Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

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

Fools need advice most, but wise men only are the better for it. When you needed to gain a point of information, Officer Cook, you knew where you had to go and whom to ask. Your wisdom and advice was instrumental in making you wiser and more mature and sure of yourself than others. You will never be forgotten by me or those of your comrades of the past. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

May 16, 2013

Be civil to all; sociable to many; familiar with few; friend to one; enemy to none. Unfortunately in their lives, police officers have people who dislike them for the undaunting tasks that lie ahead of them. You, Officer Cook, smiled and gladly accepted whatever jobs were assigned to you. You were a very courageously young man of valor who gave his every last ounce of effort to make the lives of those you were charged with serving safer. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

May 16, 2013

Laugh and the world laughs at you, weep and you weep alone; for the sad old earth must borrow its mirth, but has trouble enough of its own. Your laugh and positive sense to make others laugh is surely missed, Officer Cook. But one day your family will see you again in God's sacred knigdom along with your father, Charles and share in a group hus along with your smiles. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

May 16, 2013

Let us be of good cheer, however, remembering that the misfortunes hardest to bear are those which never come. You never failed at anything that you set out to accomplish, Officer Cook and you sure as heck did not disappoint anyone. You made them proud of who you were and the dedicated professional police officer you grew up to become. I'm proud of you even though I never got the opportunity to have met you personally, but at least met your nephew, Justin and Gina, your niece. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

May 16, 2013

Oh, fear not in a world like this, and thou shalt know erelong, know how sublime a thing it is to suffer and be strong. Your upbringing and that of your family's has kept them physically and spiritually strong for all these years after your tragic passing, Officer Cook. You were a very strong hearted and helpful officer who went out of his way to work problems through to help others and achieve the maximum effect. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

May 16, 2013

Bad times have a scientific value. These are occasions a good learner would not miss. You were a very quick learner, Officer Cook, to pick up on most points an unseasoned veteran might take longer to master. Today being thirty-four years since your ultimate sacrifice on behalf of Dade County and its citizens it's fitting that I leave this reflection in your memory. I just wished they, your department had those side panels in your day. You were a hero to all and you should rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. You are watching over your comrades to ascertain there are no more bad moments within your department.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

May 16, 2013

Each man is born a hero and an oracle to somebody and to that person whatever he says has an enhanced value. All police officers, such as yourself, Officer Cook have a very high level of value and versatility within your department. Once a life as precious as any officers is taken, it must be viewed and honored in the highest terms of endearment. You tried to work through a difficulty and Our Creator needed a loyal and trusted angel to help patrol His golden streets above. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

May 9, 2013