Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

In both your private and public lives, discover the sweet release that comes from forgiving others. Feel the healing balm of being forgiven and of forgiving yourself. I'm sure as even-tempered and as a mild mannered gentleman that you were Officer Cook, it was easy to find forgiveness in everyone. Your calming demeanor was very evident from your first day on the job and until your last watch, trying your utmost to defuse a difficult situation. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 9, 2013

Recognize and accept that there is another dimension to life than what is obvious to us. Live with obstacles, doubt and paradox, knowing that God is always present in the world. You lived by these theme, Officer Cook and it is what carried you in your career and made you the man you grew up to become. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 9, 2013

As duly sworn officers, it is your duty to help not only protect a community, but to assist in building it up too and not hold anything back. You celebrated your life, Officer Cook, with this intoxicating passion and it increased your zest in everything you touched, came across and crossed paths with. I'm sure you are exhibiting eternal zeal that will always beam down on those who knew and loved you fiercely. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 9, 2013

Express your feelings of praise and adoration through devotional practices. Pray with words and pray through your actions. One thing your department did on May 16, 1979, was to pray for you, Officer Cook, that you would pull through. Nevertheless, you were the apple of your wife, Karen's eyes and the apple of your beloved family's too. Your heroic act of bravery will always be spoken of and perhaps it is utilized in training sessions at the Police academy for future officers to examine and to learn from. Your spirituality was something to be humble and yet proud of. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 9, 2013

Yesterday, as I was driving with my wife, Holly and some seminary ladies we picked up at Miami Airport, we drove north on NW 27th Avenue, I said why don't we turn at NW 75th Street and drive by to NW 17th Ave. I was going to show her and the ladies the street sign in your honor. "Officer William C. Cook Street." Very fitting for such a classy humanitarian who reached out and connected with so many people from all walks of life. And this is exactly how your life was intimately related to all life on this planet. I always refer to you as my friend and neighbor even though we, never had the pleasure to meet and greet one another. If your mother, Mrs. Julia Cook, at age ninety-five could take the time to write to me and refer to me as this, I certainly can refer to you, Officer Cook, her darling son by this name as well. Rest in peace.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 9, 2013

Open your heart, mind and soul to the pain and suffering in the world. Reach out to others and discover the rewards and obligations of deep feeling. A man of principle and character, you reached out to all who needed you, Officer Cook. Now as you rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero, let us reach out far and wide and remember your pious ways in which you made this land a better place for all to achieve.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 9, 2013

Live in the present moment. Don't obsess about the past or worry about the future. All you need is right here. That's exactly how a truly righteous individual as yourself, Officer Cook and your beloved wife, Karen, lived exemplary lives together in the holy bond of matrimony. So supportive of the other's career and believe me, she misses you today, even though I understand she remarried after being your widow for over thirty years. Never far away from our hearts and minds. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 8, 2013

Walk the path of beauty. relish and encourage its inward and outward expressions. Acknowledge the radiance of the creation. You experienced many joys in your twenty-five years, Officer Cook and because of a dastardly act perpetrated upon your innocence, the world is devoid of a brilliant diamond such as you. But your soul will forever shine brightly in God's everlasting firmament. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 8, 2013

Life is a sacred adventure. Everyday we encounter signs that point to the active presence of Spirit in the world around us. Something you always observed on duty, that was to pay attention and totally alert and look with receptive eyes and discover a world of ceaseless wonders. As many have noted about you, Officer Cook, you were among the wisest and more mature than your years and it was demonstrated by the high caliber service that you provided the citizens of Dade County. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 8, 2013

Goodwill is the mightiest practical force in the universe. Opportunities to express that energy are everywhere. And it was your goodwill and good name, Officer Cook, that brought countless joy and pleasure to all others. Your legacy is forever etched on a marble wall of honor at Tropical Park in Miami with your colleagues who gave their lives as well. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 8, 2013

Love sure is all about life and an endless act of forgiveness. Bitterness imprisons life, love releases it. The first duty of love is the act of listening. Loving can cost a lot, but not loving can cost more. A righteous man such as you, Officer Cook, is cautious in friendship. friendship cheers like a sunbeam; charms like a good story; inspires like a brave leader, binds like a golden chain; guides like a heavenly vision. In a friend you find a second self and two bodies in which a single soul drifts. The reward of friendship is itself. The man who hopes for anything else does not understand what true friendship is. A true friend is like the refrain of a beautiful song. friends help see us through both good and bad times. Friends give value to survival. Two friends are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor: For if they fall one will lift up his companion. Your colleagues helped pick each other up after your sacrifice, Officer Cook. A faithful friend is an image of God. Fate chooses our relatives, we choose our friends. To summarize your friendship with everyone you came across Officer Cook, you truly were well respected and very much loved and we honor your commitment to Dade County and its citizens. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 6, 2013

Love and kindness are never wasted. They always make a difference. They bless the one who receives them and they bless you, the giver. You loved everyone Officer Cook, for who they were. Your family, friends, and peers still love and miss you greatly this day and have never forgotten your brave actions on their behalf. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 6, 2013

Endurance is not just the ability to bear a hard thing, but to turn it into glory and wherever you go, go with your whole heart. After what you experienced, Officer Cook, we still can feel the pain and torment and the agony of losing you at such a young age with still all the promise and brightness of your very soul still ahead of you. You had so much more to give back to this community, but you'll never be forgotten for turning a somber day in your department into an upbeat one for saving your comrades and the two civilians who might not be here if not for your heroism. No one can ever come close to the courage and tenacity you displayed on May 16, 1979, ever. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 4, 2013

The fingers of God touch your life when you touch a friend. You touched so many lives in your twenty-five years my neighbor, friend and hero, Officer Cook. It would take forever to count all those so privileged to have made your acquaintance. Rest in peace.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 4, 2013

You had a reason to arise like a lion each morning, Officer Cook and this gave you the purpose to succeed as it was one of your principal tasks during your lifetime to discover this purpose in which you firmly planted a foundation. Your spirituality and that of Karen's made your marriage as wonderful as it could be and she knew your service to your community and her service in helping patients feel better would make you better persons for it. Your calling as a police officer, Officer Cook, was the certified reason you could give to yourself without a reservation that created a passionate desire for excellence, to be your best, which you exhibited each moment of your watch. This calling was what you did and more. You took an incredible gift: the power of choice and did precisely as one would do with morals and ethics, differentiate between right and wrong. You and Karen prioritized all your decisions and you both brought not just stability to your home, but the most important asset: Integrity. You both stood your grounds by the honorable methods of your existences and truly enjoyed carrying them out ever so faithfully. Nine core values are central in not just a marriage, but in your chosen endeavors: diligence, team player, hard worker, perseverance, courage, treats others well, patriotism, family closeness and excellence, not just from the lips but by using our bodies properly to do our tasks at hand. Love, joy, peace, gentleness and self-control were also many of the same core values shared by the two of you. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Truly par excellence!

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 4, 2013

Human beings require stories to give meaning to the facts of their existence. If we could write a book of your wonderful and humble life, Officer Cook, the first place to begin would be with the excellent upbringing you and your sister, Nancy experienced by your loving parents. And then your childhood and your younger days growing up in North Miami Beach, Florida. The progress you gained is the crowning achievement by which you will ultimately will be judged and is the gospel of trying to be a better person and leave the world a better place. Your heavenly reward Officer Cook is this trait as you rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero in the palms of God's hands.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 4, 2013

Infinity is a result of a series of finite transactions. To see a world in a grain of sand and a heaven in a wild flower, hold infinity in the palm of your hand and eternity in an hour. There is a term"predicate theology", for example, "God is love," "God is truth"-concentrate on the predicate-love, truth-instead of the subject. "God is about love, truth, caring, kindness, compassion, charity and humility." And you displayed and delivered these outstanding character traits not only when with your family, friends and Karen, but on the job too, Officer Cook. This defined your role to mankind and in our society. It's not who crosses the finish line first, but if there was such a thing, you and your comrades who delivered fine service to their communities would be Our True Blue Heroes and Heroines who sacrificed your very beings and souls so we could remain safe. This can be the only real essence to base our reflections of your shining legacies. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. You all lived by these high standards and truly deserve all the honors and accolades that should come your way.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 4, 2013

There is one Ultimate Being, the Ground of all essence. The Divine essence is unknowable. God is both immanent, in the sense that He appears in all phenomenal forms and transcendent, in the sense that He is the Absolute Reality above and beyond every appearance. While the forms of the universe change and pass and are simultaneously renewed without a moment's intermission, the essence of the universe is co-eternal with God. We are wired for God: I believe, therefore I am. Only in death does one find eternal life. Only love with no object brings peacefulness. The Divine knowledge is unlearned learning. Enlightenment is not something you achieve, it is the absence of something. Your absence, Officer Cook, is the revelation that you stood for something very sacred: Honesty and Integrity. You embraced your wife, Karen, before you left for work on May 16, 1979, you probably called your beloved mother, Mrs. Julia Cook, to say hello. You carried out your mission and for whatever the reason, God needed a special angel, yourself, to help with His heavenly tasks above. The light in your home never dimmed even after your tragic passing, no my friend, neighbor and hero, it is still lit up after all these years symbolizing your soul that gave its all to keep us united and to help us fulfill our dreams and aspirations. Rest in peace.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 4, 2013

Sacred solitude, alone at last. Alone at last, thank God Almighty, alone at last. Various meanings of life emerge from the ascent of Spirit when the bodily houses have no foundation remaining, the faithful remain one soul. Your eternal journey, Officer Cook, will never end, you'll always be moving over us watching to see if we are follow the concepts and precepts that characterized your every living moment. Your cherished soul will forever maintain its immortal continuity. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 4, 2013

Enlightenment is simplicity and the simple and humble life you lived with Karen, Officer Cook, could be described like this: I am the wind that breathes upon the sea. I am the wave of the ocean. I am the murmur of leaves rustling. I am the rays of the sun. I am the beam of the moon and stars. I am the power of trees growing. I am the bud breaking into blossom. I am the movement of the salmon swimming. I am the courage of the wild boar fighting. I am the speed of the stag running. I am the strength of the ox pulling the plough. As an outdoors person, Officer Cook, you and Karen I'm sure shared many a time outside in the cool crisp air partaking in God's refreshing sights to behold. Probably a good reason why you were such a compassionate individual. Things don't always need to be so complex on one's life and you were able to refine these sights. rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 4, 2013

Believing in the sacred, believing in unity and believing in transformation are essential components to achieving whatever a person pursues. Do not tell us what it is, but...confirm it is. We have all the confirmation that you were truly a superb person, Officer Cook, humble and lovable who risked everything to keep us safe and secure. We have your memories safely stored within those who you came across and those who followed you into police work. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. You helped unity the community you so dearly loved and they will always be forever grateful.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 4, 2013

God has no hands, feet or voice except ours, where spiritual seeds germinate in their own soul. Your voice, Officer Cook, can somehow still be heard far above us in heaven where you and your beloved father, Charles, my neighbor, friend and hero are resting in peace. Since you and your beloved wife, Karen were God-fearing people you both accepted and realized the true value of love, courage, honesty and compassion for others which you brought to both of your chosen professions. If two people were tailor made for each other it was you and Karen. I wished I had the opportunity to meet her as well.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 4, 2013

Transforming passion into compassion, no seed ever sees the flower. But the seeds of your passion, Officer Cook, have taken shape and have become branches of which fellow officers who followed your path into the Central Division, making it one of Metro-Dade County and its department one if not the finest in town. Your brought compassion with a tireless and relentless zeal to work each and everyday and that it why you were so well liked and respected by all. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 4, 2013

Do not shed too much light on the soul. One always learns one's mystery at the price of one's innocence. Why bad things happen to good people such as yourself, Officer Cook, will forever be a mystery. You performed your duties above and beyond, sometimes we walk into situations not knowing its final outcome. You answered a call which you had answered many other times during your watch and were able to resolve matters in a peaceful manner. But, your family, friends and peers realize you were there for them and you saved their lives as well as the two civilians lives too. Your heroic actions will always be remembered as you rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 4, 2013

Love is celebrating others' differences, confusions and peculiarities without expecting they be like us-normal. Ring the bells that still can ring. Forget your perfect offering. There is a crack in everything. That's how the light gets in. You were that ray of light, that ray of hope, Officer cook, when doom and despair would set in. Your were fully entrenched in your duties and you just loved helping and being there to assist people in their times of need. As we celebrate the wonderful memories of your life and the way you personified a life well lived and full of accomplishment and meaning, let us now pause to reflect on what Officer William C. Cook, Badge#1664 represented in serving Dade County and its residents. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 4, 2013