Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

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

Each person is born to one possession which out values all the others-his last breath. Officer Cook, for all of your life, your twenty-five years of quality character, outstanding professional performance as a Metro-Dade Police Officer, your loved ones and friends can be very proud and take great pride in how you were successful and how you worked greatly to become the person you were. I can't find too many people like you living in North Miami Beach, Florida. You were a devoted son to your parents, a loving brother to your sister, Nancy, a caring and giving husband to your beloved wife, Karen. An uncle who would have been filled with goosebumps over his niece and nephews successes. You would have enjoyed doting and playing in the backyard with your two great-nieces and great-nephew. If you would have been with those you loved today, I strongly believe you would have made many further contributions to the community you knew and loved and gave your last ounce of strength to bring about peace and calm. This area is not as familiar as I am regarding your life and career, even though we never had the chance to know each other's families, but your heroic actions and humble ways will always carry us through as now this has been and always will be your legacy to cherish all the days of our lives. Our lives have been both enhanced and enriched because of my neighbor, friend and hero to all, Officer William C. Cook, Badge#1664. Rest in peace and I will always say a prayer for your mother, Mrs. Julia Cook.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

July 4, 2013

Philosophy accepts the hard and hazardous task of dealing with problems not yet open to the methods of science-problems like good and evil, beauty and ugliness, order and freedom, life and death. Officer Cook, you accepted a huge challenge when you accepted the responsibilities that come with becoming a police officer. But, you accepted freely and without any doubts that you would give a complete and accountable effort. The awareness and accessibility made you better prepared than most and this was the motto by which you so duly served. Unafraid to stray where you needed to be to bring about a uniformity to your community where you were revered. Your actions were first class and first rate and will not be forgotten. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Your heroism and your passing have given us a unique test by Our Creator to see if we are up to the arduous challenge to make something positive from all the sadness. By some appearances it sounds as if we have achieved and made a small dent in something promising occurring.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

July 3, 2013

Reason is experimental intelligence, conceived after the pattern of science and used in the creation of social arts; it has something to do. It liberates man from the bondage of the past, due to ignorance and accident hardened into custom. It projects a better future and assists man in its realization. And its operation is always subject to test in experience....Intelligence is not something possessed once for all. It is in constant process of forming and its retention requires constant alertness in observing consequences, an open-minded will to learn and courage in re-adjustment. Everything about this reflection should apply to all law enforcement personnel if they are going to be successful in all their endeavors. And Officer Cook, since you were the thinking man's police officer whose deductive mind was keener than most and whose relentless desire to achieve allowed you to pursue where no other person would dare explore, this was why you have been revered and remembered for being the studious officer who took his division to another level. You bonded with others and were able to adapt to changes when called for. Your greatness as a great man was why you saw that spiritual is stronger than any material force, that thoughts rule the world along with the proper actions when called upon. You carried your faith with you all the days of your life and Our Creator never let you down. He has you and your father, Charles, may he too rest in peace, cradled for His loving protection until you and your loved ones are once again reunited. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. The soundness of logic must always prevail if officers are going to be able to stay safe.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

July 3, 2013

Honor wears different coats to different eyes. You all wear a different color uniform and work in many eclectic areas, but you all have one thing in common and that is to serve and to protect the public interests. Sometimes you need a thicker skin to survive the rigors that await. I believe Officer Cook, you were simply down to earth and compassionate in all your dealings and you just did what any law abiding officer would do. And that was to help save others and assist your fellow officers in trying to make a difference in modern society. The brown uniform, the shining black shoes are just part of a Metro-Dade police officer's makeup. How you proudly carry yourself while wearing that badge with pride on your chest is what matters the most. Did you treat people fairly and not show bias. In turn did the citizens you served, respect you and gave you the same fair treatment. The answer to each is a resounding yes and you'll never be forsaken nor forgotten. Your good name and the badge you proudly wore for six years goes with you to the next world where you now can without any reservation or doubt make a distinct difference in helping your fellow officers below combat the forces of evil that one day will be wiped out for good. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

July 3, 2013

Heroes are born with a unique humbleness that is driven by their pursuits and an ideal cannot wait for its realization to prove its validity. The realization of your life, Officer Cook, is that you made everyone who loved and came to know you proud. Whether a neighbor, the newspaper delivery person, the letter carrier or whomever. They all came across you at some point in their lives and it is a very good world for the purposes for which it was built; and that is all anything is good for. Do what you enjoy doing and try to excel and to best the best at what your pursuing. The perception of beauty is a moral test. This is what make men and women the fine people we've come to know who accept upon themselves a willingness to go beyond what we deem as normal. You risk everything to put all the citizens in a secure and safe environment. Making the world a more peaceful and cleaner area because of your unwavering service. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

July 3, 2013

The blindness in human beings...is the blindness with which we are all afflicted in regard to the feelings of creatures and people different from ourselves. Officers sometimes turn a "blind eye" so to speak and this can lead to plenty of trouble very possibly down the line for them. You were not that officer, Officer Cook, your department knew the type of officer you were when they recruited you. The soundness of your thinking, the calmness of your voice, your passion you shared with others and the compassion you utilized when it was called for spoke volumes of your sterling character and mannerisms that helped you excel when you needed it the most. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

July 3, 2013

Nothing astonishes men so much as common sense and plain dealing. That is why we have officers so bold and brave like you, Officer Cook, daring to pursue where no on else will go. Every officer needs to employ common sense and from what I have been reading recently in the newspapers, common sense and plain dealing seems to have run astray. Why can't all officers display these traits like yourself and your other forty-one comrades from Metro-Dade who laid down their lives for a purpose and with no preconceived notions? All officers know and accept the risks and are made acutely aware of the dangers of what may transpire. You all enjoyed your work and the rewarding career and the challenges that it offers, but you made a lifetime decision to become a duly trained law enforcement official who relished being in the public eye. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

July 3, 2013

How can we speak of the action of the mind under any divisions, as of its knowledge, of its ethics, of its works, and so forth, since it melts will in perception, knowledge into act? each becomes the other. Itself alone is. You work ethic, Officer Cook, was among the best in Metro-Dade County Police Department history, if not the best. Because of your set priorities, my neighbor, friend and hero, you always had the best interests of the citizens you protected ahead of you and on May 16, 1979, these actions were no different than all your days on the force, except this was a tall task you and your comrades had at hand trying to calm a young man and keep peace in the streets of Liberty City in Miami-Dade County where your presence was always and will forever be noticeably felt. Perception can in certain circumstances be reality and the reality of this day is your heroic character will always be legendary among all the people. Rest in peace.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

July 3, 2013

One man's justice is another's injustice; one man's beauty another's ugliness; one man's wisdom another's folly. One officer like yourself, Officer Cook, full of compassion and wisdom, more mature than your twenty-five years, who could lighten up the moment with your bright smile and bubbly personality, you had everything headed in the right direction, and yet none of us can believe that you have been called up to God's heavenly throne. You will always be here in spirit. That can never be taken away from us. Your loving family, friends and colleagues who remember the kind of person and exceptional police officer you turned out to be. So giving, so caring, so full of life, you'll always be our inspirational guide and we ask that you see to it that our compasses are always pointed in the right direction. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

July 3, 2013

Every excess causes a defect; every defect an excess. Every sweet has its sour; every evil its good. Every faculty which is a receiver of pleasure has an equal penalty put on its abuse. It is to answer for its moderation with its life. Police officers can only perform their duties when given not only the proper training, but placed in a position to succeed, even knowing that there are risks and dangers involved. And Officer Cook, you were aware and knew the evil that day that might place your life and the lives of your fellow officers and those three civilians in great jeopardy, none the less, you placed your life in harm's way, saving the lives of your comrades and those innocent civilians. You were our hero along with your forty-one other colleagues who gave their lives in the line of duty and are to be forever commended. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

July 3, 2013

Good and bad are but names very readily transferable to that or this. There is a lot of greatness in society, Officer Cook, and it was because of your tireless pursuits to see that citizens remained safe and sound. Police officers surely have to be cautious when responding to incidents and through their efforts goodness can and will forever prevail and triumph over wickedness. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

July 3, 2013

I really believe there are things nobody would see if I didn't photograph them. As an amateur photographer, Officer Cook, you certainly valued nature, but you valued something more precious and that was human life. Your undaunted and untiring commitment to service was very much appreciated and that was what made you the unique and outstanding officer that your Division Chief, Dale P. Bowlin, came to know and admire. You thought of very much in the circles of your department and your colleagues. Keep taking those beautiful pictures from the skies above as you continue helping God watch over us and those officers whose dedication and desire endeavors to replicate what you displayed. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Mr. Bowlin knew he could count on your excellent intellect and keen intuition.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

July 2, 2013