he is eventually bound to be right. God creates all people as He sees fit and then it is up to us to carry on with this blueprint we call life. You took this blueprint, Officer Cook and endeavored to help all people co-exist in this society. If only that young man could have received the help he so desperately needed. You and your fellow officers tried to do this and were heroic until the end. You did not have to prove anything to us, my neighbor, friend and hero. You were the friend that I needed most growing up next to my beloved parents. Rest in peace.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

September 3, 2013

Heroes and philosophers, brave men and women and vile individuals, have since Rome and Athens tried to make this particular manner of transfer of power work effectively; no people has succeeded at it better, or ever over a longer period of time, than the Americans. Yet as the transfer takes place, there is nothing to be seen except an occasional line outside a house of worship or school, or a file of people fidgeting in the rain, waiting to enter the booths. No bands play on election day, no troops march, no guns are readied, no conspirators gather in secret headquarters. The noise and the blare, the bands and the screaming, the pageantry and oratory of the long fall campaign, fade on election day. All the planning is over, all effort spent. Now the candidates must wait. You were the Dade County hero we all wish we could emulate in action and heroics. But we do know it's impossible to be like the next person. You devoted and dedicated your life and career to making people safe, sound and secure. Kids can laugh and play because of bravery and courage such as you, Officer Cook, displayed on May 16, 1979. Oh, if only you were here today with us my neighbor, friend and hero, I think I'd give you a great big hug and thanks for doing all that you did for us, along with the pageantry of a grand parade in which your would be the Grand Marshal. Rest in peace.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

September 3, 2013

True education makes for inequality; the inequality of individuality, the inequality of success; the glorious inequality of talent, of genius; for inequality, not mediocrity, individual superiority, not standardization, is the measure of the progress of the world. Your education, Officer Cook, served you very well during your career with the Metro-Dade Police Department. It made you sure to be able to go out and to patrol the community of which you certainly served the citizens with the proper respect, dignity and integrity your position called for. Gleaning ideas from your police academy and putting them to good use was why you achieved and will always be remembered as having a stoic composure when the situation called for it. Police officers always need refresher classes, continuing education just as doctors and lawyers need to keep their certifications valid and up to date in order to practice their professions. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

September 3, 2013

He who enters a university walks on hallowed ground. One who willingly enters the police academy is made aware of the risks and all the basic training that lies ahead. Officer Cook, you accepted these challenges willingly and without any reservations what so ever. This was what you had wanted to become from your younger days. I imagine being a Boy Scout taught you a lot about values and the disciplines that are associated with scouting. You probably enjoyed those survival camp outs, learning how to use a compass, a knife to cut persimmons to eat and when hiking, making certain your canteen was filled. Ten to twenty mile hikes make a person mature mighty fast. I was a Boy Scout too, I was associated with Troop 350 at Temple Sinai in NMB a reform synagogue next door to Troop 236 which was associated with St. Lawrence Catholic Church. I received the highest Jewish award in scouting, the Eternal Light Award or in Hebrew it's known as the Ner Tamid Award because it's light shines forever. Your light burns too forever my neighbor, friend and hero. Rest in peace. I'm humbled to be that troop's first recipient of this award. My parents were proud of me as your parents were proud of you and your resolve and heroism.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

September 2, 2013

No man can always be right. So the struggle is to do one's best; to keep the brain and conscience clear; never to be swayed by unworthy motives or inconsequential reasons, but to strive to unearth the basic factors involved and then do one's duty. You performed your basic duties, Officer Cook, with zest and exuberance, now it's up to other officers to do the same. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

September 2, 2013

In a reflection I recently left for you, Officer Cook, I meant to say we have missed your calming voice of reason. Your family, friends and colleagues who all came to know and love you. They can feel it resonating from God's green pastures above. Let no guilty man escape, if it can be avoided. be specially vigilant....No personal consideration should stand in the way of performing a public duty. Your work, Officer Cook, was always fair and unbiased. Top notch and first rate and this is why you accomplished and achieved the commendations you were given for the excellence that Dade County citizens could rely upon in the crunch. When the going gets tough, the tough get going. Stern when necessary, passionate and compassionate when it was appropriate. All the needed ingredients to make a police officer first class, of course honor, dignity and integrity are essential to one's entire employee jacket. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Let the light of the righteous and the straightness of God's way cause one to rejoice.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

September 2, 2013

Diplomacy, for example, is not the art of asserting ever more emphatically that attitudes should not be what they clearly are. It is not the repudiation of actuality, but the recognition of actuality and the use of actuality to advance our national interests. Tact and cunning are words that all police officers need to employ when out on patrol. Not just discipline and ethical values. But you, Officer Cook, utilized your entire tool box to accomplish the tasks at hand. I keep thinking that day if only you could have used the rifle in your cruiser with a canister of tear gas to get that young man to surrender and come out of the car a bit more peacefully. Even though, he held his girlfriend hostage and was not going to obey the commands of you and your fellow officers. Violence we all know begets violence and it's the first and foremost priority of all officers to ensure the public safety. Your actions, Officer Cook, were deemed properly as all your actions were during your entire watch, you tried to keep the peace while attempting to calm this troubled young man. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Police have to avoid being caught in gunfire, but yet, the training they receive enables them to do what they feel is most prudent at the time and yet is within the ethical confines of the law.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

September 2, 2013