Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I'm very certain in times of trouble or distress you called upon God and his assistance was of great help to you and your comrades, Officer Cook. Sadly, on May 16, 1979 God called you to watch over your fellow officers and provide them with heavenly protection. But rest assured, I'll never forget you or your sacrifice. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

December 22, 2012

Because of the righteous ways you stood for Officer Cook, whose portion is eternal life, may you rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Your among God's treasured angels in His heavenly shelter.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

December 22, 2012

The glass in the hand of the glazier, to be melted or shaped as he wishes, are Your people in Your hand. Help us maintain our fragile balance with Your grace. When God who creates each of us in His image brought you, Officer Cook, into this world, he could not have done a more masterful job. Look at all your achievements in such a young life, tragically cut short because of evil. You had so much yet to live for and give back to the community that you represented and served with loyalty and intuition. A troubled young man calling for help and yet he was bent on violence, thinking that doing harm to police officers would make everything right. How misguided could he be? I'll always reflect that you performed your job in a first class manner according to the book and it's very sad how things went so wrong that day. Be assured you never will be forgotten by me or my family. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

December 20, 2012

The glass in the hand of the glazier, to be melted or shaped as he wishes, are Your people in Your hand. Help us maintain our fragile balance with Your grace. When God who creates each of us in His image brought you, Officer Cook, into this world, he could not have done a more masterful job. Look at all your achievements in such a young life, tragically cut short because of evil. You had so much yet to live for and give back to the community that you represented and served with loyalty and intuition. A troubled young man calling for help and yet he was bent on violence, thinking that doing harm to police officers would make everything right. How misguided could he be? I'll always reflect that you performed your job in a first class manner according to the book and it's very sad how things went so wrong that day. Be assured you never be forgotten by me or my family. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

December 20, 2012

The way you functioned as a seasoned veteran police officer is what made you the person you were in the 70's when you started your career. It has allowed us to remember all the years of your life and how these last thirty-three years have gone by so fast. It's almost hard to fathom that in five months you will be gone thirty-four years and still at age fifty-nine you would still be a kid at heart playing and joking, laughing and loving your niece and two nephews and doing the same with Gina and Trevor's kids. That same lovely smile you probably flashed more than a million times is surely missed by your entire family, your mother, Mrs. Julia Cook, and your loving sister, Mrs. Nancy Tidwell as they get ready to celebrate the Christmas holiday. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero , those that knew and loved you can still hear you laughing and smiling down on them. having spent a bit of time with their kids and meeting Justin, I can see why your mother and sister have so much to be thankful for, if only you were here today. I still miss you greatly and will always think of you in my thoughts and prayers as well.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

December 20, 2012

Cast us not away from Your presence, take not Your holy spirit from us. For all the days and nights and weekends you served the citizens of Dade County with reverence and distinction, the least we can give back to you, Officer Cook, is honor and to share memories of old, the days that have gone by so quickly. The sacrifice you made on behalf of all, should reflect the gallantry and bravery that all officers such as yourself make daily. You were that shining star and the inspiration to us all. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero and let us never cast doubt on the fine men and women of law enforcement who place their lives on the line daily for us to pursue our dreams and desires. I meant in the last reflection your bravery.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

December 20, 2012

My soul drips from agony, it drips from the disasters which overwhelm me. No year passes without calamity. No month goes by without bad news. There is no day without misfortune. Woe upon woe. As straight a path that you undertook, Officer Cook, to becoming a police officer, violence we wish would not be perpetrated on these little children in Newtown, Connecticut nor on any law enforcement officer, whose duty is to serve and protect the public interest. In Dade County alone, nearly one-hundred and forty officers such as yourself Officer Cook, have sacrificed their beings during the last century. Too many and not enough to remind us of your bravey and valor in enhancing our welfare. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

December 19, 2012

As the Lord treats all His creatures so too, Officer Cook, you treated others as a cherished friend. You lived your entire being each moment at a time and accomplished so much and stood to accomplish that much more if God had not called you home to be among His angels. A man of innovation and distinction, your beautiful soul has been and always will be preserved as it serves to light up the skies above. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero and let your soul live on in your loved ones to serve, guide and protect them from harm. Only good things should happen and the milestones that come from it.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

December 19, 2012

If we want to witness the coming redemption, then we must be truthful in our prayers and as devout as you, Officer Cook. The pillar of your community who went out of his way to enhance our lives. Be faithful to God and in turn God will be faithful in all that He does for you. Your family and loved ones know God is strength to them and the stronghold of salvation for His anointed. He rescues His people from peril, blesses them, tends to and elevates them forever. That's what God has done for you and your father, Charles, Officer Cook, for all these years. He is the true judge of truth. He gives and takes life, His name shall be praised forever. Rest in everlasting peace and keep watching over your loved us, my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

December 19, 2012

Your trustworthy performance as a police officer should always be valued and not forgotten. I hope that future Metro-Dade Police Officers are shown the way Officer William C. Cook, conducted his mannerisms day after day. The brick in your memory at Tropical Park in Miami at the Police memorial Wall should represent your steadiness and servitude. The attitude you brought to your department, the honor, integrity and dignity you always displayed should never be extinguished from our minds. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero along with your father, Charles and I'll keep your mother, Mrs. Julia Cook in my thoughts and prayers this holiday season.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

December 19, 2012

I know the pathways of the skies as well as the streets of my own city. We know Officer Cook, you knew Dade County very well and we were honored to have you as our loyal public servant for six years. Your divine presence patrolling God's streets is what is assisting those who followed in your footsteps, now trying to make our lives safer and more enriched. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero and keeping guiding our pathways in life.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

December 19, 2012

The God Whose way is perfect, the promise of God is flawless, He is a shield for all who take refuge in Him. For who is God besides God and who is a rock except for our God. There is another saying he who always walks in straight line and a word of truth is on his lips. Officer Cook, we can declare with confidence that this is the way you conducted both your personal and professional life. You were not a middle of the road sort. You and Karen believed in God with both of your hearts. You both accomplished quite a bit in your lives and even though you sacrificed your life at a young age for us, Officer Cook, you were the rock of solidarity. You stood firm in your convictions never wavering. You stood in places where mere mortals would not dare to go. For this we commend you and those who gave their lives before you. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

December 19, 2012

No one is perfect. But, Officer Cook, from what I heard from your family you were the person who held your family and loved ones together in times of tragedy and now it's your sister and relatives who carry your mantel and good name. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. You were the shining light and the beacon of hope and now we pray that God allows your cherished soul to illuminate the darkness that permeates in society.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

December 18, 2012

Who can discern mistakes? The answer is that yourself, Officer Cook, always employed sound reasoning and logic to produce fair and balanced results. Whenever a situation arose you knew what needed to get done to produce a rational conclusion. I suspect this is why you were one who excelled in handling domestic disputes and you and your partner, Officer Keith DiGenova were given commendations for a job well done when you had the opportunity to work together to make the streets safer for all to prosper. To this day, your friend suffers permanent damage because of what took place on the fateful day of May 16, 1979, when he tried to intercede and stop the beginning a terrible incident that left one officer, Officer Robert Edgerton wounded and yourself, Officer Cook in a dire position all fighting for your lives. The doctors at North Shore Hospital did all they could for you Officer Cook. Believe me they tried their best to keep you with us. A day of infamy, when we hope no officer forgets their friend and colleague, Officer William C. Cook, Badge#1664. Of the forty-two officers killed in the line of duty as Metro-Dade Police Officers, you my neighbor, friend and hero were among three officers, I believe who gave up their live answering a call voluntarily. Still answering the call and ready to serve, even as your shift with your partner, Reserve Officer Scott Lincoln was about to end. This is what sets you apart from others and makes you that unique individual, one that I'm sorry we never met or befriended you. Meaning my family. I will always consider you and your family as my special friends to this very day. Rest in peace. Still very sad seeing your picture and I'm only a citizen, think about your colleagues, to this day those who remember you cry when they think of you. Too young with so much promise, yet these are the perils of being a dedicated police officer as you were Officer Cook. At twenty-five you still had so much to offer this world, God had other plans. I'm supposed to understand this as a Rabbi who preaches to people the importance of living life each moment.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

December 18, 2012

After what transpired on Friday, December 14, 2013 in Newtown, Connecticut at Sandy Hook Elementary School, one can only imagine the sheer horror of losing all those young children and there teachers and principal who were heroes trying to save their kids from this person, a troubled young man who set out on a course of evil. May 16, 1979 when you began your workday no one ever thought about the sadness of that young man, who too was bent on carrying out a rage of terror in Dade County. You too, my neighbor, friend and hero, Officer Cook, saved the day by protecting your fellow officers from certain death and in the process, lost you life making the citizens safer. A police officer is comparable to a school teacher. Stressful work in difficult conditions and having to maintain a balance between law and order. Rest in peace. Six and seven-year-old children with their entire lives ahead of them cut down before they could grow older and accomplish so much more. Officer Cook, you and your wife, Karen had so much more to live for as well. All of you are now God's golden angels.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

December 18, 2012

Their line goes forth throughout the earth, and their words reach the farthest ends of the land. We can only pray that those officers who are serving and protecting will heed these special words from you, Officer Cook. Through your devotion and excellent police work, these words should never be taken for granted. The sacrifice you made for our safety should stand forever as a lesson for all to see. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

December 18, 2012

Who shall ascend unto the mountain of the Lord, and who shall endure in His holy place? The answer to this is an officer such as yourself, Officer Cook. From your birth until the day you were called to heaven by Our creator, you only tried to do what was right and all your decisions were always well thought out. You had a plan for all that mattered to you. Caring about your parents, loving your wife, being devout and dedicated to your faith. These were the cornerstones of a life well lived my neighbor, friend and hero. Rest in peace Officer Cook. Your soul has ascended to heaven where you watch over those so near and dear to you.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

December 16, 2012

Behold, if you do well, you will be accepted: If you do not do well, sin lies at the door. And to you its desire: but you may rule over it. You were one of Metro-Dade's superb officers who did not let your inclinations rule over you and lead you to trouble God forbid. Your passion and calming demeanor always allowed you to take control of a problem and utilize logic to figure out a solution. There is a saying that passions quench the baneful fire. Evil can only lead to something going wrong. Officers today in certain departments have not gotten this message and continue to think that having a badge and carrying a weapon allows them to be above the law. They usually learn their lessons the hard way. You my neighbor, friend and hero imparted only wisdom and inspiration to your colleagues. Rest in peace.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

December 16, 2012

The officer who like you, Officer Cook, exercises meaningful self-restraint enjoys a profound sense of inner peace and contentment. Police are trained to practice how far they can legally go to either take a situation and resolve it or if they need to use their weapon, today they carry mace or pepper spray or tasers. In your day, my neighbor, friend and hero, you had fewer options at your disposal and you had to think before acting as officers do today. But, you did every according to the book, Officer Cook, and you are to be saluted for your valor and bravery. Rest in peace.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

December 16, 2012

Transparency, integrity and professionalism were traits that you so often exhibited Officer Cook. If only you were with us today, you could share this wealth of knowledge you gave to other officers. All too often today, we have some departments with officers who are rogue officers and need a true hero like you to set them straight. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Your actions here and your patrolling from above hopefully will have a positive influence on today's officers.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

December 16, 2012

The evil inclination is a necessary part of our spiritual anatomy just as two arms and two legs are necessary parts of our bodies. We channel the negative energy of our evil inclination into positive endeavors. As one of Our creator's creations, Officer Cook, you were higher than an angel who achieved lofty spiritual heights. For all the good you provided us with, you now are being rewarded. You made the right choices in life, sought guidance from those capable of imparting wisdom. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero and shine forth your bright smile down from heaven and provide those of us who need wisdom so badly.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

December 16, 2012

During your lifetime and professional career, Officer Cook, you followed the advice of those who wisdom touched your very soul and allowed you in part to bestow this wisdom to others. The main perfection of the soul is contingent on becoming close to the righteous. The proximity of the devout is beneficial in this world and the next. The coming of the Messiah depends on getting close to the devout. Those who are close to the devout in their lifetime will be close to them when they pass. That which you hear from the mouth of a righteous person is more beneficial than that which you learn and read from books. As a righteous and devout individual, I can only hope that your beautiful soul Officer Cook, my neighbor, friend and hero will speedily bring the ultimate redemption for all to witness, along with the wonderful soul of your father, Charles. May you both rest in peace.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

December 16, 2012

By evaluating ourselves every day, we are reminded of our relationship with God. Four wonderful things happen when we judge ourselves on a daily basis: We remind ourselves of God and that which we are commanded. We make decisions to correct what needs correcting and therefore do not accrue spiritual debts that lead to stern judgments. Since God does not allow double jeopardy when we judge ourselves, the Heavenly Court is not allowed to judge us. Daily self-evaluation reminds us that there is a Creator in the world; when we contemplate whether our actions are in accordance with His will, we we contemplate Him and by thinking of God, we enhance our trust in Him. Officer Cook, you performed your duties and constantly checked and made sure of your actions. Your actions on May 16, 1979 spoke volumes of your outstanding character to protect your fellow officers. Your sacrifice only enhances your commitment and trust in God. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

December 16, 2012

Prayer is the vessel or receptacle of Divine abundance. A person must be specific in prayer and devotion and elaborate on what he or she needs. Exactly as you carried on with your life, Officer Cook. You learned from a young age as taught by your beloved parents, Charles, your father and Julia, your mother how to channel your trust in God. Your father who should rest in peace along side of you. Your beloved mother, Mrs. Julia Cook, who should live and be well. Your parents I'm sure made great sacrifices that would be most beneficial to both you and your sister, Nancy. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero and continue watching over us as we pray to God for our safety and freedoms each day.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

December 16, 2012

It is said that whoever honors his wife gets rich. The richness we mean is by cherishing and providing for her means. This is something that you, Officer Cook, excelled at and your lovely wife, Karen who worked as a registered nurse did. You both worked hard to provide all of your essential needs. As devout as you were my neighbor, friend and hero, you prayed for not only your own health and safety, but, that of Karen's and your entire family. God took care of you and Karen and He now watches over your beloved soul. Rest in peace.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

December 16, 2012