Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I expect to pass through this world but once; any good thing, therefore, that I can do, or any kindness that I can show to any fellow creature, let me do it now; let me not defer or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again. Your conduct that fateful day of May 16, 1979, Officer Cook, was above and beyond reproach. You displayed fearless courage, placing yourself as all officers should in harms way to save seven lives. There is no more special hero than yourself who honored God's creatures. You were very special to all and will forever be recognized. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

June 6, 2013

We failed, but in the good providence of God apparent failure often proves a blessing. You never failed, Officer Cook and now because of your courage and valor, officers have side panels as added protection when they patrol the streets you so vigorously manned. Just wished back in your time they had these for all officers. When my dad was a police officer in New York for parts of five decades, they did not have anything to protect him, just my mother praying he comes home safely as your wife and family did on your behalf. There are always lessons to be learned and taught to all officers when a colleague gives their live in the performance of their official duties. God bless you and the Cook Family for giving you to us to police the territories of Dade County with honor, loyalty and distinction. The reverence you showed the citizens will never go without reflection as this is your legacy based upon your outstanding performance to all. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

June 5, 2013

Chastity is the cement of civilization and progress. Without it there is no stability in society. And it is because of determined and dedicated men and women like yourself, Officer Cook, that we can rest a little bit easier at night. Your grit and determination allowed you to calm down people who needed a little calming and a sense of reason for their actions. If decisions were a choice between alternatives, decisions would come easy. Decision is the selection and formulation of alternatives. You always have to access every situation placed before you and Officer Cook, you were exemplary in this field. It takes a calm and cool person under duress to formulate a plan of action to benefit everyone concerned to bring about peace and unity in a community. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. You were the glue that held your family and departmental colleagues together as one. This bond will last forever.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

June 5, 2013

Charity....is kind, it is not easily provoked, it thinks no evil, it believes all things, hopes all things. You and Karen, Officer Cook were not only very hospitable but givers as well. Whenever you saw a need, you helped out at all costs. You were there for a community and when the time came for them to pay respects they came and saluted you. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

June 5, 2013

Three things can ruin a man. Power, money and women. I never wanted power. I never had any money and the only woman in my life is up at the house right now. I can tell you one thing, my neighbor, friend and hero, Officer Cook and that is both you and your beloved wife, Karen worked very hard to purchase a home and you both lived in a modest home, you grew up in North Miami Beach in a modest home around the corner from my family. You worked extremely hard and long hours to be able to get from point A to point B. No one just sits and can expect to get any where in life. Your accomplishments in your chosen professions bears this out. Police work is arduous and the nursing profession has its stress and anxieties to bear as well. There was a recent situation in Boca Raton, Florida where all three of these things forced an officer from there to resign. How sad! You only looked out for how you could make Dade County a much safer and a sound community and for this you'll always be remembered. Rest in peace. Nothing endures but personal qualities and these along with a person's good name can be taken to the next world. The officer wearing Badge#1664, Officer William C. Cook will always have a place of honor and contentment for the well done job he provided all in need. Humbleness and the right timing allow a person to work their way up through the ranks.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

June 5, 2013

I know of no more encouraging fact than the unquestionable ability of man to elevate his life by a conscious endeavor. Even had you not become an outstanding police officer, Officer Cook, you still would have been successful in whatever endeavor you would have chosen. I do believe with your quality of character and an excellent upbringing by your lovely and devoted parents, police work was in the end meant for you. You had the right frame of mind to loyally and faithfully discharge your duties with grace, honor and integrity so vital to the public interest that you served with distinction for six years of commitment and total fulfillment. You brought compassion and a fierce passion to your department and never shunned any assignment placed before you. You were there that day, May 16, 1979, Officer William C. Cook and your partner, Reserve Officer Scott Lincoln trying to calm an already volatile situation. Your were a true leader, not just a follower. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

June 5, 2013

Fame is what you have taken, character is what you give: When to this truth you waken, then you begin to live. You lived Officer Cook, by doing an honest job, a profession that calls for more than just physical demands. You employed every ounce each moment of your watch to justice and law and order with a sense of dignity and integrity and never will you be forgotten. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. You shunned the limelight and went about your business with the epitome of class that was expected from you and all police officers.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

June 5, 2013

Conscience is the inner voice which warns us that someone m.ay be looking. Your intellect, Officer Cook and God's hands led you to answer that call in which you tried bravely to calm a young man bent on violence. If we only knew why did God call on you that day, that awful day to become one of His treasured angels? The answer to that and more will eventually come and we will see you once again. The saying let your conscience be your guide is how police officers navigate through the dangers they face everyday, every moment on or off duty. You will never be questioned on your bravery to act to save those seven individuals and they will always be grateful to you, Officer Cook. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

June 4, 2013

Sincerity is impossible, unless it pervades the whole being and the concept of it saps the very foundation of character. You modeled yourself, Officer Cook as a serious young man who wanted to achieve and to bring a collective balance of justice in an honest way to civility. It took years of training, practicing to put into action how you were going to police the streets the right way with integrity and dignity. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Your actions that day were sincere, honorable and by the book with the highest of standards employed to try and end a terrible day for Metro-Dade and all of Dade County Departments.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

June 4, 2013

The wisest man could ask no more of fate than to be simple, modest, manly, true; safe from many, honored by the few; to count as naught in the world, or place of worship or state. But inwardly in secret to be great. You came from a loving and nurturing family and lived humbly, Officer Cook and this was a primary reason for your success. You let your police work speak for itself and then when you received plaudits you thanked those honoring you and moved on. You paved the way for others to follow humbly as well. The wisdom you garnered, Officer Cook did allow you to stay focused on the tasks at hand. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

June 4, 2013

Nothing endures but personal qualities. The greatest grace of a gift, perhaps, is that it anticipates and admits of no return. Your greatness in the face of evil and the swiftness in which you answered that call, Officer Cook, symbolizes what it means to be heroic. not knowing the final outcome and yet springing into action to stop a situation gone so wrong. Your colleagues and family knew who you were, Officer Cook and what you were truly made of. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. This speaks volumes of your unwavering character.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

June 4, 2013

Lives of great men all remind us we can make our lives sublime and departing, leave behind us footprints on the sands of time. when you left this world, Officer Cook, you took all the genuinely special traits that made this a safer place to live and to thrive as a free people. Time may not heal all wounds, but time as it keeps passing will always leave that place for us to always keep you in our hearts and prayers. A special person who made his mark in society with his conscious and courage unlikely to be replicated by anyone else. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

June 4, 2013

Character is like a tree and reputation like its shadow. The shadow is what we think of it; the tree is the real thing. and so were you, Officer Cook and your comrades who made the sacrifice before you. They planted the seeds for future officers such as yourself who eventually joined the department. Now that you have made the same ultimate sacrifice you have implanted these roots in other future officers. men and women who purposefully take the same oath to serve and protect. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Your reputation will never be blemished.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

June 4, 2013

Men are disposed to live honestly, if by the means of doing so are open to them. All people are expected to live as honestly as possible. of course law enforcement officers are supposed to fulfill their duties living constantly by this creed. You, Officer Cook, held your head high with pride and dignity as you tried to diffuse situations that could lead to more serious consequences. If following rules and regulations is tough on incoming officers, then maybe police work is not for them. When you began back in the day at Miami-Dade Police Academy, Officer Cook, it was your mission from day one to learn, practice, and put into action all that you needed to know in order to bring law and order to Dade County streets in a humanely civil manner. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

June 4, 2013

Build thee more stately mansions, O my soul, as the swift seasons roll! Leave thy low-vaulted past! let each new temple, nobler than the last, shut thee from heaven with a dome more vast, till thou at length art free, leaving thine outgrown shell by life's unresting sea! Your beloved soul, Officer cook, is and will forever be travelling over every sea. Forever will you be resting in peace my neighbor, friend and hero in God's enchanted shelter sure to watch and protect those officers in this world who took the same solemn oath to serve as you did.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

June 4, 2013

God give us men! A time like this demands strong minds, great hearts, true faith and ready hands. Men whom the lust of office does not kill; men whom the spoils of office cannot buy, men who possess opinions and a will; men who have honor; men who will not lie. That's why we need both strong men and women, not only in brawn, but mentally acute as well. Officer Cook, you were just the right individual to tackle the challenges that face all officers. Since your youth you were dedicated to climb whatever mountain you had to go up to become that very special public servant we all came to know. i did not know you even though our families lived around the corner and this has remained with me until this day. I do think of you and your friend and classmate appreciates reading my daily entries regarding your life and career. You were special and unique in the sense that you made friends very easily. Your family was a very special and honorable family in North Miami Beach, Florida and those who knew you and the career in which your carved out were the fortunate ones to gain from your personality. and its enlightening presence. The Cooks and Wilkersons will always remain special to the Davis Family. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

June 4, 2013

To look up and not down, to look forward and not back, to look out and not in-and to lend a hand. Police officers have to be very aware of their surroundings and the environment around them. You were a very astute officer, Officer Cook and the day you gave your very life on behalf of Dade County citizens you realized all officers can make an impact that goes beyond what is normally expected of them. You showed no fear in lending a hand to help your colleagues and we as citizens can not thank you enough for putting everything on the line. Your courage will forever be appreciated. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

June 4, 2013

The only reward of virtue is virtue and self-trust is the essence of heroism. You never doubted yourself, Officer Cook and if other problems arose you would be there to back up your fellow officers. I made a slight mathematical error, you saved the lives of seven people, three civilians and four of your fellow officers. You put the community as you always did as your number one priority and for this you are to be forever commended. If all officers could follow your example, we would not have to worry about them. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

June 4, 2013

Human character evermore publishes itself. The most fugitive deed and word, the mere air of doing a thing, the intimated purpose, expresses character. All police officers are supposed to be considerate while performing their jobs, assigned tasks within the framework of the communities they police. Officer Cook, I'm sure you faced many stressful situations before May 16, 1979, but you were able to overcome obstacles and continue to maintain a balance between fairness and truth in handling the rigors that go along with the territory. Your class and true character you exhibited shines this day and for always for those officers to observe while they faithfully go about their careers. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

June 4, 2013

Character isn't inherited. One builds it daily by the way one thinks and acts, thought by thought, action by action. If one lets fear or hate or anger take possession of the mind, they become self-forged chains. It is these chains that if they take hold of an officer heaven forbid the wrong way can lead them down a path of destruction. Officer Cook, you lived an honest life full of goodness and so rich in character and this was what made you through proper diligence the terrific officer that you become as a Metro- Dade Police Officer. This defined your status with your family, friends and colleagues. you can rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero and know that your comrades in this world will endeavor to carry on as you so faithfully did during your time.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

June 4, 2013

Morality is character and conduct such as required by the circle or community in which the man's life happens to be placed. It shows how much good men require of us. It would be diplomatic to say that all officers today exhibit these find attributes. Officer Cook, you displayed these qualities and they are missing in some of our law enforcement personnel. We need upstanding individuals sworn to serve and protect and your grace and humility allowed you to achieve. The force of character is cumulative. All that you succeeded in doing will forever have a long lasting affect. Your pursued justice the honest way and you walked in God's trails in a perfect manner. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

June 3, 2013

One's outlook is part of his virtue. Happiness is not the end of life: character is. It takes one to know one and for what it is worth, you sure were one of your county's finest officers back in the day, Officer Cook. Always wearing a big smile on your face and willing to lend a hand to all, you are sorely missed this day and everyday. But we can always look back on your life and career and realize that is was truly a very stellar one accentuated with commendations and compliments for a job indeed well done. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

June 3, 2013

There is so much good in the worst of us and so much bad in the best of us. That it ill behooves any of us to find fault with the rest of us. We can't find any faults with a young man such as yourself, Officer Cook, who was so brave and daring to make the ultimate sacrifice on our behalf so we could feel safe and protected. You were a gem of a person and the epitome of a true professional. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Your attention to detail was one of your many strengths.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

June 3, 2013

Most new things are not good and die an early death; but those which push themselves forward and by slow degrees force themselves on the attention of mankind are the unconscious productions of human wisdom and must have honest consideration and must not be made the subject of unreasonable prejudice. Your sacrifice, Officer Cook, came at such a young age. You pushed yourself to become the man and police officer who so valiantly served and protected Dade County and its citizens. You were wiser and knowledgeable than most your age and your attention to detail enabled you to solve problems quicker than others. Consideration, honesty, alacrity, unbiasness and the ability to utilize tact were traits that all police officers could certainly incorporate in their daily lives. With officers who go astray, this is sorely lacking, but you my neighbor, friend and hero implemented and it paid dividends to you while making the six years of your service and watch count the most. Rest in peace. No one plans tragedies and you'll always be honored for having honored us with humble and a very supreme and special affection towards everyone who came in professional contact in and out of your department.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

May 31, 2013

Enjoy the spring of love and youth, to some good angel leave the rest; for time will teach thee soon the truth, there are no birds in last year's nest. Time has taught us a very special and superb lesson regarding courage. The courage you displayed my neighbor, friend and hero, Officer Cook, thirty-four years is something that forty-one other Metro-Dade officers displayed on duty and their lives were truly lived as was yours as heroes. Rest in peace.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

May 30, 2013