Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Be ashamed to die until you have won some victory for humanity. Character is what you are in the dark. You gave your life, Officer Cook, for peace and solidarity in the Dade county community who citizens respected your honest effort each day and in turn you so faithfully supported and served them with grace, dignity and integrity. A much beloved man of character, your police work stood front and center and your tenacity will remain as your legacy for other officers to endeavor to emulate. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 26, 2013

I know I have a first-rate mind, but that's no source of pride to me. Intelligent people are a dime a dozen. But I am proud of having character. In this world a man must either be an anvil or a hammer. We judge ourselves by what we feel capable of doing, while others judge us by what we have already done. Not in the clamor of the crowded street, not in the shouts and plaudits of the throng, but in ourselves, our triumph and defeat. First and foremost, Officer Cook, your mind was very sharp at all times, a tenacious officer and a terrific person at treating all people with the respect they so deserve. One only needs to look back at your employee jacket or official file to find only good things, the commendations you received for excellent police work. Just tap into your maturity as stated by your friend, classmate at Norland High and in the police academy, Chief Geoff Jacobs, who humbly stated that your maturity was greater than your years and this was why you endeavored to hammer out wickedness and put the anvil down on crime and particularly domestic violence, disputes of which you excelled in combating. Because of your compassion and demeanor, your calming voice of sanity was the main reason you succeeded in a valiant way to stop this chaos on May 16, 1979, from further spilling onto the streets of Dade County, which already was under the evil grip of racial tensions and unrest. No one knows when that day will come and you my neighbor, friend and hero, were a mighty source of genuine energy until the end fighting with your colleagues to keep the peace and sense of balance in the community and we can't thank you enough. Rest in peace. All disagreements for the sake of heaven are just that. You'll never be questioned by me or anyone for answering that call on May 16, 1979 and by your heroic actions which saved seven lives and possibly many more! One day real soon no more weaponry or anything will be needed to spread the words of justice and unity, only that coming kindly and humanely from our lips.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 25, 2013

If in my high moments, I have done some good, offered some service, shed some light, healed some wounds, rekindled some hope, or stirred someone from apathy and indifference, or in any way along the way helped somebody, then this campaign has not been in vain....If in my low moments, in word, deed or attitude, though some error of temper, taste or tone. I have caused anyone discomfort, created pain or revived someone's fears, that was not my truest self....I am not a perfect servant doing my best against the odds. As I develop and serve, be patient. God is not finished with me yet. Your work ethic never caused harm or torment to anyone, Officer Cook, it is we the citizens of Dade County who should take great pains and to go to great lengths to continue the work and foundation that you and all police heroes and heroines started to lay through your unwavering effort and diligent perseverance. Go on to deserving applause and you will be sure to meet it; and the way to deserve it is to be good and to be industrious. Indeed, you were resourceful and intuitive, my neighbor, friend and hero. Rest in peace in the palms of God's hands in perfect peace and know your labors will never be forgotten. Foundations are the legacies which can never torn down, it's our heroes and heroines who live and lead their lives and conduct and perform their careers not only by example, but, by their genuine characters as set forth by their parents and loved ones. Stellar character builds solid citizens. Solid people spread the words of honesty, of which grace, dignity and integrity are a well spring that never needs replenishing.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 25, 2013

God will not look you over for medals, degrees or diplomas, but for scars. There is a healthful hardiness about real dignity, that never dreads contact and communion with others, however humble. All police officers are ultimately judged by their performances in the fields where they go and patrol. For the most part, they perform given the circumstances very admirably. And you were this kind of superb officer, Officer Cook, solid character, stand up gentleman, who let his honesty, dignity and integrity speak volumes. Your humbleness was rewarded for which you served the citizens of Dade County, Florida. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 25, 2013

I meant to say to you, Karen, that no one should ever have to deal with the loss of a loved one. There is no end to the sufficiency of character. It can afford to wait; it can do without what is called success. Your husband, Officer Cook, Karen, was a grand man of character, that which was founded on the living rock of principle. This was his wonderful upbringing that brought the two of you together. The legacy that your husband left behind surely left not only an immediate impact, but a continuous, progressive and never-ending memorial. It survives the man who possessed it; your beloved husband, this survived his young age- his country-his community-more importantly how he addressed those citizens of which he took an affirmation to serve and to protect. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. A true and faithfully loyal man of strong character!

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 25, 2013

Character contributes to beauty. It fortifies a woman as her youth fades. A mode of conduct, a standard of courage, discipline, fortitude and integrity can do a great deal to make a woman beautiful. That's why you married Karen, Officer Cook, her grace and courage in dealing with your tragic loss. Wives of police officers always seem to live by the moment on the edge. She was and still is the epitome of a lovely woman, so graceful as you were and faithful to God for bringing the two of you together in the bonds of holy matrimony. Her honesty and dignity were reflections of your life with her and as a solid police officer that Dade County citizens have known to love and to cherish your memories during your watch. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Beauty to some is skin deep, Karen, we do not know each other, but rest assured I have never stopped thinking of your wonderfully heroic husband, Officer William C. Cook. I was the gentleman who wrote the letter on your family's behalf to the cemetery to have them replace what was taken from his stone. It was only proper for a totally righteous man to have his dignity returned to him and his family. If you are in Florida ever, you can look me up from Mrs. Gina Wilkerson, whom my wife, Holly and I have the pleasure of meeting. and we can meet, along with your husband. I know you have remarried and do wish only success and blessings to you both. No one should ever have to deal with the loss of alone done nor be alone in their moment of grief. You had a great support system, Karen, from your husband's fellow brothers and sisters in the law enforcement community.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 24, 2013

Habit is habit and not to be flung out of the window by any man, but coaxed downstairs a step at a time. Your career Officer Cook, was carved out one step at a time and was the role model for other officers to follow. Your temperament served you well in being able to handle all events and situations that you came across. let us make it a habit to remember for always your life, career and that of your fellow comrades who too gave their lives to make us safer. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 24, 2013

I meant to say in this last reflection, that you never left your parents home or your house you had with Karen. Officer Cook, without these ethics or disciplines which were taught to you by them. may your mother, Mrs. Julia Cook, llive and be well. We are taught that whoever honors their parents is blessed with long life. We are all very sorrowful over your tragic loss, Officer Cook, but when we look back and have looked back, we know you only gave both of your beloved parents all the honor and respect they deserved. You're their hero and they were very proud of your life and its accomplishments. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 23, 2013

Let that which stood in front go behind, let that which was behind advance to the front, let bigots, fools, unclean persons, offer new propositions, let the old propositions be postponed. All that you stood for, Officer Cook, all your life that was achieved through humility and humbleness, accomplishment and hard work will always be the standard bearer for future generations of men and women who were as brave as you. Assist those who now carry on this important role in service and protection of their communities. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Let evil, bigotry, hate be completely wiped out and off the face of this earth to be replaced with good old fashioned honesty, decency, integrity and unity for all mankind. This is what you accentuated and this is what we shall stand for!

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 23, 2013

These are the days when men of all social disciplines and all political faiths seek the comfortable and the accepted; when the man of controversy is looked upon as a disturbing influence; when originality is taken to be a mark of instability; and when, in minor modification of the scriptural parable, the bland lead the bland. To say that a thing has never yet been done among men is to erect a barrier stronger than reason, stronger than discussion. Familiarity may breed contempt in some areas of human behavior, but in the field of social ideas it is the touchstone of acceptability. We all look for what is comfortable for us to live by,most of the time and change for a good and practical cause is good for the country, the communities in which we look to thrive in a succeed in raising our children to behave properly with ethics, discipline. In your community for six years, Officer Cook, you made this dream turn into reality by your humility toward others, your compassion, which was your mantel, the passion you took everyday to your profession and your heroism that was sacred to your accomplished life and career. You never left either your beloved parents home, nor your home with your beloved wife, Karen. You exemplified the teachings of Scripture and dedicated nothing less than one-hundred percent effort on behalf of all Dade County citizens, in which women and men so brave come along once in a lifetime. God bless you and may you rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. All change is a miracle to contemplate; but it is a miracle which is taking place every instant and your service, Officer Cook, your professionalism along with God's hands are and what has been guiding us along these past thirty-four years.Of course we wish you could be here to physically witness these monumental changes. But we recognize that your assertiveness has been that guiding light in enacting these changes for the betterment of society and that is why better for these new leases on the lives of the citizens of Dade County whom you served and protected, than all the world around them.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 22, 2013

No nation is free from the terrible burdens of historic evils; no nation is composed of angels, free from human frailty. The relevant question is not-are these people perfect? But-what are they doing about their imperfections? In what direction are they moving and how fast? No nation is free and clear of evil and the wickedness it leaves behind. Surely, Officer Cook, you and the many gallant men and women of law enforcement had major roles in keeping the peace and serenity in your beloved communities. Officers can under only work under the circumstances they are given at times and I'm sure you performed very well under these conditions. A highly motivated and well breed officer who surely knew when to act and when to practice restraint. Your heroism will certainly stand for all time as you rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 22, 2013

If we learn the art of yielding what must be yielded to the changing present we can save the best of the past. Sometimes in police work, compromise may be the best solution to the problem at hand. One of your methods you used, Officer Cook, was the route of compromising of which you were the very best at. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 22, 2013

Commerce is of trivial import; love, faith, truth of character, the aspiration of man, these are sacred. They sure were in your life with Karen, Officer Cook and before you got married, growing up and while employed as a Metro-Dade Police Officer. You were like the Abraham, when God gave him ten tests, he passed them all, including the last one, when on the Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashanah, when God told him take your son, Isaac to Mount Moriah and sacrifice him. The angel suddenly appeared and directed him to put down the ax he was going to kill his son with. If only that young man had complied with your orders, you would be here, Officer Cook, he'd be here and no harm would have come to anyone. You lived heroically and gave your life and efforts only in the very same first class humble manner. A hero through and through. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 21, 2013

Courage charms us, because it indicates that a man loves an idea better than all things in the world and that he is thinking neither of his bed, nor his dinner, nor his money, but will venture all to put in act the invisible thought of his mind. Your politeness, straight forwardness, folksy manner served you very well, Officer Cook. But it was your bravery, courage, dignity and integrity along with the respect you garnered from the citizens you were so faithful in serving that allowed for your achievements. Without any of the above, your career would not been measured by the humbleness of your service, rather the opposite, heaven forbid. You were a grand person and fellow officer to be around and you're missed very much today and for always. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. I'll always and forever hold you and your loving and charming family members in the highest esteem.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 21, 2013

Courage, considered in itself or without reference to its causes, is no virtue and deserves no esteem. It is found in the best and the worst and is to be judged according to the qualities from which it springs and from which it is conjoined. This is the very price that life exacts for granting peace. Your courage, Officer Cook, has not and never ever will be called into question for your police actions, heroic as they were on May 16, 1979. If people had overreacted and heaven forbid there had been a racial riot in the streets of Liberty City, where you gave your valiant young life to serve and to protect, I'm not sure the ramification, all we know is that you displayed a great deal of restraint and mettle in your efforts to calm the people and appease those who witnessed your bravery and positive exploits unfold into swiftness and a resolve to stop a further escalation of tensions between this young man, your colleagues and those three civilians. All of us are grateful and very proud of the kind of human being you were, so wonderfully gifted, who had much more to live for and sacrificed your being to allow us to unite in a more peaceful manner among all citizens. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 21, 2013

Books won't stay banned. They won't burn. ideas won't go to jail. But, evil people who commit heinous crimes against ordinary law abiding citizens and against innocent law enforcement officers, surely need to be tried by the courts, found guilty of their crimes and be locked up at least for the rest of their lives. I read too many incidents, Officer Cook, of your colleagues having their lives snuffed out and the perpetrator is acquitted. This is a very state of affairs. I read of a Philadelphia police officer back in 1872, shot and killed in the line of duty and his killer's punishment, six and a half years in prison. I'll keep reading and reflecting and for your heroism, rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. I don't know when you attended Sabal Palm Elementary School, now renamed for a former principal, Mrs. Gertrude K. Edelman, they had a program in reading called SRA, when I went there. I wonder if Mr. Aldeen Lindgren was the principal when you went there?

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 21, 2013

All books are either dreams or swords, you can cut,or you can drug with words. You preferred to speak politely to folks, Officer cook. This was the most successful method you employed and it sure for the majority of your service never let you down. We know people can be sensitive and that is exactly why people with power, honest men, women so brave have to act in a genuinely truthful and trustworthy manner. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero, keep the light brightly burning in God's grand library as His chief librarian.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 21, 2013

Between the Bible, both the New and the Old Testament and novels, there is a gulf fixed which few novel readers are willing to pass. The consciousness of virtue, the dignified pleasure of having performed one's duty, the serene remembrance of a useful life, the hopes of an interest in Our redeemer and the promise of a glorious inheritance in the favor of God are never found in novels. Your life, Officer Cook was certainly a most blessed and rewarded one. So full of passion, the emotional scales of your tragic loss certainly were toppled, but not forever. We can surely upright our ships if we heed the words of Our Creator and respect and treat all people as you would want them to treat you. This was the golden rule that was instilled in you and inbred in your ethnicity and work environment. Officers should never have to be told that this is always expected of them. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 21, 2013

Books tell me so much that they inform me of nothing. Sophistry, the bane of freemen, launches forth in all her deceiving attire! After all, most men reason from passions; and shall such an ignorant individual as I am deciding and announcing this side is right, that side is wrong? Sentiment and feeling are the only guides I know. You probably enjoyed reading, Officer Cook and this is one sure way to stimulate your mind as one grows older. It helps keep you mentally acute. It is noted that books are the quietest and most constant of friends...and the most patient of teachers. This is how you exemplified being a great police officer, patient, confident in a humble way and a teacher and faithful leader for all. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 21, 2013

The destiny of all Americans regardless of race is the destiny of America. Where justice is denied, where poverty is enforced, where ignorance prevails and where any one class is made to feel that society is an organized conspiracy to oppress, rob and degrade them, neither persons nor property will be safe. And all Dade County and America has brave officers like yourself, Officer Cook, to thank for steadfastly protecting us and our properties. Your dignity, you rcommitment to duty has afforded us the giant opportunity to persevere in all of our endeavors. If justice was served that day, it was served by Detective Donald Blocker, your friend and colleague who arrived on the scene and killed the young man who took your life away from you and denied your family and all of us from witnessing further greatness and loyalty to all people. You were the hero that day of May 16, 1979 and so were your friends who if not for your courage might not be here as well. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. God has destiny inscribed for each of us, you were always destined for greatness and its true inner meaning among heroes and heroines who laid their lives down for our pursuits of happiness, peace and prosperity.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 20, 2013

Skepticism is the chastity of the intellect and it is shameful to surrender it too soon or to the first comer; there is nobility in preserving it cooly and proudly through a long youth, until at last, in the ripeness of instinct and discretion, it can be safely exchanged for fidelity and happiness. Your young life, Officer Cook, may have been lost by a bullet from a young man who went insane and thought that hurting or ambushing police officers to death would solve the problems we all face each day as we live our lives. It does not of course and only reinforces the hopes and spirits of our great land of which you played a much vitally needed role. We were deprived of seeing a great and humble man carrying on many more good deeds that would only benefit our society. I truly am sorry, I never got the chance to meet you and to break bread with you talking and sharing ideas of how we could together make this world a better place which of course you sir surely and courageously did while dedicating your life to public service. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 20, 2013

God's miracles are to be found in nature itself; the wind, the waves, the wood that becomes a tree-all of these are explained biologically, but behind them is the hand of God. And I believe that this is true of creation itself. God works miracles for every person, place and thing in the world that He Himself with no assistance brought forth in creation. Police officers are devoted public servants, men and women, who take a solemn oath to tackle issues to numerous and complex for everyday ordinary individuals to handle. One must be physicallyand mentally capable, first of all. Working at all times and meteorological conditions, during hurricanes. They must be strong, brave, have dignity and integrity in every bone in their bodies. Basically, Officer Cook, you were a twenty-four seven person. Whatever task you were assigned you carried it out with grace and fairness personified. The people of Dade County will forever remember you for this. A man among men and women. I wonder if Lt. Cheryl Seiden worked out of your Central Division as well as her husband, Detective Sergeant Mark Seiden, who now works on Brickell Avenue as an attorney. I'm pretty certain he knew you, as did another officer, David Graveline, who went on to become a newscaster in Miami at the old WCIX Channel Six, WINZ 940 Radio as well as 610 WIOD Radio. Talk about areal blkast from the past. Perhaps your friend, classmate and colleague, Chief Geoff Jacobs has heard of these gentlemen as well as Lt.Cheryl Seiden. She was killed in the line of duty in July, 1983, she also taught coincidentally at the Visitation Catholic Church where you and your beloved wife, Karen worshipped. If we could only make miracles happen and bring you back with those who loved you and you gave your respect back to them. Everyone cared for you. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. I'll never forget your life, lived so well and your career so well personified.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 20, 2013

Every idea is an incitement. It offers itself for belief and if believed, it is acted on unless some other belief outweighs it, or some failure of energy stifles the movements at its birth. Credulity is not a crime. Every time, every moment you were out on patrol in the streets, Officer Cook, you had to constantly be thinking of how to outwit the evil that would rear its ugliness. All officers have to be optimistic, if they are not only going to thrive, but to survive the rigors that face them daily. To have done this superbly, you deserve all the honor and humbleness that comes your way. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 20, 2013

O beauty, old yet ever new! Eternal voice and inward word. Beauty seen is never lost, God's colors all are fast. Say not of beauty, she is good, or aught but beautiful. Oh, if we could relive the good old days, Officer Cook and have you here with us to witness the transformations within the community you served so well and faithfully thirty-four years ago. We are born believing. Men and women have beliefs as a tree bears its fruit. You wanted to become a police officer since your younger days and nothing was going to detour you nor distract you from reaching your primary goal. Next time we taste something sweet, we can think of you, because everything about you an dyour life was only sweetened with success and success breeds just that. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. No pun intended, but you and Nancy were the apples of your parents eyes.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 20, 2013

Beauty is the virtue of the body, as virtue is the beauty of the soul. Nothing in human life, least of all in religion, is ever right until it is beautiful. It's thought that long habits of virtue have a sensible effect on the countenance. And since there is certainly no absolute standard of beauty, that is precisely what makes its pursuit so interesting. Your body and mind, Officer Cook, worked so well together as one unit this was what made you so accomplished during your career with the Metro-Dade Police Department and when you started out with the Dade County Public Department at Jackson Hospital where I believe you met your beloved wife, Karen. The two of you worked well together within your chosen careers and the dedication you displayed to your citizens and Karen, to her patients was what stood out from all the rest. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 20, 2013