Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Reform must come from within, not from without. You cannot legislate for virtue. Dishonesty cannot be tolerated from not only every law abiding citizen, but, the man or woman who has that badge of honor pinned proudly to their chest. After you took your solemn oath, Officer Cook, this was to be the beginning of a long and honorable career even with some pitfalls lying in the streets ahead of you to sort out. Your career of six years was very commendable, honest, filled with awards in your employee jacket for all to take notice of. Evil may have taken your treasured life, but it never did take your shining and prideful soul which long ago made its destiny up to God's safe havens. We all know my neighbor, friend and hero, you worked tirelessly to reform the habits of others and get their compasses pointed on the right track. Rest in peace.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

July 10, 2013

When the appeal is made to the sword, highly probable it is that the punishment will exceed the offense; and the calamities attending on war outweigh those preceding it. These considerations of justice and prudence, will always have great influence with good and wise men. The justice you gave back to citizens was always fair and impartial, Officer Cook, how could you or any other officer perceive it another way? You stayed collected and calm when the approach called for it and level-headed when intellect demanded it. When you trust and believe in God you begin to cling to His ideals and all the tests he presents us with on a daily basis to see if we are acting in a sane and rational manner. You and Karen placed your faith in Our Creator's palm and His very palm is where He holds you near and dear to His heart for eternal safekeeping. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

July 10, 2013

Nations, like individuals, are subjected to punishments and chastisements in this world. Every unpunished murder takes away something from the security of every man's life. Thankfully the young man who your life, Officer Cook, had his taken by Detective Don Blocker who arrived on the scene after you and your comrades except your partner, Reserve Officer Scott Lincoln, were shot. I still read of too many officers being killed in the line of duty and their murderers were either never found or were acquitted by a jury, very sad indeed. I drove by Pepper Park across the street from Mount Sinai Cemetery and Dade North Memorial Park where you and officer Keith DeGenova used to play tennis. I did there as well. If I could have been managing Mt. Sinai Cemetery, which is a Jewish burial ground consecrated in 1941, I would just drive over next door or walk over to visit your grave. Still get emotional and just wished we could have met and our families would have known each other. I'll say a prayer for your mother, Mrs. Julia Cook, she would have been my parents, my family's best friend along with your father, Charles, may he too rest in peace, my neighbor, friend and hero. What a great family The Cook's are and to have known them would have meant the world to me. At least I had the pleasure of meeting Justin and Gina and giving the letter to Justin to give to his grandmother. I wished she could have continued living in her home of fifty-six years. My wife and I could have helped take care of her and done whatever needed to be done as you so faithfully did for her during your life. No one can replace you, Officer Cook, no one could have been not only humble but heroic in saving the lives of your friends and those three civilians. You were just a lovable teddy bear.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

July 10, 2013

Leave this hypocritical prating about the masses. Masses are rude, lame, unmade, pernicious in their demands, influence and need not to be flattered but to be schooled. I wish not to concede anything to them, but to tame, drill, divide and break them up and draw individuals out of them. The worst of charity is that lives you are asked to preserve are not worth preserving. Nothing about being a police officer ever seems routine nowadays, Officer Cook, you respected each person you served and protected and tried to be a calming savior among your colleagues. Your candor was appreciated and your honesty greatly enhanced not only yourself, but your entire department. Today, I stopped by to visit your grave, the two whirlybirds are still spinning in the breeze. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

July 10, 2013

But to the great mass of mankind in all places, public questions come in the third or fourth rank among the interests of life and obtain less than a third or a fourth of the leisure available for thinking. It is therefore rather sentiment than thought that the mass can contribute; and the soundness and elevation of their sentiment will have more to do with their taking their stand on the side of justice, honor and peace, than any reasoning they can apply to the sifting of the mutlifarious facts thrown before them and to the drawing of the legitimate inferences therefrom. You ranked right up there, Officer Cook, in your academy class and in your department where you went out to patrol the streets of Dade County looking to keep peace, harmony and unity harnessed properly, by going after the facts not fiction in a just and truthful manner. Fact finding missions are always one of the most valuable tools at an officer's disposal and must be used in an honorable fashion. You were just the very best my neighbor, friend and hero. Rest in peace.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

July 10, 2013

Progress, far from consisting in change, depends on retentiveness. When change is absolute there remains no being to improve and no direction is set for possible improvement: and when experience is not retained, as among savages, infancy is perpetual. Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it. The police training is better, the materials and information that is distributed to officers is now more concise, precise and clearer than ever. The equipment officers wear is much more protective than before. If only we can eliminate guns and other weapons of mass destruction from the wrong hands it will allow our officers of today to be able to get a better hand on crime than ever before. If you were still on the force, Officer Cook, you would be extremely proud of all the changes that have occurred in making all officers safer on the streets when they leave their roll calls. You were a prince among all men and women and your duty to protect and serve was never in doubt. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. you lived your life heroically and gave it with the same zest and grace.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

July 9, 2013

We make more progress by owning our faults than by always dwelling on our virtues. And step by step, since time began, I see the steady gain of man. I'll never your your capabilities nor intuitions, Officer Cook, you just responded to a call you had answered many other times and were able to defeat the roots of evil. You were a HERO and you saved seven lives that day including those of your fellow comrades. And they will always be indebted to you for acting as you did with swiftness, resolve and alacrity. Your sacrifice as stated before, is the reason that all Metro-Dade officers now have the side-panels, sadly not around during your time. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

July 9, 2013

Every step of progress the world has made has been from scaffold to scaffold and from stake to stake. In a large part the credit has to go to officers willing to place their lives in harm's way daily and that is precisely, Officer Cook, what you did for our benefit. You awoke each and everyday like a lion, with a mission from God and that was to protect His angels of which you are now one of along with twenty-thousand men and women from law enforcement from around this country who protected and were fearless in their pursuits of truth and justice. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

July 9, 2013

He who is firmly seated in authority soon learns to think security and not progress, the highest lesson of statecraft. The highest calling is where you rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero, Officer Cook, because of the authority you demonstrated to your fellow officers in coming to their aid when not called upon. This is the highest rating any officer can have in their employee file and your file, Officer Cook, is and has been filled with only glowing commendations stating what we all knew you were about. Your actions spoke louder than words. Your passion and calming influence only sent positive vibes throughout the county. As you now rest firmly in God's golden gates keep up the outstanding job of observing what is transpiring here in this world. Deeply missed and always highly thought of.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

July 9, 2013

Actually, time itself is neutral; it can be used either destructively or constructively. More and more I feel that the people of ill will have used time much more effectively than have the people of good will....Human progress never rolls in on wheels of inevitability; it comes through the tireless efforts of men willing to be co-workers with God and without this hard work, time itself becomes an ally of the forces of social stagnation. We must use time creatively, in the knowledge that the time is always ripe to do right. You only looked to do what was fitting and proper, Officer Cook and because of your valiant exploits, we the people of Dade County can live safer, healthier and more prosperous lives. I just wish you could enjoy the prosperity because I always think of you, your family and for what you stood for and the kids in our area of North Miami Beach, Florida where you grew up, who did not know of you can run around, laugh and play with their friends because of your sacrifice and the boldness you exhibited in taking charge and acting upon the evil which reared is ugliness that fateful and awful day of May 16, 1979 when you gave up what God gave to you and all men and women. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

July 9, 2013

Laws and institutions must go hand in hand with the progress of the human mind. As that becomes more developed, more enlightened, as new discoveries are made, new truths disclosed and manners and opinions change with the change of circumstances, institutions must advance also and keep pace with the times. You certainly kept up with the changing times, Officer Cook and were able to impart valuable information to other officers who were under your leadership. You were a marvel and marvelous person to be work either socially or professionally. You took your cues from officers who showed more experience than you and were able to generate top rated work from your partners. The awards you and your partners received is not only ample proof, but the sole testimony of what it takes to be a high quality officer, with a matching high caliber personality. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

July 9, 2013

All our progress is unfolding, like the vegetable bud. You have first an instinct, then an opinion, then a knowledge, as the plant has root, bud and fruit. Trust the instinct to the end, though you can render no reason. You did trust your police intuitions and instincts until the end, Officer Cook and these traits are what made you the very best police officer your department and Chief Bowlin could assign to patrol Dade County streets. Having accomplished quite a lot in your twenty-five years my neighbor, friend and hero, the will must work for all religious and universal ends. You worked for all citizens and surrendered your being in order for everyone to be enhanced in their lives. You showed your concern for the people before worrying about your personal needs and this says a lot regarding your absolutely stellar upbringing. Rest in peace.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

July 9, 2013

Weep not the world changes-did it keep a stable, changeless state, it were cause indeed to weep. It is cause for those of us to weep when brave men and women serving their communities for a purposeful reason are cut down in the prime of their lives. Your bravery, Officer Cook, was for a just and worthy reason and that was to serve and to protect us from the forces of evil which visits us on a daily basis. You still had so much to live for, but you will forever be remembered for your ideals and values which was a vivid part of your fabric. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Great things have happened in the community since you left this world and a large amount of credit is because of your police persona.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

July 9, 2013

All thoughtful men agree the present aspect of society is portentous of great changes. The only question is, whether they will be for the better or the worse.... Looking Backward was written in the belief that the Golden Age lies before us and not behind us and is not far away. Our children will surely see it and we, too, who are already men and women, if we deserve it by our faith and by our works. You were the consummate police officer, Officer Cook, who worked by a theme that being careful, calm and cautious would carry you through and it did for six solid years of commitment, bravery, courage and valor. The integrity and dignity you displayed in the line of duty will always be highly thought of by your loving family, colleagues and friends. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Scanning back in time, your achievements are the living testimony of a life well lived and a career well valued and cherished for all time sake.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

July 9, 2013

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