Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

We give a voice of thanks for the privilege to have known you even though I still regret never had the chance to meet and greet you. We can still reflect on the many wondrous deeds that accentuated your life. You now reside under God's eternal wings and assist in protecting those you loved and cherished while performing the work, rather the career you so loved. If you ever want to reach me Karen, I reside in North Miami Beach around the corner from where your mother-in-law, Mrs. Julia Cook lived. I will never forget the sacrifice of your husband, Officer William Coleman Cook made on behalf of Dade County and its citizens. I never forgot that day of thirty-three years ago.The valor Officer Cook so truly personified.I can be reached at my e-mail: [email protected]. Rest in peace Officer Cook and keep those Heavenly blessings raining down on us all.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 29, 2012

We give a voice of thanks for the privilege to have known you even though I still regret never had the chance to meet and greet you. We can still reflect on the many wondrous deeds that accentuated your life. You now reside under God's eternal wings and assist in protecting those you loved and cherished while performing the work, rather the career you so loved. If you ever want to reach me Karen, I reside in North Miami Beach around the corner from where your mother-in-law, Mrs. Julia Cook lived. I will never forget the sacrifice of your husband, Officer William Coleman Cook made on behalf of Dade County and its citizens. I never forgot that day of thirty-three years ago.The valor Officer Cook so truly personified.I can be reached at my e-mail: [email protected]. Rest in peace Officer Cook and keep those Heavenly blessings raining down on us all.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 29, 2012

From the book of Psalms: You prepare a table before me in full view of my enemies, you anointed my head with oil, my cup overflows. May only goodness and kindness pursue me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the House of God all the days of my life. Profound words Officer Cook, my neighbor, friend and hero. God prepared a table for you long before you so displayed your valor, courage and bravery. As nice a person as you were, I cannot fathom you having anyone dislike you. For the life of those that knew you it's hard to imagine why someone was bent on committing such an atrocity against you and your colleagues that fateful day of May 16, 1979. Your righteousness is watching over us as you dwell in eternity along with your dad, Charles. Rest in peace and may goodness and kindness help heal the loss your family, friends and colleagues suffered when you left this world to join your fellow officers who too made the ultimate sacrifice.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 29, 2012

Every person should spend an hour a day repenting, which is basically personal prayer and self-evaluation. A good warm-up is to start thanking God for all that you are blessed with. Health, livelihood, clothes on your back, food and a roof to reside under. Don't take anything for granted. Personal prayer is a guarantee for a happy and meaningful life. Confession, remorse, asking forgiveness, and commitment go hand in hand. My neighbor, friend, and hero, Officer Cook, you certainly illuminated the world for twenty-five wonderful, and happy and healthy years with your commitment to excellence in all that you undertook. We all wish you were here today to further enhance the world and this society with your faith and commitment. Karen and you were probably two of the most devout individuals that anyone could embrace. This all stems from the truly proper and forthright upbringing that so encompassed your lives. You never took anything for granted and we shall not take your courageous sacrifice for granted. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. You truly delivered excellence every day in a first class way. The acronym for DEED.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 29, 2012

Officer Cook, you were a very God-fearing and trustworthy person. You did not possess a measure of arrogance or a lack of faith. Your destiny was steered forever by God and He is steering you now in the heavens above so you can patrol the Gates of heaven watching over what we contribute to society everyday. The upbringing your wonderful parents gave you and Nancy, your sister, provided you the impetus to go out in the world and help make people and their lives a little more brighter. I hope there can be happier days ahead for all to be had and those of your family, despite your tragic passing will be bright. I know your family has a great deal of faith and trust in God, and this has enabled them to persevere the tragedies that have befallen them. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 28, 2012

Peace of mind is only two words away- God provides. Working is a continuous test of faith. Police officers are battle tested each moment while on duty. Physically and psychologically you go through the rigors every day. Police work really is not eight hours and go home. Rather, it's a twenty-four hour seven day a week position. It can become very arduous. But Officer Cook, you remained focused, calm and composed conducting your professional affairs on an honest basis with aplomb. The style you employed in dealing with each challenge only personified your true character and that was honor and integrity. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero, and drink from God's silver goblet as you drank from the pipe of trust during your twenty-five most fruitful,productive and successful years.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 28, 2012

I am sure Officer Cook that you were overjoyed the day you officially had your badge pinned to your chest to begin your career with the Metro-Dade Police Department. God gives us the opportunity to earn a livelihood with no connection to our abilities or righteousness. The lovingkindness that was given to you was your proving ground for trust in God. God watched over you in both your private and official moments as a police officer. Even on May 16, 1979, that fateful day that you made the ultimate sacrifice to keep us safe and sound God's hands were directing you and your colleagues. You understood that God assisted you and your wife, Karen with sustenance and accordingly you are blessed as you now watch over us in God's heavenly gates. You constantly sought strength and trust in Our Creator. You lived humbly and for this you will forever be blessed. May your loving soul my neighbor, friend and hero rest in peace along with your dad, Charles.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 28, 2012

Thank God for brave men and women law enforcement officers such as you, Officer Cook. All your days and years as a dedicated Metro-Dade Police Officer were served for heaven's sake. This implies that you worked and endeavored under God's umbrella. The wisdom you so imparted to your partner that day, Reserve Officer Scott Lincoln and your other partners still serves as a shining inspiration of what we should all strive to attain.. The calm and caring manner of your performance should be the example your department as well as all departments around the country on how to go about the duties of serving and protecting the public. You never gave in, showed any sign of weakness or put up a smoke-screen in obtaining success. God watches over you and your fellow officers brave souls and rewards those who obedience and loyalty directed them to honesty and integrity. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. You were a faithful follower and left a profound influence on those who knew and loved you dearly. I'll always say a prayer for your mother, Mrs. Julia Cook.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 27, 2012

Officer Cook, you treated each person with favor and gave the benefit of doubt to all. You and Karen glorified God's name and set out to live as a couple who devoted your spiritual energies to maximizing the abilities you both were given. You made people feel important and that is part of the purpose of why we were created. You each had a particular calling, and you answered God's call and attempted to deal with a situation in a peaceful manner. Man thinks and God laughs, I'm still not so sure what this really means, but each new day brings hope and optimism and as you rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero, one day you can help us figure out some of God's great mysteries.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 27, 2012

Each person created is a creature unto themselves. Officer Cook, as a wonderful human being that you were, the nobility of your soul and the immensity of your intellectual potential allowed you to accomplish all the goals that you set forth. The dastardly act that took your life and nearly cost your colleagues theirs is truly something that will not be forgotten. You were successful in dealing with all types of people and they enabled you to utilize and to achieve greatness. God caused you to aspire to greatness and it is that greatness that has allowed your very sacred soul to achieve perfection in the next world. The journey you traveled here in the land of the living and the ability to look favorably upon others is certainly enhanced. According to the effort is the reward based. You are reaping the rewards for the sacrifice you made on May 16, 1979 and for being a master of self-control. Your good name and deeds serve as your eternal legacy. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 27, 2012

God runs the world in accordance with our actions, and He created the world in order to show us His magnitude and can operate the world mercifully or in exacting stringency according to our actions. When people behave in an upright manner, civility reins and the world is a place of harmony and loving-kindness. On the other hand, injustice, immorality and cruelty invoke stern judgments and calamity. This is God's "measure for measure" mode of running the world. By way of trust, life in this world is more beautiful and by the power of trust, the entire world is like a blossoming garden that sprouts limitless varieties of exquisite plants, wonderful fragrant herbs and sweet fruit. When one places a grain of wheat upon fertile land, then it sprouts and grows well and no winds nor lighting and thunderbolts can harm it. Trust is essentially the power of growth. I can see why Officer Cook you appreciated nature and the outdoors and the beauty of being able to photograph nature at its finest moment. The seed your parents planted in you served to only enhance the value of your precious life that you utilized to help and protect people. The trust the public placed in you was utilized with integrity and honor to help defeat the foul odor of evil that still permeates in society long after you tragically passed from this world. You and Karen placed your trust in God and relied on Our creator to do the right thing. To try and begin what it meant for you to give up your very existence, we have to trust in God and all His actions. The sweetness and beautiful life you so personified will always yield pleasant memories for those acquainted with you and those such as myself can look back and hear of your goodness from your family members. It still bothers me that sadly I never got the chance to meet and speak with you. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero and I'll remember all the pleasantries that you so valued as will your family, friends and colleagues. The world keeps changing and growing by leaps and bounds, that you wouldn't believe it. We have to keep the faith and trust we place in Our creator to guide us through the beautiful gardens that are planted each day.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 25, 2012

Everyone has inclinations, but good men such as yourself Officer Cook, repress them as offerings as gratitude for God's many kindnesses. when a person confesses his faults, in other words,that what he had done or what he had intended to do was wrong, and he does not continue to cover up his motives and to justify his acts, then this is truly the highest honor due to God. When a man orders his way aright, which means he assesses his ways, he will be rewarded in the end with the Salvation of God. If ones conducts their life as you properly as you did my neighbor, friend and hero Officer Cook, then you will be showered with God's salvation and continue your path of perfection. One who walks perfectly in his ways and a word of truth is in his heart will forever be rewarded. The kindness you displayed will forever bless us as your soul ascends God's heavenly ladder. Rest in perfect peace along with your dad, Charles and keep watch over us in a land where evil still runs its gamut. Every moment you lived and protected us we were blessed beyond imagination and now your memory serves as a legacy in that it still protects us always. Men of wisdom like yourself have made a big difference in how we carry ourselves daily. Happy is the man who hears and ignores a hundred evils pass him by. Because of your crucial role in discouraging evil and fighting the forces behind it, this has made our situations seem much easier to tolerate. Wise men always seem to figure out the secrets to success versus failure and Officer Cook, for twenty-five years of meaningful diligence in that aspect you could be counted on. Your attention to detail was far superior than most of those officers you worked with and your partner, Officer DeGenova a survivor of that evil will too be remembered as you are for now being afraid to put their lives on the line to serve and protect Dade County citizens. The commendations you both received only reinforce the good work of two wonderful officers. I can see why you were close friends off duty as well. Never will my family and I forget your gallantry and fortitude.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 25, 2012

A very fine saying: What is mine is yours and what is yours is yours that person is considered righteous. Officer Cook, you were a person, a loving husband, devoted son, beloved brother and if you had lived to see your two great-nieces and great-nephew, you would have loved them like no other. A doting uncle for sure. Your refined character always displayed thanks and appreciation and never held a grudge. Your family was one to give to a less fortunate person and when you married Karen, the two of you continued that upstanding trait. The career you embarked upon was one of diligence and constant training in dealing with all types of dilemmas that officers confront daily. Your work required a sharp mind and physical agility to handle the rigors of the job. The community that you so dearly loved and wanted to impart your wisdom into will never lose sight of the ultimate sacrifice you made on its behalf to make it safer and more prosperous for its citizens. We as a nation need to be more caring and sharing and less selfish as we get ready to elect either Mitt Romney or keep President Obama for another four years. As humble as you were, moving up the ranks of the Metro-Dade Police Department would have helped the morale of its officers and you probably would have been able to weed out the dishonesty from within the ranks. you were firm and when compromise was needed you could always be counted on. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero, we will try to be as benevolent as you and Karen and your families were.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 25, 2012

One hour of repentance and good deeds in this world is better than all the life of the next world and one hour of bliss in this world is better than all the life in this world. Officer Cook, as very devout a person that you were, you brought much joy to your parents who gave you and your sister, Nancy, the proper upbringing that would enable you to be successful in all your pursuits. The outstanding career you forged as a Metro-Dade Police Officer is the perfect justification for those that came across you to be thankful for all that you did in making this world and community a safer place. God is blessing your very special soul for the sacrifice of May 16, 1979 that was made by you coming to the aid of your fellow officers. You brought laughter and joy in lighthearted moments and a serious approach in situations that called for tactical reasoning. Every living being has a unique intrinsic value and that value you had will never be forgotten. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero, your passing to this day will forever leave a gaping hole in the hearts of those who cherished you. I can be in bed at night, and all of a sudden, I think about you and start crying. This is perfectly normal and praiseworthy. Praise the Lord for He is good, His mercy endures forever. Every test that you took and passed with flying colors is what made you the police officer you were. Supremely confident, yet humble in how you approached dealing with people from all backgrounds in calming them.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 24, 2012

All men are equal before God. Prejudice does not fit into the religious tenets of life. It is evil and irrational and results in self-destruction. baseless bloodshed and hatred do not go hand in hand. To love your neighbor as yourself, and to put your self in his place and act accordingly is the saying that carries a lot of weight. My neighbor, friend and hero, Officer Cook, this is truly the most honorable way you lived your life. The person who wantonly took your life was depressed, a loner, a deserter of the Army. Why he chose to do what he carried out, we may never know. I truly believe he received his just punishment and you my friend are reaping the rewards in the next world along with your dad, Charles. You were a precious son, cherished brother, loving uncle and devoted husband to your wife, Karen. Belief in human brotherhood has stood as a mantle for ages. You treated every person regardless of race, background, creed and ethnicity equally. You sacrificed your very being trying to overcome the evil this person was set on carrying out. The world is a better place officer Cook because of what you represented as a caring and loyal Metro-Dade Police Officer. The calming affect you possessed will never be forgotten. Rest in peace and we will attempt to carry on in a world where true brotherhood needs to display itself more often than not.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 22, 2012

Gather not my soul with sinners; nor my life with men of bloodshed, In whose hands is conspiracy, and whose right hand is full of bribery. As for me, I will walk in my perfect innocence, redeem me and show me favor. My foot is set on the straight path, in assemblies I will bless the name of God. Officer Cook, my neighbor, friend, and hero we can only imagine if you were with us today, the happiness, pride, honor and joy you would bring to the world. After thirty-three years it's still so hard to believe what transpired on May 16, 1979, when you and your fellow colleagues stood face to face on a hot day in Liberty City in Miami, doing what you aspired to be and tried to dispel the evil that was perpetrated by a young man, who like yourself had everything to live for. We'll never know what caused him to act he did and want to harm you and your fellow officers. There you were at age twenty-five with a beautiful wife, Karen, a nice home and the possibility of someday raising a family of your own and in a matter of a few moments, all of that was taken away from you. How sad it was and continues to be for your family, friends and colleagues who gathered to remember your heroic life and reflect upon the good deeds and terrific person that Officer William Coleman Cook, badge #1664 was. It makes me cry when I look at your picture on the Officer Down Memorial Page and from the book, "Forgotten Heroes." You grew up around the corner in North Miami Beach where my family resided. We lived on 6th Avenue and 179th Drive. My wife Holly provides childcare for infants and sometimes I'll take the little ones on a short walk past your parents home. Quite a few memories in their home to say the least. We almost rented their home, that for sure would have been quit emotional for me. I was in the home when your niece Gina and her husband Trevor and their lovely children were fixing it up for occupancy. I was kicking a soccer ball in your parents backyard with their son and your great-nephew, Legend and met your two great-nieces, Alexis and Skyler. I cried and Gina comforted me and showed me your room where you slept, studied and entertained guests. The area has changed quite today, and you may not recognize some of the changes. Sabal Palm Elementary and John F. Kennedy Middle School are still there, and I'll bet your parents used Doctors Jaffe, Allison and Cremer as your pediatricians as did my parents. Unfortunately, this is still the issue of crime and there is a security patrol twenty-four hours around the neighborhood keeping tabs on the area. There are some very nice homes in the area and there are some nice folks that still reside in North Miami Beach to this day. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero and know that you made a tremendous difference in society and the ultimate sacrifice that you made that Wednesday afternoon, May 16, 1979 will never be forgotten on my part. You were the truly honest, the most dedicated officer that wore the Metro-Dade Police uniform. The first class epitome of what it means to live your life as a hero and who never shunned nor shied away from the tough and difficult situations no matter the outcome. You made us all proud even if I never unfortunately had the distinct privilege of having met and known you. I'll take comfort in at least meeting Justin, your nephew, who you would be very proud of and Gina, your niece, a truly remarkable woman. I'll always keep your mother Mrs. Julia Cook in my prayers and likewise your sister, Mrs. Nancy Tidwell, who will forever adore you as siblings would do for each other. Pray for us Officer Cook that you and your dad, Charles now walk side by side in God's Kingdom in perfect innocence trying to help your fellow officers here in this world control the evil and stem the wanton bloodshed and baseless hatred that seems to have taken over modern society. There is still plenty of goodness and peace here in this world, we just need for you to guide us through some of the pitfalls that encircle us. Imagine if I never read that particular book, I would never have known that we were neighbors in North Miami Beach, Florida, where the motto is: "Where people care." I did remember your tragic passing, it has stuck with me to this day, the book reinforced the details of what transpired and how you lived and made the ultimate sacrifice so citizens of Metro-Dade County could be safer and enjoy the things they like to do because of forty-one others Metro officers such as yourself who answered the call to public service and were charged with protecting us from evil.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 20, 2012

Prayer is a bridge between man and God and must never be treated with indifference or lack of sincerity. prayer is the most beautiful form of human expression. It is the special gift granted to man for it is a dialogue with the Almighty. We reach out for assistance, in depths of despair, in moments of happiness, we feel grateful. We share our sorrows, our joys. It is our soul ascending to the source of all life. It is man's mind contemplating the purpose of life. Prayer opens the door to the presence of God.It is the vehicle that provides us the mental and emotional energy to face difficulties in life. It is the greatest force we can wield. It is the talent God has given us. Prayer is not a substitute for effort and work. It is the outpouring of the heart and not words implying a duty of the conscience. We trust that we may continue to merit your confidence and that we shall receive many more blessings from you in the future. For prayer to be effective, we must keep in touch with God on a regular basis. Officer Cook, as a devout person, I'm certain you and Karen remained steadfast in your beliefs in God and let him guide you both during the many happy times you shared as a couple. Those of us regret you are not here to witness many more happier times, but we realize because of special individuals such as yourself who were willing to take risks on our behalf, are watching over us and the wonderful souls of you and your dad, Charles are the guiding lights that take us on our journeys here in this world. Rest in everlasting peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Give us the spiritual energy to be as diligent and devout in prayer as you were. As I reflected in the past, Karen dedicated a stained glass window in your memory to Visitation Catholic Church where the two of you worshiped regularly, and I'm sure its parishioners will not forget an outstanding man of true faith and character.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 20, 2012

Prayer is a bridge between man ans God and must never be treated with indifference or lack of sincerity. prayer is the most beautiful form of human expression. It is the special gift granted to man for it is a dialogue with the Almighty. We reach out for assistance, in depths of despair, in moments of happiness, we feel grateful. We share our sorrows, our joys. It is our soul ascending to the source of all life. It is man's mind contemplating the purpose of life. Prayer opens the door to the presence of God.It is the vehicle that provides us the mental and emotional energy to face difficulties in life. It is the greatest force we can wield. It is the talent God has given us. Prayer is not a substitute for effort and work. It is the outpouring of the heart and not words implying a duty of the conscience. We trust that we may continue to merit your confidence and that we shall receive many more blessings from you in the future. For prayer to be effective, we must keep in touch with God on a regular basis. Officer Cook, as a devout person, I'm certain you and Karen remained steadfast in your beliefs in God and let him guide you both during the many happy times you shared as a couple. Those of us regret you are not here to witness many more happier times, but we realize because of special individuals such as yourself who were willing to take risks on our behalf, are watching over us and the wonderful souls of you and your dad, Charles are the guiding lights that take us on our journeys here in this world. Rest in everlasting peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Give us the spiritual energy to be as diligent and devout in prayer as you were. As I reflected in the past, Karen dedicated a stained glass window in your memory to Visitation Catholic Church where the two of you worshiped regularly, and I'm sure its parishioners will not forget an outstanding man of true faith and character.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 20, 2012

Officer Cook, my neighbor, friend and hero you were a man of courage, totally dedicated to your fellow human being. Your faith in Our Creator was deep and unlimited. The righteousness in you was in assisting others. You went the extra mile. You were honest with yourself, with God, and your fellowmen. Your conscience was as steady as the needle to the North Pole. You did not brag or run from responsibility. As an officer serving the public trust you understood the message of God and shared it with others. Your eyes were indeed turned upward. Bad indeed will be the day for every man when he becomes absolutely contented with the life he is living, with the thoughts he is thinking, with the deeds he is involved in. Your life as a police officer meant at times you had to be a progressive thinker and look for various ways to solve problems while on your watch. You and your family and your wife, Karen lived a truly humble and blessed life. The success you achieved was because you lived well, laughed often and loved much. You garnered the respect of your peers, and the love of children. You filled your niche and accomplished your task, you left this world better than you found it because of your unselfish willingness to sacrifice your very existence for others to enjoy the fruits in this land of opportunity. You looked for the best in others, while giving maximum effort each moment on duty. You left a shining inspiration and a cherished memory that serves as a benediction for all to partake of. Rest in peace Officer Cook, may the good name God instilled in you fortify us eternally forever more.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 20, 2012

All who occupy themselves with the affairs of the community should be engaged with them for the sake of heaven, for the merit of their fathers assists them, and their righteousness endures forever. And upon you says God, I will bestow great reward as though you had accomplished it all by yourselves. Officer Cook, my neighbor, friend and hero, you worked diligently patrolling Dade County streets and every moment on duty was utilized to the utmost to make our lives safer for us to enjoy. The sacrifice you made that fateful day, May 16, 1979 with all due diligence will never be lost nor forgotten by your peers, family or my family. Rest in peace and allow your soul to watch over us with the diligence you so courageously displayed fighting evil. You took charge of a situation and challenge and did not back down. Your bravery and valor stands as a symbol of what it means to wear the Metro-Dade Police Department uniform so proudly and the commendations you and your friend, Officer Keith DeGenova received will stand as a testimony of excellent oversight on both of your parts. He misses you and suffered brain damage defending his fellow officers. He is considered a survivor hero and I don't believe he speaks with any of his former colleagues. I think he lives in Jacksonville, Florida today and has a metal plate in his brain and wears the bullet that surgeons removed around his neck. You were truly one of his closest friends in the department and won't ever be forgotten. The city of Miami has changed dramatically since your days as an officer. You and your colleagues that day were the genuine heroes and your memory as long I'm here will always remain close to my heart. Mrs. Julia Cook, your mother will always remain a friend of my family and I'm still hoping to meet her either out in San Diego or if they bring her back to Florida for a visit.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 19, 2012

A person is raised by their parents and when they are old enough they go on their own to pursue a career, meet that perfect mate, get married and someday start a family. God provided you, Officer Cook, the impetus to go out in the world, train and become the first class law enforcement officer that you were, and meet the love of your life, your wife, Karen who was a registered nurse. Two very fine professions which require due diligence and compassion. I believed you were a man of strong character, who acted only with the highest standard of morality. A person with conviction who believes nothing in this world just happens, but rather everything is directed by Our Creator, will view each situation as coming from the "Finger of God." This Officer Cook, my neighbor, friend, and hero is the sign of your greatness as both an officer and how you occupied moments when together with Karen. That day of May 16, 1979, we saw God's hand and the lessons that your tragedy imparts on us this day. The bar you set is high, and the expectations that come with it are similar. God's hand took you on a journey to heaven to meet up with your fellow officers who like you made the supreme sacrifice and it is you and your wonderful soul that is guiding us in the right directions as we navigate through the perils of life in this world, you are receiving the blessings in the next world for all that you mastered as you navigated in your twenty-five years of a life well lived and the right way your parents raised both you and your sister, Nancy. Rest in peace and continue steering us in the correct path, along with your father, Charles and I'll continue keeping your mom, Mrs. Julia Cook in my thoughts and prayers. Even though you and Karen never raised a family, I know the two of you would have made excellent parents. Sometimes we just have to trust God and His ways.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 18, 2012

The way of one to live their lives is by self-control. Life would be a perpetual flea hunt if one were obliged to run down all the innuendo, insinuations and misrepresentations which are uttered against them. One who slanders or speaks badly of their fellow man only suffer in the end. There is nothing better than a good tongue and nothing worse than an evil one.Death and life are in the power of the tongue: And they that indulge it shall eat the fruit thereof. Officer Cook, not only were you raised in an honorable manner by your loving parents, you preached and practiced every moment how to speak kindly of others. How else could you have maintained law and order otherwise? You kind demeanor will never be forgotten by myself or the people with which you constantly can in contact with. Your genuine personality and outgoing manner will live on forever in the hearts of your loved ones and colleagues. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero, we who live in modern society need to practice tolerance and the fine art of clean speech. Words are like a knife, they cut like a sword. Your humbleness in carrying out your duties should be a wake up signal as to how we should properly conduct our daily affairs.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 17, 2012

Parents have a wonderful opportunity to assist their children in learning the art of decision-making. This somewhat sophisticated skill does not come easy to many, and it would appear the earlier one starts in life making decisions, the more correct and on-target those decisions will be. Officer Cook, you were blessed, rather we were blessed, though I never had the distinguished pleasure of meeting you, I was able to glean pertinent information about your enriched life from your family and the book, "Forgotten Heroes." You were able to prioritize your aspirations and goals from a young age. This enabled you to make a smooth transition to a successful law enforcement career with the Metro-Dade Police Department, in which you endeared yourself to so many citizens and colleagues from all walks of life. The world as we know it is comparable to a rainbow and one has to blend and mold their hopes and dreams with one another. The opportunities to be blessed come our way quite often. Whether from a relative, mail carrier or a police officer such as yourself. Each blessing is an opportunity that knocks at our doors and each greeting and look to heaven may open the door to great salvation and renewal. The only thing for us to do is let these blessings in. I personally feel your spirit and blessings of having met some of your family members and in our home I feel your aura. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero along with your father, Charles and send down all of goodness of your divine spirit as it blesses your family and those who were humbled to be associated with you and the Cook family. Your mother will always be a part of my family and we will always say our prayers and blessings of good health, peace and spiritual prosperity with Mrs. Julia Cook in mind.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 16, 2012

There is a saying: Take charge of yourself, help others-Do It Now! Officer Cook, you might have learned in Sunday school of Noah and his ark. The ark took one hundred and twenty years to build. Between the different animals and people living there, there was much chaos. The behavior of both animals and humans was very bad. But there is a lesson to be learned, and that is to repent and try to co-exist with one another. A lesson you taught each of us well. When it came time for you to be stern you acted in such fashion. If you needed to point out something you were deliberate. When citizens broke the law, your job was to uphold it. A wake up call from God is meant to gather the attention of the one doing wrong. Whenever one is mired in personal agony, it is important to have a window to the world which is outside your own sphere of tragedy. The tragedy your family and colleagues endured on May 16, 1979 is one beyond comprehension. Yet I believe in my heart that God has and always will give your loved ones the strength to carry on. I hope my neighbor, friend and hero that you rest in peace and give us the bountiful courage to carry on your cherished legacy and overcome the evils that permeate modern society as we know it today. The spiritual life you led, should in no way, shape, or form detract from all you achieved. You were that take charge officer that your department counts on from all its officers. Be the best you can be. Corruption did not blind you, it only made you more aware of your surroundings and how to get a handle on the various situations you faced daily.Officer Cook, you were an honorable officer and a highly commended one, who stood eye to eye with evil and helped rein it in. You will never be forgotten for this. The strength and fortitude carried you wherever you traveled.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 15, 2012

"Indeed, You loved All the nations greatly, but Your holy ones were in Your hands for the others were planted at Your feet." This difficult verse is explained in a unique fashion. God loves all His creations, but it is said of someone who chooses to follow every difficult challenge. One who lives a structured life, would be punished for deficiency, and accepted the onus for each individual. That nation needed a special blessing, some would be placed at God's feet, while others would be in His hands. Indeed, Officer Cook, you were that unique individual who came into this world, not only at God's feet, but in God's hands. Your hands accomplished so much, you played drums in high school, took pictures, photography, and enjoyed hunting, I'll assume with a bow and arrow. When it came time to perform as a dedicated Metro-Dade Police Officer, you did not shows any signs of weakness or deficiency. You were indeed a very blessed person, who did not back away from the challenges that law enforcement personnel are presented daily in the performance of their duties. You saved lives, helped calm down those who needed appeasing. God has blessed your wonderful family and in particular, your mother, Mrs. Julia Cook with good health and spiritual fulfillment at the age of ninety-seven. A truly remarkable achievement, I'm sure she misses your presence each and every moment. You too were very jovial and congenial and brought only pride and joy to your parents, sister and other members of your beloved family. The friends and colleagues who shared stories of you, and your actions on May 16, 1979 that enabled them to carry on your distinguished legacy. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero, we will be forever grateful for God having planted you at our hands and feet. You were a humble man who appreciated the value of good friendship and the uncanny ability to make people laugh and appreciate the value of a fully enriched life.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 14, 2012