Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Go for the moon. if you don't get it, you'll still be heading for a star. You traveled and reached as high as you could, Officer Cook, to attain greatness. But with greatness comes an awesome responsibility. All police officers know this and are constantly reminded as they enter and work their way through the police academy. Some officers go astray, this is unfortunate, the majority go on to productive and successful careers. You composed yourself with patience, restraint, pride and honor. These were your standards with which your solemnly maintained during your days and years on the force. Always remembered and never forgotten. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

May 26, 2013

A fierce unrest seethes at the core of all existing things: It was the eager wish to soar that gave the Gods their wings. It is Our Creator who gave brave men and women such as yourself, Officer Cook, the wings to soar directly above us as your beautiful soul travels constantly overhead looking and touching our own physical beings daily. This is our reminder that we are greater than angels and more is expected of us. To give our maximum efforts daily as you did Officer Cook. Hopefully the unrest that takes place in some parts of this world can be quieted once and for all. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

May 26, 2013

My own thoughts are my companions; my designs and labors and aspirations are my only friends. Growing up in North Miami Beach, Florida, You had many friends, Officer Cook and sometimes people go their own way after graduating from school. You were very fortunate though to have a wonderful classmate and friend such as Chief Jacobs. he saw you smiling in school as you played the drums, he saw you metriculate through the police academy and then to graduate and become a loyal and dedicated public servant to Dade County and its citizens. You took your good name and dignity, integrity, honor and pride with you when you went from this world to the next world, continuing to serve and watch over God's golden streets above. For this we will be forever grateful. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

May 26, 2013

Most people would succeed in small things, if they were not troubled with great ambitions. In police work as most of us know, nothing is too small to be overlooked. Some officers have ambitions to rise through the ranks and this is a great motivator to accomplish good. But care and proper precautions must be taken if one is going to achieve. Officer Cook you had great ambitions and plans and you put them in their proper prospective to endeavor and to finalize you desires to be the very best that you could be. You had plans for the future and it really is a crying shame that you were not given that opportunity to go further. God has His plans for each one of us and on May 16, 1979, He needed you to help Him patrol His heavenly streets from above and now you can observe us trying to reach and accomplish our desires and goals with the same positive attitude and vitality that allowed to you achieve. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

May 26, 2013

The trouble with being number one in the world-at-anything- is that it takes a certain mentality to attain that position in the first place and that is something of a driving, perfectionist attitude, so that once you do achieve number one, you don't relax and enjoy it. Your humility Officer Cook allowed you to be a very ambitious person. You carried that mentality with you through the police academy to become the finest police officer that you were known for being while employed with the Metro-Dade Police Department. Hard work and careful and due diligence paid off for you. I think your friend and classmate, Chief Jacobs could attest to this, having attended high school and the academy with you. You were a goal oriented individual who strived to achieve the utmost from your abilities. You sacrificed for everyone and shall never be forgotten. One can never relax on the job as due care must be exercised at all times while either on or off duty. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

May 26, 2013

Every nation has a prominent citizen who builds a pyramid. All police officers are public servants who build connections in their communities in which they took a solemn oath to protect. In Dade County, Florida you built connections, Officer Cook and those connections, your friends and colleagues have never forgotten the sacrifice you made on their behalf. The pyramid you built continues to grew by steady leaps and bounds and one day we will all be able to climb to the top to once again view your smiling face. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

May 26, 2013

Heaven is not reached at a single bound; but we build the ladder by which we rise from the lowly earth to the vaulted skies and we mount to its summit round by round. We start creating our achievements from the moment of our birth. This is what you did for the good of mankind and your community that you cared for and that cared for you,Officer Cook, now God has one tremendously golden angel in yourself watching His streets from above as your soul continues ascending His ladder. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

May 23, 2013

Ambition has its disappointments to sour us, but never the good fortune to satisfy us. You were always an ambitious individual, a go getter, who summoned the courage to undertake what was proper and fitting in the name of mankind and Our Creator assisted you with the tools you needed to make it reality. Hard work paid off for you, Officer Cook and your honesty allowed you to carry out your position will all the zeal and gusto. You showed us the way to succeed earnestly and not be afraid to risk everything. Be bold, be brave and allow God to guide you step by step in every direction. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

May 23, 2013

I want the voice of honest praise to follow me behind and to be thought, in future days, the friend of humankind; that after-ages, as they rise, exulting may proclaim, in choral union to the skies, their blessings on my name. You were praised by all, Officer Cook, for your achievements and loyalty to all. Now, thirty-four years after your tragic death, we can still feel the stinging of your loss, but we know your cherished soul can indeed still keep tabs on our comings and goings. One day we will all reunite with you and remember the true gentleman and hero you were to sacrifice your being in the name of God and mankind. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

May 23, 2013

Give fools their gold and knaves their power; let fortune's bubbles rise and fall; who sows a field, or trains a flower, or plants a tree, is more than all. You planted the seeds of success within your beloved family, Officer Cook and too within your department. It is now up to us to make real sure those seeds grow into true success and accomplishment. You took up making a real contribution that can't be measured by one marker. You entire twenty-five years of life was marked by humility, dignity and grace along with the honor of serving Dade County and its citizens. Your beloved soul will always shine brightly as you observe us continuing your legacy of implanting honor where it rightfully belongs and will remain forever. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. You were given the right tools to succeed in your endeavors and never disappointed.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

May 23, 2013

First of all this afternoon I visited your grave, Officer Cook and offered a little prayer for your loving soul. Those who labor in the earth are the chosen people of God, if He ever had a chosen people whose bodies He has made His peculiar deposit for substantial and genuine virtue. It is the focus in which He keeps alive that sacred fire, which otherwise might escape from the face of the earth. All your love for your family, colleagues and friends will not be forgotten. All your devotion and care for others while either on or off duty will never be shelved and put aside. It will always set off a glow of your commitment to bringing peace and order to our society. You were by all accounts a genuinely nice person who only wanted to help others. As your friend, Chief Jacobs stated, you won't be forgotten, all your good work will remain your legacy for future generations to look at and to aspire to become. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. I'll never forget you and neither will those closest to you.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

May 23, 2013

O time and change!-with hair as gray as was my sire's that winter day, how strange it seems, with so much gone of life and love, to still live on! As your friends and colleagues have reflected, Officer Cook, if only you were here today to witness changes in the community. New housing for the underprivileged, an economy that can give opportunities to the less fortunate. I wonder if you and your family had ever been to Hialeah Race Track? Those beautiful pink flamingo birds, awesome. I told your great-nephew, Legend when I was at your parents house, that you probably would have more hair than myself and still not look a day over twenty-five. You certainly would be very proud of them as well as Josh and Justin. Your friendship with my family would sure have been nice, our families getting together for the happy times. Young at heart, bold with a heart of gold and a persona to match. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

May 21, 2013

A little more tired at close of day, a little less anxious to have our way; a little more ready to scold and blame; a little more care of a brother's name; and so we are nearing the journey's end, where time and eternity meet and blend. This may be a time to weep and be sorrowful for you, Officer Cook, you'll always be counted as my neighbor, friend and hero. You probably had a great childhood growing up, loved and raised by two wonderful parents who gave both you and your sister, Nancy all the right things to lead you to become successful in your ambitions. You always were loyal to your acquaintances and when they needed to be there to honor you they were there to give you one final salute for a job well done. Rest in peace.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davisl

May 21, 2013

Age is opportunity no less than youth itself, though in another garment and as the evening twilight fades away the sky is filled with stars, invisible by day. As a young man growing up, Officer Cook, you lived your life with your closest friends from school and enjoyed being in their company. It's so important to be with those you trust and can nurture friendships with. When you joined the Metro-Dade Police Department you nurtured and kept friendships with those classmate and colleagues from the police academy. To this day you are held in high esteem for giving total devotion and commitment to the community you served and so dearly cherished. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Your soul along with those comrades who made the ultimate sacrifice can still be viewed at night along with the many stars in the sky. Brighter than ever.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

May 21, 2013

We could never learn to be brave and patient, if there were only joy in the world. The joy you brought to this world, Officer Cook, was in knowing you would be there for us as our defender and protector. You conducted your affairs with only class and zeal and these traits are sorely lacking in some departments as well as some officers today. Police understand and accept these risks when applying to become an officer. But dignity and honor need to be maintained at all times on and off duty. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

May 21, 2013

Always do right-this will gratify some and astonish the rest. The effect of the indulgence of this human affection is a certain cordial exhilaration. As a well trained and educated officer you always made certain, Officer Cook to handle all different situations with the utmost balance between honesty and integrity. Officers today need to realize this if they are going to be not only safe but successful in their careers. When people met you, Officer Cook, they knew exactly the person you were and you helped them in all their endeavors. You are missed greatly and the youthfulness you displayed and the maturity you exhibited is missed as well. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

May 21, 2013

Associate yourself with men of good quality if you esteem your own reputation; for it's better to be alone than in bad company. The companions and friends you made, Officer Cook while working at the Metro-Dade Police Department and the Public Safety Department where you started your law enforcement career still and will forever remember you and the way you composed yourself as an honorable officer with morals and values. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. I wanted to thank your classmate and friend Chief Jacobs for his humble compliment.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

May 21, 2013

To Chief Jacobs: First of all I wanted to apologize to you. I realize that this was a terrible tragedy. I heard about this back in 1979 and until this day was thinking about your classmate and colleague, Officer Cook, my neighbor, friend and hero who should rest in peace. I had read about his life and career in a book written by a Dr. William Wilbanks, who taught at my Alma mater, F.I.U. I read that Officer Cook had lived and grew up in North Miami Beach, the same area where I too grew up and attended Sabal Palm Elementary and John F. Kennedy Middle School. Back in 2010, I was driving around the area and I came across a house on NE 170th St. I saw a yellow car in front of a home, stopped and got out and was talking with a young man in a wheelchair. It was Officer Cook's nephew, Justin and I asked him if I could leave a note for his grandmother, Mrs. Julia Cook. At the time she was 95 years old, God bless her and he gave her the letter. Two weeks later I received a wonder and sentimental letter back from her, signed Julia Cook, your neighbor and friend, even though our families never had the chance to meet one another, even though we may have shopped at the same stores. My father may he rest in peace was a New York City Police Officer from 1928 until 1968, parts of five decades and this is why your friend and classmate's tragedy is particularly emotional for me as well. I was in his parents home looking to rent it and met his niece and showed her a picture of your friend Bill, Officer Cook and started sobbing like a baby. She comforted me and I played in the backyard with his great-nephew, Legend. To make a long story short Chief Jacobs, I speak regularly each Friday at Nursing Centers conducting Jewish Services and I was a Rabbi of a synagogue where public speaking is required and I have conducted funerals for these residents where I try to stay stoic and it is hard at times, so you can understand and the fact that I too come from a police background. My dad belonged to Shomrim which is a Jewish organization of retired law enforcement and firefighters. For now have a restful summer and I will always remember your friend, Officer William C. Cook and his comrades who made the ultimate sacrifice for us will NEVER BE FORGOTTEN! I do visit his grave and several years ago, I had the cemetery replace a replica of his badge that was somehow taken from his gravestone and I wrote to the county to have another officer's street sign placed back on the road where he gave his life. I feel it is important to give something back to the community to support our fallen officers. It's terrible that someone would use EBAY to post pictures of another officer and the scene of the tragedy. They were partners who received awards for excellent police work and the other officer, Officer Robert Edgerton should not be forgotten nor should your friend's partner that day, Reserve Officer Scott Lincoln and the Detective who arrived on the scene, Detective Blocker.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

May 20, 2013

To Rabbi Lewis Davis...... As you probably already know, I don't really like being contacted by phone about all of this. Although, I know that you are a very nice, very thoughtful person, I will speak with you one day, but, not right now. I DO, however, enjoy reading your daily devotions. I suspect they are excellent therapy for you, as well. This was a terrible, terrible day in the history of the Dade Public Safety Dept. and although I realize that life goes on and new generations are born, what always disturbs me is the fact that very few people in my graduating class even remember Bill? He & I graduated together. I guess it's that way with everybody, though. None of us are superstars enough to be remembered by the majority. Heck, we even had a classmate that had starring roles in several Austin Powers movies and nobody remembers her, so?!
Have a great week, talk later...

Chief Geoff Jacobs
Porterdale (GA) PD

May 19, 2013

Hey Bill... Didn't make it here on the 16th, however, I did celebrate your anniversary of leaving this Satan infested rock. No, I haven't forgotten. I also ran across a picture of Off. Digenova and some others, as well as, the crime scene on Ebay of all places?! Anyway, I know you're doing well, no worries from me. Lots of people here have you on their minds, that's a good, positive thing. Chat later...

Chief Geoff Jacobs
Porterdale (GA) PD

May 19, 2013

Aim above morality. Be not simply good; be good for something. Quite a statement indeed for a deserving and humble hero as yourself, Officer Cook. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

May 16, 2013

Quarrel not at all. No man resolved to make the most of himself can spare time for personal contention. Still less can he afford to take all the consequences, including the vitiating of his temper and loss of self control. Yield larger things to which you can show no mor eequal right; and yield lesser ones, though clearly your own. Better give your path to a dog than be bitten by him in contenting for the right. Even killing th edog would not cure the bite. This was your job, Officer Cook as it is expected of every officer to prevent wanton mayhem and to keep the peace. Your commitment to excellence should be duly noted and even they should have a special award: "The Officer William C. Cook Award" for excellence above and beyond the call of duty. I'm sure you loved animals and of course treated them as you would expect others to do. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

May 16, 2013

Never put off tomorrow what you can do today. Never trouble another for what you can do yourself. Never spend your money before you have it. Never buy what you do not want, because it is cheap, it will be dear to you. Pride costs us more than hunger, thirst and cold. Take things always by their smooth handle. You took your life, Officer Cook, day by day and both you and Karen placed your sacred bonds of marriage in God's hands to guide you both every step of your ways. You my neighbor, friend and hero never let us down, we might have let you down not being able to offer more to you for the sacrifice you gave on our behalf. Rest in peace.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

May 16, 2013

Use no hurtful deceit; think innocently and justly and if you speak, speak accordingly. Officer Cook, this was your method behind your success. We all just wished that fateful day of May 16, 1979, that your word could have had a more profound affect on the person who robbed you of your life and innocence in all the ways you walked in God's perfect ways. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero and continue walking calmly and in tranquility as you watch over us.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

May 16, 2013

Be studious in your profession and you will be learned. Be industrious and frugal and you will be rich. Be sober and temperate and you will be healthy. Be in general virtuous and you will be happy. At least you will, by such conduct, stand the best chance for such consequences. And you conducted yourself at all times, Officer Cook, with the highest standards of conduct and scruples. You can't go wrong this way my neighbor, friend and hero. You worked your tail off to be the officer who served his community with distinction and bravery, like a bookworm always thirsting to learn and to share your ideas and insights with others. Rest in peace.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

May 16, 2013