Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

But dream not helm and harness the sign of valor true; peace hath higher tests of manhood than battle ever knew. You dreamed and were not afraid to pursue a career lurking with pitfalls and just about anything that could deter an officer. Officer Cook, you were battle tested and your skills were greater than some officers older than yourself and yet the maturity level you had made you wider than most. You paid the ultimate price to ensure unity and justice and are not forgotten. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. You harnessed your power for practical gains that are now well noticed in the community you patrolled.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

July 1, 2013

Peace is not the work of a single day, nor will it be the consequence of a single act. Yet every constructive act contributes to its growth; every omission impedes it. Peace will come, in the end, if it comes at all, as a child grows to maturity-slowly, imperceptibly, until we realize one day in incredulous surprise that a child is almost grown. It took you, Officer Cook, many years, at least a couple years to make a truly dedicated officer out of you. You listened, asked questions and soaked in all the information one could absorb. It made you fearless, yet resolved to get at the root of evil. Determined to conquer all, you gave your last ounce of strength to gain a handle on this violence which cost us a most precious and treasured human being indeed. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero, you are now among God's treasured officers along with twenty-thousand other men and women undaunted in their trail of excellence.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

July 1, 2013

For lo! The days are hastening on, by prophet-bards foretold, when with the ever-circling years, comes round the age of gold; when peace shall over all the earth its ancient splendors fling and the whole world send back the song which now the angels sing. The days come and go pretty fast, Officer Cook, if only we could have turned back the clock and brought you back with us. Haste makes waste and you were a firm believer in utilizing your time very wisely. Help those who serve our country and community use their skills and times wisely, my neighbor, friend and hero. Rest in peace.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

July 1, 2013

It isn't enough to talk about peace. One must believe in it. And it isn't enough to believe in it. One must work at it. You worked every moment on this saying, Officer Cook and it made you the personification of being the excellent police officer your department and citizens came to know, respect and admire. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

July 1, 2013

Our goal will be peace. Our instrument for achieving peace will be law and justice. Our hope will be that, under these conditions, the vast energies now devoted to weapons of war will instead be used to clothe, house and feed the entire world. This is the only goal worthy of our aspirations. Competing in this way, nobody will lose and mankind will gain. Our community has gained much insight since the day you gave your life, Officer Cook, to bring justice and truth to balance out on the scales of fairness and unity. As the message on your gravestone says: No greater love than he who gives up his life for his friends. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

July 1, 2013

Nothing can bring you peace but yourself. Nothing can bring you peace but the triumph of principles. As a principled man of integrity and values, Officer Cook, you are trained to act accordingly as the situation warrants it. A man of peace, a man of ingenuity, of creativity, you wanted things to work out as planned on your last watch. You answered a call you were not obligated to respond to and you achieved in saving seven lives of your fellow officers and three civilians. no one can ever, ever question your relentless pursuit to bring a resolution about and end a day of violence in which your young life, your grit, your heart and innocence was taken from you. You had so much, much more to contribute to this world in terms of your endearment and leadership abilities.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

July 1, 2013

The peace we seek is nothing less than fulfillment of our whole faith among ourselves and in our dealings with others. This signifies more than the stilling of guns, easing the sorrow of war. More than an escape from death, it is a way of life. More than a haven for the weary, it is a hope for the brave. what wearies me, Officer Cook, is how violence still and probably will always cost this country and great nation the lives of brave men and women who like you who were challenged in your resignation to stamp out evil and to come to grips with how officers could better lead their communities in unifying in peace, instead of bloodshed and mayhem. You were the best in calming folks down when just a little service of your lips what the solution, in place of picking up a weapon and thinking this would be the cure all. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

July 1, 2013

You have to take chances for peace, just as you must take chances in war....The ability to get to the verge without getting into war is the necessary art. If you try to run away from it, if you are scared to go to the brink, you are lost. You gave up your life on May 16, 1979, Officer Cook, because you were undaunted and relentless in your pursuit of peace. You were an officer who did not run from danger as most officers don't, you stood there toe to toe and stood your ground to overcome a young man thinking of leaving this world by shooting police officers and showing no indifference to his ruthless acts of violence. You'll always be a hero to us! Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and true police hero, a man of values, a man of keen intellect and fabulous servitude.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

July 1, 2013

A peaceful world is a world in which differences are tolerated and not eliminated by violence. This is why we have freedom of speech, religion and the right to have an assembly. It was your job status to ensure, Officer Cook, that everything was within the boundaries of the law. Tragedies do occur, we do not plan for them, 911 was one of the greatest examples of our nation being caught off guard by terrorists and thousands upon thousands of innocent children and adults with loving families lost their lives. For what? Police officers train and they are made aware of the risks they encounter while being interviewed to see if they the right fit for the police academy. You were just that proper fit, my neighbor, friend and hero and you made certain other officers marched to the same drumbeat as you. Rest in peace and continue "drumming" into us the importance of honesty and integrity. It's a lesson never to be forgotten. You heard it over and over until you graduated from the academy.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

July 1, 2013

The ladders, the ropes, the stairs, the walls may have been tough to climb, but with your guidance and compassion, Officer Cook, you made it easier for other officers to master. Your patriotism was just your loyalty to friends, people and families. I hope your family enjoys the safest and joyful of Independence Day holidays from my family to your family. Our country, our nation, our community, right or wrong, when right, to be kept right; when wrong, to be put right and that is what you enjoyed doing and were the best at accomplishing. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

July 1, 2013

Condense some daily experience into a glowing symbol and an audience is electrified. Your electric personality, Officer Cook, was met with charming enthusiasm as it permeated throughout your department. This charm and grace is very much missed as is your infectious smile. You made the uniform fit exactly as it should in your mannerisms and diligence to service. A lesson for sure you could impart to today's crop of men and women who enter the police academy. A no nonsense police officer, who went by rules and regulations and still made police work enjoyable and especially for someone to work as a partner with you. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

July 1, 2013

In this broad earth of ours, amid the measureless grossness and the slag, enclosed and safe within its central heart, nestles the seed perfection. You were put on this earth, Officer Cook, to respond to citizens when in trouble and you performed very admirably. Your capabilities took over and then God's hands guided you on all your paths while policing or doing whatever you needed to do to go beyond what we expect of special people such as yourself. You were God's gift to the world and to your loving family members, friends and colleagues for twenty-five very treasured years. History within your department will forever record your great work ethic and passion that you delivered each and everyday. Liberty and union, now and forever, one and inseparable. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero, you'll always be with those who loved and cherished you forever.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

July 1, 2013

Art can never match the luxury and superfluity of nature. In the former all is seen; it cannot afford concealed wealth and is scant in comparison; but nature, even when she is scant and thin outwardly, satisfies us still by the assurance of a certain generosity at the roots. I don't know if either you, Officer Cook or Karen were lovers of art, I think you both had an appreciation for the great outdoors and being able to breathe clean fresh air in the mountains. You lived your lives humbly and you both worked very hard at your professions to make your realities come true. Conceit was not a part of your life, only compassion and all its attributes. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

July 1, 2013

The universe is so aptly fitted to our organization, that the eye wanders and reposes at the same time. On every side there is something to soothe and refresh this sense. Look up at the tree-tops and see how nicely nature finishes off her work there. See how the pines spire without end higher and higher and make a graceful fringe to the earth. And who shall count the finer cobwebs that soar and float away from their utmost tops and the myriad insects that dodge between them. Leaves are of various forms than the alphabets of all languages put together; of the oaks alone there are hardly two alike and each expresses its own character. You, Officer Cook and your fellow police academy recruits sort of spun your own careers and formulated plans for your futures within a department. If it was in South Florida, I'm sure it would have been with a prominent office and you still would have succeeded in your endeavors. Some officers, might have gotten into trouble later on in their careers, but I have a certain feeling not too many from your basic law enforcement class did get in trouble and most if not all were successful. As one of your colleagues said, it's important to finish your shift safely and return home. You put down, rather, laid down your life so we could live in peace, security and pursue whatever we want to chase after. And I will never forget your outstanding service to Dade County and its citizens you so faithfully protected and who afforded you the greatest respect due to a law enforcement officer. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

July 1, 2013

A child said, what is the grass? fetching it to me with full hands; how could I answer the child? I do not know what it is any more than he. When your niece and children visited your grave, I'm assuming they went, after all you would have eaten up those kids as their doting and adored great-uncle. Eaten meaning you would have loved and cherished them as if they were your own. They are your flesh and blood. Those whirlybirds signified life always going around and never pausing for a moment. That's what you stood for, Officer Cook, life going forward and your life should have continued, but God needed you for a special Godly mission after you had completed your tasks at hand in this world with grace and patience executed in all your endeavors. Legend, Alexis and Skyler miss you very much, as does the rest of your loving and honorable family members. I was very grateful and humbled to spend some time in your mother's home and to kick a soccer ball in her backyard with Legend. Mrs. Cook, you'll always be in my thoughts and prayers and I'll always take the time to visit your son, "Billy's" grave. For how he served and honored mankind, this is the least, but probably should be more we can do for his memory and legacy. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

July 1, 2013

Every clod feels a stir of might, an instinct within it that reaches and towers and groping blindly above it for light, climbs to a soul in grass and flowers. The grass grows and withers as do the flowers, but your soul, Officer Cook, only continues shining as the flowers and their fruits blossom. Your life, career and the wonderful memories of a dear and cherished loved one remain in our hearts forever. Your courage and fortitude stay among those with whom you valiantly served with. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

July 1, 2013

Nature is profoundly imperturbable. We may adjust the beating of our hearts to her pendulum if we will and can, but we may be very sure that she will not change the pendulum's rate of going because our hearts are palpitating. Police work in and of itself probably makes most hearts beat faster. That is why, Officer Cook, you had time with Karen or whomever to de-stress and get away from the daily grind. You were an officer of precision and you delivered good results with each watch. You were the complete officer, gentleman and scholar, whose leadership attributes helped shaped the careers of many other comrades in your department. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

July 1, 2013

The trail has taught me much. I know now the varied voices of the coyote-the wizard of the mesa. I know the solemn call of herons and the mocking cry of the loon. I remember a hundred lovely lakes and recall the fragrant breath of pine, fir, cedar and poplar trees. The trail has strung upon it, as thread of silk, opalescent dawns and saffron sunsets. It has given me blessed release from care and worry and the troubled thinking of our modern day. it has been a return to the primitive and peaceful. Whenever the pressure of our complex city life thins my blood and benumbs my brain, I seek relief in the trail; and when I hear the coyote wailing to the yellow dawn, my cares fall from me-I am happy. I'm sure as a scout you went hiking with your troop, Officer Cook, and relished seeing lush green wilderness and this is why you enjoyed photography so much and hunting. which can be most enjoyable and yet quite challenging to a novice. But, you enjoyed whatever passions you pursued and your life and career is like that one snapshot in time for all to view and it makes us really open our eyes wide and clear to see a most humble and remarkable performance of your official duties by one of Metro-Dade's finest police officers of its time. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Your view from heaven, Officer Cook, must be most exciting as you assist in looking down on your comrades as they police and serve with the respect and humility displayed by yourself at all times.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

July 1, 2013

There are no fixtures in nature. The universe is fluid and volatile. Hopefully, one day this community that you policed with honor and dignity, Officer Cook, will witness complete peace and unity. It's been a trying time since your sacrifice and some inroads have been made in the way the community has been built up. If we all stay the course and those officers who have been trained as carefully as you were trained carry out their jobs to the same degree of care, honor and loyalty, then the tasks at hand should not be as burdensome. You keep observing from God's heavenly post. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

July 1, 2013

Loveliest of lovely things are they, one earth, that soonest pass away. The rose that lives its little hour is prized beyond the sculptured flower. You appreciated the simple things in life, Officer Cook, plants, trees, nature and they were your avenues to escape the craziness of your profession. Your get away zone so to speak. All officers need to unwind and escape with their spouses, families or whomever they share common passions with. Your peers appreciated all that you did for them and remember you fondly as that loyal and courageous officer who carried on with reason and faith in His Creator. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Fine men as you were, Officer cook, come to us once in a lifetime!

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

June 30, 2013

Go forth, under the open sky and list to nature's teachings, while from all around-earth and her waters and the depths of air- comes a still voice. There are no sermons in stones. It is easier to get a spark out of a stone than a moral. Exactly, Officer Cook, what your soul has been doing for these last thirty-four years, migrating from place to place. The voice of your father, Charles, may he too rest in peace, cried out to you when God delivered you to him up in His heavenly palace. All the beauty down below can be seen by both of you and those who made the ultimate sacrifice in order for us to continue, aspiring, inspiring and perspiring. Rest in peace. Since the ground where you lie can not talk back to us, we can talk to you and know that your wonderful soul will listen and give us back powerful advice that we can take to heart, you would never nor did you ever steer anyone wrong. You only helped others and this is the message we should acquire from your life and police career. We all look to reach the pinnacle of our lives in terms of success and achievement.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

June 30, 2013

To him who in love of nature holds communion with her visible forms, she speaks a various language; for his gayer hours she has a voice of gladness and a smile, eloquence of beauty and she glides into his darker musings, with a mild and healing sympathy, that steals away their sharpness, ere he is aware. When you were out in nature taking pictures and hunting, Officer Cook, you probably could behold what a great place that has been created by God and His shear genius. It was your intellect that captured our imaginations for twenty-five years. You were the ever so humble leader that all officers could count on in a pinch. May 16, 1979 was just that day when your absolutely amazing character saved the day and that of your fellow officers and those three civilians. God's eternal camera is being operated just splendidly by you my neighbor, friend and hero. Rest in peace. Your resolve won't be forgotten.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

June 30, 2013

Shall I then praise the heavens, the trees, the earth because their beauty and their strength last longer, shall I wish there, or never to had birth, because they're bigger and their bodies stronger? Nay, they shall darken, perish, fade and die and when unmade, so ever shall they lie, but man was made for endless immortality. When we pray each day, Officer Cook, we certainly should thank Our Creator for bringing you into this world to perform a job, a profession that many would or might consider thankless. Your God given talents, your abilities allowed you the opportunity to maintain law and order the proper way and the respect you afforded all citizens will always stand as your legacy for generations to come. Where your physical being rests may be dark, but where you cherished soul travels is always lit for us to gaze at. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

June 30, 2013

When I behold the heavens as in their prime and then the earth {though old} still clad in green, the stones and trees, insensible to time, nor age nor wrinkle on their front are seen; if winter come and greenness than do fade, a spring returns and they are more youthful made; but man grows old, lies down, remains where once he's laid. You should have still been here with your family, friends and colleagues, Officer Cook and because of one heinous and cowardly act, you were taken up to God's divine street, where you can now continue your watch over us and all officers who wage war against evil daily. You are missed terribly and will not be forgotten ever! Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Your incite would surely be a welcome sight.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

June 30, 2013

You think they are crusaders, sent from some infernal clime, to pluck the eyes of sentiment and dock the tail of rhyme, to crack the voice of melody and break the legs of time. We know, Officer Cook, that time does not stand still, it keeps marching as the memories of your heroism become more ingrained in our thoughts. And you will never leave our minds, the sacrifice you made on May 16, 1979, always remains as fresh as if it were yesterday. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero, there is still no rhyme nor reason why this should have happened to you and continues until this day to baffle those who support brave men and women like you, who wage war against wickedness everyday for our freedoms and security. The war of attrition continues and must be met with reason and means.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

June 30, 2013