Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

It is never right to compromise with dishonesty. The truly important ingredients of life are still the same as they always have been-true love and real friendship, honesty and faithfulness, sincerity, unselfishness and selflessness, the concept that it is better to give than to receive, to do unto others as you would have them do unto you. These principles are still around, they have not gone away. Officer Cook, this is so true of you and your life and stellar career encapsulated. You gave more than we could ever give, the proper and most fitting way to honor your memory is to continue spreading the love and good deeds around society. Be aggressive in your actions in a productive fashion and respect authority and be willing to assist them in any way, shape or form. Your soul has traveled up to heaven where it continues to illuminate God's planet here on Earth. Where opportunity knocks, open the door and greet people with a bright smile as you so faithfully did, Officer Cook. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

July 8, 2013

Principles...become modified in practice, by facts. The fact of the matter is you only and always practiced what you preached and what was inbred in you, Officer Cook. A devout man who loved and treasured his wife and family. This was your number one priority and doing a great job of policing the community was right up there. Important principles may and must be flexible. You can bend on certain issues but you must not give in to temptation. Your badge my neighbor, friend and hero was always worn with pride and you made so many proud to have been associated with you. Rest in peace.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

July 8, 2013

last night the moon, the stars and all the planets fell on me. If you fellow sever pray, pray for me. Your colleagues and all the departments in Dade County prayed for you, Officer Cook, to survive and for the lives of your comrades to pull through. You were very cherished as a person and as a police officer, not afraid to take on and tackle any and all challenges that came your way. It's always going to be very sad for your loving family and friends from your department, they have missed you very much, but they do know one day they will reunite with you and you will open God's golden gate to greet them with that awesome smile and dispensing sense of humor. Your grin will be from ear to ear. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

July 8, 2013

I have no fears for the future of our country. It is bright with hope. I cannot be intimidated from doing that which my judgment and conscience tells me is right by any earthly power. For the trust reposed in me, I will return the courage and the devotion that befit the time. I will do no less. I do have some reservations regarding our country's future. Not everyone has jobs nor healthcare coverage for their families. Poverty still exists in parts of the United States of America. But the brave men and women of law enforcement like yourself, Officer Cook, were there back in 1973 until the end of your last watch ensuring optimism and hope for brighter tomorrows. Your quality of work and ethics has and will forever continue to be our sounding gate. This gate shall and will remain open for always. Your dedication to your position, your valor and commitment was more than we could ask for. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. I want to stay positive, pessimism can be the ruination of our morals and ideals which you worked so tirelessly to build up and create a bonding within the community.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

July 8, 2013

I pray heaven bestow the best of blessings on you, Officer Cook and your comrades who were so faithful in serving and sacrificing themselves for our good. And all that shall hereafter inhabit it. may none but honest and wise men and women ever rule under this roof. Amen. God takes the most dependable, loyal, cherished and beautiful souls to serve as His watch party and allow you to help those in this land combat evil and its wickedness. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

July 8, 2013

I expect the human generations of the future to be as superior to ourselves in education, in the mastery of techniques, in the comprehensiveness of their mental range and in their capacity for organized cooperation as we are to the prehistoric cliff dwellers whose caves I went over to see in the canyons. You were not a cave dweller, Officer Cook. You got out and let your actions speak louder than ever. Heroically, they don't come as nice as you were nor as courageous as you were. Your mental toughness combined with your physical abilities allowed you to fulfill your duties with dignity and the integrity this is so essential to excellent police work. A job well done and a life to be treasured immensely. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. The view you and your colleagues in heaven have of those canyons and mountain tops must be truly breath taking.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

July 8, 2013

There are many objects of great value to man which cannot be attained by unconnected individuals, but must be attained, if attained at all, by association. The value and decency of your personality and friendships with all people, Officer Cook are the reasons you performed properly and were the warmest of human beings. They don't come any finer than you and your work ethic was valued more than we can imagine. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. These characteristics are sorely absent today.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

July 8, 2013

Power can be taken, but not given. The process of the taking is empowerment in itself. The way to have power is to take it. Power naturally and necessarily follows property. The powers you were given, Officer Cook, were of course to be used for only official duties. All police officers understand this or so we can assume this. Judging by the actions of some men and women in uniform, this power can certainly allude them and this is when they can make mistake that can cost them not only their positions, but innocent lives as well. You my neighbor, friend and hero were always able to compartamentalize your assignments to bring about success in your endeavors. Rest in peace. Let us pray that those officers who succeeded you can make safe and wise decisions that will allow for harmony and unity in their communities.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

July 8, 2013

The lust for power is not rooted in strength but in weakness. Goodness, armed with power, is corrupted; and pure love without power is destroyed. First of all, all police officers work for the citizens they serve and protect. Your position with Metro-Dade, Officer Cook, meant the world to you. To be able to pursue your dream of becoming a police officer took a lot of thought and ingenuity. Hard work and diligence paid dividends for you and your family as they watched you evolve into one fine human being, which you were from the time you were born. Six years of commendable service cannot be replaced. Once a life is taken it can't be given back, but the memories of your wonderful life and career are a living proof of a well lived life and what a person can make of themselves with a little perseverance. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. What we can do to give you back for what you did for us is to respect authority and know they lookout for our best interests and want peace, unity and security for all.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

July 8, 2013

Power always has most to apprehend from its own illusions. Rulers have incurred more hazard from the follies of their own that have grown up under the adulation of parasites, than from the machinations of their enemies. When utilized in a proper manner, power can be used as a positive to have influence on persons needing it the most. You always used your badge, Officer Cook, in a proper and fitting manner to assist a community in staying safe and secure. What sadly transpired on May 16, 1979, was the abuse of a young man needing help and all you and your comrades wanted him to do was to surrender peacefully and he would probably have been helped in this manner. You performed your position with the true character that followed you all your days and now you are helping God with His watch. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

July 8, 2013

Power intoxicates men and women. It is never voluntarily surrendered. It must be taken from them. Your power as a police officer, Officer Cook, was to make certain all citizens abide by the laws set forth. Obviously it was tragic for this young man to supercede your powers and duties by thinking it was proper to act as maliciously and as cowardly to shoot and take your life and nearly do the same to your comrades. Power is the ability to know right from wrong and to conduct your affairs within the confines of law, order and proper decency. If officers misuse their powers, how then can law and order be properly maintained? The answer to that question is that you, Officer Cook, knew your responsibilities and how far you could go and yet keep law and order done correctly. Your actions that day of May 16, 1979, were fair and just and goes to show a community exactly who you were and the make up of your fine character. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

July 7, 2013

You must believe in yourself, my son, or no one else will believe in you. Be self-confident, self-reliant and even if you do not make it, you will know you have done your best. You always acquitted yourself, Officer Cook and always presented your department with honor and grace even when under fire. Your parents and family are always going to be proud of their son, "Bill" or "Billy" as you were called. You'll always be Officer Cook to me. If we had gotten to know each other, I probably would have called you by your nickname if you permitted me to, but to honor your memory my neighbor, friend and hero, Officer Cook, rest in peace.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

July 6, 2013

Private character, always dear, always to be respected, seems almost to be canonized by the grave. When men go hence, their evil deeds should follow them and, for me might sleep oblivious in their tomb. But if the smoldering ashes of the non-living are to be raked up, let it not be for the furtherance of injustice. Your life, Officer Cook, whether on or off duty was always exemplary, there will never be any doubts or lingering questions which require a simplistic answer. You lived your life by God's words and His commandments and were His loyal servant and follower. You were a dedicated and devoted son to your parents, a loving brother to your sister, who will always cherish, love and hold you close to her heart. Karen will always think of you and hold you close to her, your nephews and great-nieces and great-nephew will always love, remember and cherish you forever. The words that were spoken at your service were from not only an auxiliary bishop, but from those in your department who were honored to share a profession with a gentleman, literally, a kind soul with a tremendous work ethic, never to be outdone. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

July 6, 2013

A police officer's mettle is always being tested, as is their patience which can sometimes crack when under stress. Of more worth is one honest man to society and in the sight of God, than all the crowned ruffians that ever lived. Your approach to life, Officer Cook, is the exact model by which all persons should endeavor to conduct them selves by. Your honesty and heroism are the legs of which your legacy back in 1979 and forever will stand. You can stand tall for your actions that day, May 16, 1979, as you rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

July 6, 2013

How often must one feel as he looks back on his past life that he has gained a talent but lost a character....Society does nominally estimate men by their talents-but really feels and knows them by their characters. I can affirmatively say one thing, Officer Cook, your loving family members remember your stellar manner, your sensitivity toward others, your smile, laughter and vivid sense of humor. Your friends and colleagues remember you as well for this and more, your bravery, courage and resolve to see that truth and justice was administered in a fair and unbiased manner. Your calming and common sense approach to handling all different types of situations was uncanny and your keen intellect, thoughtful observations and intelligence factored in to use utilizing your training and talents to the highest level. Your abilities were maximized to the zenith. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

July 6, 2013

So live when thy summons comes to join the innumerable caravan that moves to the pale realm of shade, where each shall take his chamber in the silent halls of death, thou go not like the quarry-slave at night, scourged to his dungeon, but, sustained and soothed like one who wraps the drapery of his couch about him and lies down to pleasant dreams. That's precisely what you should be doing now. Relaxing with Karen or being on a nice summer vacation with your family members. The terrible notion of being forced into an "early retirement" by the guises of evil leaves one with a heartache that never goes away. Your commendable work and effort you put forth each moment will never subtract all the richness and integrity by which you comported yourself in life. Your spirituality and good name is something you you will always be thought of in the highest esteem. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

July 6, 2013

When death comes, it respects neither age nor merit. It sweeps us from this earthly existence the sick, the strong, the rich and the poor. Well in your merit, Officer Cook, death took your young life through the sacrifice you made on our behalf, securing the streets and community in Dade County you so dearly loved and were most passionate about protecting. You were given no warning, there were no goodbyes said, just God taking your cherished soul up to His high heaven to help patrol His golden streets. Your were a loyal and dedicated officer until the end and you deserve each honor that comes your way. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

July 6, 2013

Determination is one way of extermination of evil from society. All officers must be mentally sharp and physically fit and most of all not quit. You were that police officer, Officer Cook, who stayed the course for six loyal and dependable years of service with the Metro-Dade Police Department. You could always be counted on to provide moral support to the morale of your division. The bitterest tears shed over graves are for words left unsaid an deeds left undone. Plenty a tear was shed at the Bennett-Ulm Chapel at your visitation, at St. Mary's Cathedral and when your department laid you to rest at Dade Memorial Park North at your Inspector's Funeral. You were the man with a plan who at all times performed very admirably and will never be forgotten. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero, your goodness spoke volumes and continues to inspire us all from the heavens above. There was much more for you to contribute to our society and heinousness took that away from all of us in a cruel and shameful manner.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

July 5, 2013

Ruin is the destination toward which all men rush, each pursuing his own best interest in a society that believes in the freedom of the commons. Freedom in a commons brings ruin to all. You ran to do good, Officer Cook and as a duly trained officer, you never sprinted away from evil, you only charged head-on into its teeth and accomplished a great deal in taking away some of its ugliness. Your heroism will stay with us forever and serve as our inspirational theme that continues this day to govern our lives. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Ruination cannot become our final destination and neither can unlawful actions of officers who have gone astray, possibly placing officers and citizens lives in harm's way. You were the best friend anyone could know, Officer Cook. I value my friendship with your loving family greatly.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

July 4, 2013

Our differences are policies, our agreements principles. Police officers are bold men and women who put their lives in danger on a daily basis in order to maintain the dignities of life in all mankind. All people from all walks, all races, all backgrounds, all who have a share in this world in making it a greater place to live and to achieve success based on the efforts that are given. And being the dearly beloved and charming officer who graced us with your politeness, charm and a real sense of humor, Officer Cook, we cannot help but to ponder how much more you could have assisted us if you had not had your innocence and heart taken away by such violence for no good reason. You'll never be forgotten! Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

July 4, 2013

Poetry, men attain by subtler pain more flagrant in the brain-an honesty unfeigned, a heart unchained, a madness well restrained. You paid a dear price my neighbor, friend and hero, Officer Cook, in ensuring our community's safety. Your honor and integrity came to the forefront at all times. You channeled your energies into making our dreams come to fruition and now your very golden heart is with God resting in peace away from the madness that still prevails in our society as you help in keeping the watch now over officers who like you delivered passion and commitment to their every official and unofficial endeavor.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

July 4, 2013

Great is the art of beginning, but greater the art of ending; many a poem is marred by a superfluous verse. One horrific day in Dade County police history, nor forty-one other horrific days in Metro-Dade police history cannot and will not undermine what great men and women, like yourself, Officer Cook represented and gave up in seeing that our liberties are being preserved. The end of one's physical being is the start of one's own soul's eternal travels. Your soul will always light up the world and for what you demanded from your fellow officers and how you addressed the people you loved and cared about will speak volumes. Your humility alone will shine brightly up above in God's golden streets as you help Him with His watch now. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

July 4, 2013

When power leads man toward arrogance, poetry reminds him of his limitations. When power narrows the areas of man's concern, poetry reminds him of the richness and diversity of his existence. When power corrupts, poetry cleanses, for art establishes the basic human truths which must serve as the touchstone of our judgment. Your judgments, Officer Cook, never came into question, and neither the true value and quality of your actions that fateful day will ever be undermined as you and your fellow officers came under siege and attempted to put to rest tensions between yourselves and a young man bent on violence that had to be stopped before more lives were lost. You were I believe one of only three officers in your department and in Dade County, Officer Cook, who answered a call voluntarily and in the process lost your life, while saving seven lives including your fellow officers. All of you, Officer Johnson, in 1962 and Lt. Leis, in 1990 were heroes for sure and made a big difference in your community and a great thank you for displaying bravery, courage and valor when it counted the most. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. All officers who lay their lives down are important and certainly to be mentioned, just as one who goes beyond the call to save and preserve life as you so gallantly performed without hesitation.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

July 4, 2013

Could I speak it and show it, this pleasure more sharp than pain, that baffles and lures me so, the world should once more have a poet, such as it had in the ages glad, long ago! We could declare that you were one of Dade County's finest and most successful police officers. Officer Cook, when you went to work and served our community with honor and distinction, you were doing so because this was your true calling from God. He walked with you on a daily basis along with Karen, making sure you would be safe. You both worked passionately and tirelessly to make certain that the basic needs of the public and her patients were served with care and dignity. You both worked beyond the scope of what was deemed normal by most standards and this was your endearing personalities under stress, when tensions and nerves can become unhinged. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. To be among over one-hundred heroes and heroines from Dade County, Florida who exemplified their lives in actions and in doing good deeds, we cannot say enough as your memories continue to live on in the lives of your loving families.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

July 4, 2013

The bards sublime, whose distant footsteps echo through the corridors of time. Whenever you came through the doors of your department, Officer Cook, there was always a pleasant good morning, a smile and a cup of hot coffee. This was the kind of person, the true officer who became one fine and loyal leader. You were the inspirational kind of gentle soul who touched the very hearts of your colleagues and superiors. It's been awhile since officers like yourself, Officer Cook, have patrolled Dade County streets. I'm glad the street sign bearing your name at NW 17th Ave. and NW 75th St. was fixed and a new green sign hangs humbly at that stoplight for all to view as they pass by that location daily. Your care and concern was only met with the greatest respect by the citizens towards you. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

July 4, 2013