Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

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

The less a man thinks or knows about his virtues, the better we like him. History will record your willingness, Officer Cook to think "outside the box" and step beyond the call of duty in order to save your comrades and those two civilians. The legacy you left this world with is how you will forever be rgarded as a hero for sure. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. As humble as you were my neighbor, friend and hero, we shall carry on your fine work and remember as such. Rest in peace.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

May 9, 2013

Caution is the confidential agent of selfishness. Caution in police work is not always viewed in terms of being negative. Deruliction is something that cannot be tolerated from any officers. Turning off one's radio and leaving before your shift is over can be dangerous to other officers whose very lives may be jeopardized by such officers. It's obvious, Officer Cook, your compassion and passion when meshed together produced good results most of the time. No one would ever fault you for going above and beyond the call of duty to help your fellow officers and for what you did on their behalf on May 16, 1979, you will always be saluted and honored accordingly by your department and its rank and file members. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

May 9, 2013

We know what a person thinks not when he tells us what he thinks, but by his actions. The Dade County community at large knew you, Officer Cook and for what you represented in ideas and ideals. This legacy speaks loud and clear for what we demand in all police officers in their calls to duty. You stood front and center and sized up the problem and endeavored to bring about a peaceful resolution to something that was very serious and life threatening indeed. Well done! Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

May 9, 2013

Get action. Seize the moment. Man was never intended to become an oyster. Oysters produce pearls. You were a gem of an officer, Officer Cook. You walked the walk and talked the talk backing up your voice and reason with passion, charm and grace underfire and I wish as your family and friends do, that you were still with us today. You'll always be here in spirit and it's your loving spirit that is guiding us on our specific journeys through life indeed. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

May 9, 2013

Rhetoric is a poor substitute for action and we have trusted to rhetoric. If we are really to be a great nation, we must not merely talk, we must act big. Everyday officers such as yourself, Officer Cook, must act decisively and with determination in order to protect their communities. Your brave act showed us your determination to make a big difference in our society and you will be adored by all forevermore. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

May 9, 2013

Do not delay, the golden moments fly! As one who did not procratinate, Officer Cook, you were there to assist your comrades and on that fateful day, you will forever be remembered for your time and effort to help defuse an awful situation. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

May 9, 2013

I was told something about a dozen years ago, Officer Cook and you know what that was? Speak as if the words exiting your mouth are that of honey flowing, instead of glass falling out of your lips. You probably were a gifted orator and probably now during your retirement would have made an exceptional motivational speaker, because all your deeds performed and spoken were directly from your heart. You carried out your duties with precision and care, exercising caution and restraint when needed. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

May 8, 2013

Go put your creed into the deed, not speak with double tongue. You only spoke the truth, Officer Cook, my neighbor, friend and hero. You told it like it is and your unassuming honestly continues to stand out this day. Your appreciated more than you can imagine. Rest in peace.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

May 8, 2013

Trust men and they will be true to you; treat them greatly and they will show themselves great. Everybody knows you were a great person and friend to them, Officer Cook. Your personality showed its warmth and charm, along with the necessary grace in times of strife. Now as your remembered thirty-four years later may all these positive characteristics stand out in front as your legacy for Dade County residents to reflect. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

May 8, 2013