Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

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

You are My witnesses said the Lord. You are My servant whom I have chosen. That you may know and have faith in Me and understand that I am He: before Me no God was created and neither shall there be after Me. You were one of a kind Officer Cook, dedicated and devout to your wife, Karen and to your loving family who knew your profession was dangerous and yet they supported you a hundred percent in your decision to become a law enforcement officer. As I reflected in the past, you never disappointed your parents and family and you are revered by all and missed this day and forever by them. We know that God has you and your father, Charles cradled in the palm of His hand for eternity. Keep watching over us and rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. God basically has over twenty-thousand witnesses, your colleagues who gave their lives in the line of duty to protect and serve the public trust. So now God's heavenly streets are well guarded.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

December 13, 2012

Honor shall uphold the humble in spirit. For You have made him but lower than the Angels and you have crowned him with honor and glory. By devoting yourself along with your lovely wife, Karen to your community and by serving the citizens with humility and distinction, you now reside among God's blue angels, Officer Cook, men and women who were ready to meet the challenges and make the ultimate sacrifices so we could live in a safer environment. God has crowned two exceptionally wonderful people yourself, Officer Cook and your father, Charles with distinction for having served your government in the military and yourself as a dedicated Metro-Dade Police Officer.Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

December 13, 2012

Every living individual will render Your praise like myself this day: the father to the children shall make known Your truth. A father and a son share a very and intimate bond. A father helps his son take the next steps that are necessary for the son to realize and achieve success when he grows up. Officer Cook, this is exactly what your beloved father, Charles, may he rest in peace besides you my neighbor, friend and hero. He was there along with your beloved mother, Mrs. Julia Cook, may she live and be well. Even in spirit, your father was watching over you as you served and protected Dade County citizens. Now in the eyes of God, because of what Officer William C. Cook so epitomized , you and your father, can rest forever in eternity knowing you fulfilled your mission in this world with the utmost honor, respect and dignity for a job well done. There could not be a more prouder moment for your family to take notice of and remember you for all of your good deeds.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

December 13, 2012

Then the righteous will be glad, the upright rejoice, the pious celebrate in song. When You remove the tyranny of arrogance from the earth, evil will be silenced, all wickedness will vanish like smoke. I know from heaven Officer Cook, you have been looking down over your loved ones with a great deal of pride and amazement and your Mother, Mrs. Julia Cook, God bless her has been saying prayers for you and those who made the sacrifices that allow us to carry on with our daily lives. We all wish you were here today and celebrating the milestones of your family's achievements. But, one day your father, Charles and yourself will be together with your loved ones. You are their salvation and were the apple of their eye. Every breath you took, signified success in all your efforts. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. You fought gallantly to preserve our right to live with honor and dignity personified.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

December 12, 2012

Open for us the gates, even as they are closing. The day is waning, the sun is low. The hour is late, a year has slipped away. Let us enter the gates at last. Lord, have compassion. Pardon, forgive, take pity. Grant us atonement. Help us to conquer our iniquity and sin. God's heavenly gates always are open to receive His servants such as you, Officer Cook, who along with twenty- thousand of your colleagues now walk "The Blue Line." Regardless of the time of day or night, whether it is hot or cold outside, God is watching and waiting. For all of the above which you willingly sought and empowered yourself to reach out to others, there will be a heavenly reward for all your endeavors. You placed yourself ahead of others, risked bodily harm to make the community you so loved a more safer venue. No one can ever take away the lessons in life you imparted on us. Another year, 2012 is about to finish, as we enter the new year of 2013, let us pray that it begins on a good note with peace, good health for all mankind and we can be allowed to pursue all of our dreams and desires with you and your father, Charles guiding us on the proper paths. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. You and my father, Owen, who was a long time New York City Police Officer are probably smiling as you pull open with pride, God's gates for all to view.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

December 12, 2012

Just as God separates night from day and aligns the stars in the skies, so too we pray that one day soon all wickedness will be eradicated from the world. The world needs more brave people such as you, Officer Cook, to stamp out evil. Your devoutness and the honor with which you treated others shall not be forgotten. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

December 12, 2012

None shall hurt or destroy in all My holy mountain, for the love of the Lord shall fill the earth as the waters fill the sea. For the respect and dignity you afforded your fellow man, Officer Cook, God is watching over you and your father, Charles and those officers who made the ultimate sacrifice before you with His bountiful love. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero and I'll keep your mother, Mrs. Julia Cook in my thoughts and prayers.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

December 12, 2012

As a couple are joined in marriage and they enter their home, this is their sanctuary. The wise woman builds her home. Whatever is said of the wise woman can be said of a wise man. A home must be created and they requires two things: wisdom, which involves looking ahead and laying out plans. Building, which involves a constant and sustained effort throughout one's life. Despite, your brief life my neighbor, friend and hero, Officer Cook, I do think you and Karen worked your tails off to provide a very special loving and nurturing home. If you were still here today, I'm sure you would still be very happily married and your love for each other would be as special as the very first day you met. Other creator has plans for us and He needed you to be reunited together in heaven with your loving father, Charles to oversee what is transpiring here in this world. Rest in peace and know that your life was one built on the foundation of humility and humanity and the rock of success and honesty.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

December 11, 2012

All my life, I grew up among wise people and I found nothing better for the body than silence. Getting along with one's in laws is very important. I'm sure Officer Cook, you personified this by doing various activities with your father-in-law. You both entertained each other at your homes and relaxed from the everyday activities that you undertook as a police officer. You are to be praised. You were a humble man and your devotion to God and your church is to be though of highly. Karen and you were well thought of in the community and both of you should never be forgotten. I know she remarried, I don't know where she resides, but when I see or speak to Gina, I'll tell her to send regards to Karen, Aunt Karen, and tell her I still think the world of you after all these years. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. United we stand and you were as brave and valiant as they come.Silence is golden and you knew, Officer Cook, when to speak with a calming influence.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

December 11, 2012

Back in the day Officer Cook, you and your wife, Karen always encouraged one another. You both sacrificed for one another and life back then could have been perceived as a struggle to earn an honest living, which both of you earned. Nurses back then did not earn what they earn today and so too with police officers and in particular with the profession you chose to perform under constant danger and adverse conditions day and night. When you came home from work, Karen was there to provide a cheerful and encouraging word. No one is an angel, but a sympathetic wife listens to her spouse and her calming tone is like a balm. I still say the two of you, Officer Cook and your lovely wife, Karen, would have made excellent parents. God sometimes has other plans. Your accomplishments as a dedicated Metro-Dade Police Officer will never and should never be diminished, they should be there for us all to see. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero with the angels above as you and those who sacrificed their lives before you walk the "Thin Blue Line."

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

December 11, 2012

You and your wife, Karen married when you were young. I'm sure you supported and provided for her needs dutifully. I don't know if her parents were living in Florida when you married. perhaps they were. But, I know that you continued to check on your mother, Mrs. Julia Cook and visited her often, as a good son and devoted son should do for their mother and father. When your father, Charles was alive you came to visit and inquire of their welfare. You should be commended for this. Your house was one of peace and unity because of your family values as well as Karen's upbringing. Karen also worked as a registered nurse, so being compassionate ran in your families. You loved each other so dearly, that when you sacrificed your life, one can only imagine how Karen and your families felt. I'm sorry I did not know you back in the day, when we lived around the corner from each other, but, I'll always remember your nephew, Justin and his sister, your niece, Gina and being comforted when I was in your mother's home and showed a picture of you on my cell phone and started sobbing like a baby. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero, my family and I will never forget you and your special family, my dear friends for life, the Wilkerson's and their children.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

December 11, 2012

In the previous reflection, I meant to say Officer Cook, you were a Godsend. Every kind of problem is sent our way and it is up to us to handle it either positively or God forbid negatively. We are constantly being tested on many fronts even if we are not aware of it. Life is like a battle, the battle is on all sides and it never ends. One moment in your life is calm and uneventful, the next moment is chaotic and full of challenges. Officer Cook, my neighbor, friend and hero, you battled evil each day on duty and defended not only the people you were protecting, but your fellow officers and yourself right down to your last breath. You were tested even back in the 1970's where temptations tested officers and their reactions were being recorded for departments to observe if their officers were acting within the confines of the law. When an officer puts on their uniform they must be beyond reproach and carry out their responsibilities faithfully as you did. Rest in peace and assist your colleagues in this world to carry out their duties as honestly and truthfully as you so performed.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

December 11, 2012