Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

The dignity and beauty of man rests in the human spirit which makes him more than simply a physical being. This spirit must never be suppressed for exploitation by others. As long as the people recognize the beauty of their human spirits and move against suppression and exploitation, they will be carrying out one of the most beautiful ideas of all time. Because the human whole is much greater than the sum of its parts. The beauty of how you enjoyed interacted with nature, Officer Cook and shooting photos and the dignity of how you lived your life with Karen, and were able to transfer this from your personal life to your public life as a consummate police officer is something that your friends and colleagues will remember forever. How you policed your assigned area and the manner in which you afforded others the respect they deserve and received back is going to reflect back as well on your legacy in the history books of great men and women, heroes and heroines who gave their lives in Dade County so we the citizens can reside in unity and peace, unafraid to challenge ourselves to pursue whatever dreams and aspirations we have that we may succeed in that lie ahead of us. Because of your commitment, my neighbor, friend and hero, we too can continue to dare. Rest in peace.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

June 22, 2013

Before man made us citizens, great nature made us men. Console yourself, dear man and brother, whatever else you may be sure of, be sure at least of this, that you are dreadfully like other people. Human nature has a much greater genius for sameness than for originality, or the world would be at a sad pass shortly. How you composed yourself each day on duty, Officer Cook, was truly remarkable. How you were able to relate and deal with different individuals was truly honorable. You were Metro-Dade Police Department's finest officers and a gem of a man. Your instincts were without question what made you a very loyal and humble servant to all citizens and for this you'll never be forgotten. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

June 22, 2013

O suffering, sad humanity! O ye afflicted ones, who lie steeped to the lips in misery, longing and yet afraid to die, patient, though sorely tried!. You placed your life on the line each and every moment of your watch for our good, Officer Cook. Perhaps each day we should place some time aside to remember your bravery, in that all officers know and assume the risks of their profession that is so vital to serving the public interest. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

June 22, 2013

Vaster is man than his works. Man is man because he is free to operate within the framework of his destiny. He is free to deliberate, to make decisions and to choose between alternatives. He is distinguished from animals by his freedom to do evil or to do good and to walk with the high road or tread the low road of ugly degeneracy. You always carried yourself, Officer Cook by going by the book in grace and honor. This was your living destiny to maintain a semblance of law and order within the Dade County community that you served feverishly and one that you captivated by your unselfish actions. You were our true hero that day and forevermore. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

June 22, 2013

Man is not made for defeat. It is a man who sanctifies a place and it is work that sanctifies a man. Man passes away; his name perishes from record and recollection; his history is a s a tale that is told and his very monument becomes a ruin. First of all, Officer Cook, on May 16, 1979, you never were defeated, nor did you lose a battle. Your presence made the Central Division of the Metro-Dade Police Department under its fine Division Chief, Dale P. Bowlin among the best in the county if not the entire nation. This was brought about by you my neighbor, friend and hero and your unwavering and undying presence. The name of Metro-Dade Police Officer, William Coleman Cook, Badge #1664 will never perish nor be expunged from Dade County history. Your monument or ledger had something very sacred removed years ago and this person who is leaving this and other reflections about you, visited your grave, continues to visit your grave and decided to do something about this matter strictly as a concerned citizen. Seeing that years ago, I had heard of your line of duty death and knew your honor and dignity needed to be restored to you and your loving family, some of which I had met personally. I want you to understand my neighbor, friend and hero, that I will never forget about you ever! Rest in peace. I remain humbled to have resolved this situation. You were more to police work, Officer Cook, than just a breath of fresh air. I am happy to clean your stone when I visit and make it shine like the sun and the black shoes you wore that were always polished and shining like new.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

June 20, 2013

Let us treat men and women well, treat them as if they were real; perhaps they are. What a message that needs to get across to our society and even some of its officers. You gave the same treatment to all people, Officer Cook and in your memory, the same honors should always be afforded you. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

June 20, 2013

Man is not matter: he is not made up of brain, blood, bones and other material elements. The Scriptures inform us that man is made in the image and likeness of God. Matter is not the likeness. All people, police officers, doctors, nurses, whatever profession are created within the images of God. Obviously, no officers could mirror one another. It would be hard if not impossible to mirror you, Officer Cook and how you went about your professional duties on a daily basis. You gave each individual the same high quality respect and hopefully that was given to you by the citizens. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Oh how we would love to pick your mind for the knowledge you accrued while on duty.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

June 20, 2013

Men are like plants; the goodness and flavor of the fruit proceeds from the peculiar soil and exposition in which they grow. We are nothing but what we derive from the air we breathe, the climate we inhabit, the government we obey, the system of religion we profess and the nature of our employment. There is a saying the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. Your fine work, Officer Cook, is a model of how a person should be raised in a very refined and charismatic manner. You had those two and much more. Your dignity in seeing that law and order resided within this community is a part of the earth and mankind that will flourish forever. nothing can shake or knock down the fine reputation of one outstanding officer and the credit your department deserves for training and nurturing your career. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

June 20, 2013

Man is a soul informed by divine ideas and bodying forth their image. His mind is the unit and measure of things visible and invisible. Officer Cook, your colleagues can still visualize you and how you gave incredible effort on the job daily. A person reaps what they sew. For all you meant to your department you should be honored and given any and all tributes needed to remind the public of how heroes and heroines like you make a difference in our lives that we live and carry on because of your outstanding legacy. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

June 20, 2013

Alas for him who never sees the stars shine through His cypress trees, who hopeless, lays His dead away, nor looks to see the breaking day across the mournful marbles play! We can play whatever games we choose to play because of your thoughtful and resolve, Officer Cook. You played these games with your friends as a kid and if you could still be here with us, there would be plenty of fond memories indeed. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. You and your father are certainly reminiscing about the good old times in God's giant room in the skies above.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

June 20, 2013

Behind the cloud the starlight lurks, through showers the sunbeams fall; for God, who loves all His works, has left His hope with all! God has you with Him, Officer Cook and all your fellow comrades who showed boldness and valor. The sun rises and sets and we know you are assisting in making each of our lives brighter and better than before. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

June 20, 2013

But the nearer the dawn, the darker the night and by going wrong all things come right; things have been mended that were worse and the worse, the nearer they are to mend. Hope springs eternal and that is the message that needs to be ringing in the ears of Dade County , ever since you sacrificed your life, Officer Cook on our behalf. The tension and unrest at that time was so thick, one could cut it with a knife, like a big juicy steak. I know your colleagues share in this burden and have since made inroads in this endeavor. Things have changed dramatically since your passing, your soul has been directing this endeavor and will continue guiding the men and women who place their lives on the line in this delicate matter. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

June 20, 2013

Hope is the thing with feathers, that perches in the soul and sings the tune without the words and never stops at all. The setting of a great hope is like the setting of the sun. The brightness of our life is gone. The day you gave your life for us, Officer Cook, may have only put out the lights momentarily, but it never will extinguish the brightness of your soul. Doom and gloom can never silence the majority who wage war to forever vanquish the evil in our midst. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

June 20, 2013

Mid pleasures and palaces thou we may roam, be it ever so humble, there's no place like home; a charm from the sky seems to hallow us there, which, seek through the world, is near met with elsewhere, home, home, sweet, sweet home! There's no place like home! There's no place like home! The good old days, only we can remember and I will always remember you valor, Officer Cook, this too is always etched in my mind. You paid the price to give good advice and now your home is God's eternal dome, away from the pressures of everyday life. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

June 20, 2013

I had three chairs in my house; one for solitude, two for friendship, three for society. And seven days of the week, Officer Cook, you found reason to make this a better place to reside. Your courage and dignity was always at a zenith and you can rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

June 20, 2013

In happy homes he saw the light, of household fires gleam warm and bright. O fortunate, O happy day, when a new household finds its place among the myriad homes of earth, like a new star just sprung to birth and rolled on its harmonious way into the boundless realms of space! You were us content and peaceful even when performing your duties, Officer Cook. You now along with your father, Charles, reside in a place that is always serene and content. For a job well done, rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

June 20, 2013

Happy is the home that shelters a friend. Every spirit makes its house; but afterwards the house confines the spirit. The home where you grew up in North Miami Beach and in the Norwood section of the Norland area where you and Karen resided was always open to your friends and neighbors. They must have felt safer knowing a truly righteous man and loyal and caring police officer resided in their area. You were the best friend, Officer Cook, in making others feel warm and comfortable. That is sorely missed today. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

June 20, 2013

Dark is the night, fitful and drearily rushes the wind, like the waves of the sea! Little care I, as here i sit cheerily, wife at my side and my baby on knee: king, king, crown me the king: home is the kingdom and love is the king! Officer Cook, you and your sister, Nancy, were raised in a very loving home by two wonderful parents and I'll always keep your mother, Mrs. Julia Cook, in my thoughts and prayers. I'm sure she enjoyed holding you on her knees and we, the citizens of Dade County were delighted your police accumen served us well. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

June 20, 2013

The past-the dark, unexplained retrospect! The teeming gulf- the sleepers and the shadows! The past! The infinite greatness of the past! For what is the present after all but a growth out of the past. We remember all officers who sacrificed their lives in the past, present and those who will give their beings in the future. For all eternity, officers gather at the various police memorials around the country to offer consolation and hope for families such as yours, Officer Cook, as you were one of over twenty-thousand law enforcement personnel, who stood your ground for truth and peace, sacrificing on our very behalf so we could stay united in our beliefs and dreams. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. We will not forget nor forsake the oath you proudly took, accepting without fear or reservation, any dangers that might come your way.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

June 19, 2013

Old events have modern meanings; only that survives of past history which finds kindred in all hearts and lives. The course of life is like the sea; men come and go; tides rise and fall, and that is all history. History is a realm in which human freedom and natural necessity are curiously intermingled. All officers are sisters and brothers, Officer Cook, who work as you so faithfully did for a common and just cause. To serve and protect, something you worked for par excellence. Now that you have passed, let us hope that history is not repeated in any negative connotation. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

June 19, 2013

Consult the dead upon things that were, but the living only on things that are. We visit your grave, Officer Cook, to leave a flower or a note to thank you for a job well done. Your friends who survived the rigors of police work gather periodically to celebrate your life and the good times you spent with them laughing and making the days seem brighter. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

June 19, 2013

If history teaches anything it is that there can be no peace without equilibrium and no justice without restraint. Sadly, during your time in Metro-Dade, Officer Cook, we were experiencing racial unrest within the community and this made your job along with your colleagues much tougher to tackle. But, you carried out your job fairly, properly and did show calm even in the face of evil which robbed you of your very being. It is this history that teaches us to hope. Your home at your department was where you heart belonged and now your very soul belongs to God who placed you on this earth to perform great deeds, as we take time to pause and reflect back on your life and a career marked with excellent achievements. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

June 19, 2013

History is not a divine force; it is the instrument of those who make it. Officers over one-hundred years ago, heroes and heroines who paved the way for officers such as yourself, Officer Cook to continue the search for truth and justice eradicating evil the great American way. History is a better guide than good intentions and it was your good intentions on May 16, 1979, that saved the day, my neighbor, friend and hero. As the thirteenth Metro-Dade officer to give your life in the line of duty, God has thirteen attributes and one of them is slow to anger and of great kindness. Something, Officer Cook you and Karen, both preached and put into practice focusing on a person's good qualities and they too are needed in not only law enforcement, but in the nursing profession too. Rest in peace.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

June 19, 2013

I have no expectation that any man will read history aright, who thinks that what was done in a remote age, by men whose names have resounded far, has any deeper sense than what he is doing today. Officers from far and wide remember you, Officer Cook and the good name you brought to Dade County police work. History within your department records with sadness and yet with an optimism that better days lie ahead of us because of your sacrifices that you and your loving comrades have made to better each of us in his or her own special way. To allow our aspirations to be fruitful and our dreams to take shape, this could not occur if you did not perform your job as you were trained to do and to show a so called, "fearless compassion," when assisting others. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

June 19, 2013

I feel the unmutterable longing, thy hunger of the heart is mine; I reach and grope for hands in darkness, my ear grows sharp for voice or sign. We are still grope and reach, at least try to make any sense of why you were taken by God at such a young age. At least, Officer Cook, you got to achieve your lifelong dream of becoming a police officer and giving back more than we could ever give back to you. Unity is our mission. Success is the goal. You had that my neighbor, friend and hero, we just wanted you to be here with us, to be retired and continuing your life with Karen, in good health, peace and contentment. Snapping photos of nature and all the beautiful sunrises and sunsets. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

June 19, 2013