Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Happy is the man who lives in fear of sin: Reckless men will come to grief.Our God and God of our fathers, Forgive us, pardon us, clear us. We are your people, and you are our God: We are your children, and you are our father. We are your servants, and you are our Lord: We are your community, and you are our Heritage. We are your possession, and you are our Destiny: We are your flock, and you are our Shepard. We are your vineyard, and you are our Keeper: We are your work, and you are our Creator. We are your faithful, and you are our Beloved: We are your chosen, and you are our Friend, We are your subjects, and you are our King: We are your worshipers, and you are our exalting One. Powerful words to live by my neighbor, friend and hero Officer Cook. It is safe to say precisely the words of these phrases which to the utmost describes the wonderful and fulfilling life you lived and sacrificed for us all. You can be certain you have received the most heavenly reward upon which God bestows upon his mortal servants. Beautiful words to remember the legacy of the cherished life of Officer William Coleman Cook. An angel, a true blue angel protecting and keeping watch above us all. You did your job and carried out your assignments as you were trained to do. I'm proud to have read and to have met some of your wonderful family members, who to this day not only miss you, but remember you in deed and in spirit. You gave all each day to your wife, Karen and to the community of Dade County with which you were responsible for policing. Your kept your priorities in order and never backed down from the face of danger. There couldn't be anything more special than laying down your life to protect your fellow officers as you performed so bravely that day of May 16, 1979. Rest in peace and one day we'll all see that beautiful smile of your's once again as it shines down on us and helps make the sad days a little happier. It is your devote being that has earned you a special place among God's heavenly angels. We will try to stay the course down here as you guide us through the perils of life each moment. Your parents and sister and to all of your special family members, you can take solace in knowing you indeed raised a true and inspirational hero, one who will never be forgotten.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 2, 2012

Awesome God, let us live: forgive. Our merits few, we look to you. Save us from foes: Your power just, in You we trust. Our ancestors great, our merits few, our lives renew. In spite of sin, again help us begin. Your flock embrace, with love and grace. In great compassion, forgiveness fashion. Let joy, not strife, embrace our life. Redemption bring, that we may sing. The gates are closing. This beautiful chapter of your rich and revered life Officer Cook, began at your birth and continued for the next twenty-five years as your accomplishments in your career multiplied and the grace, dignity, humility in which you performed your job reached its zenith. You were a true friend to all who crossed paths with you professionally and personally. You might have been described as the straw that stirred the drink. I'm not sure they would say that at your department. I'll mention it, as you were a source of calmness, being able to deal with all people from different walks of life. Your zest for life, your devotion to your family and friends shows just how truly remarkable an individual you were. A brave and valiant person who carried the ideals you were raised with, and the sacrifice you made for your colleagues and family that will never be forgotten. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

September 29, 2012

Of steel and iron, cold and hard and numb, now forge yourself a heart and come to walk the world of slaughter. You shall walk in and out of ruins, look in where all the black and gaping holes appear like ragged wounds that neither wait nor hope for healing more in all this world. After all these years of your tragic passing the world still has to deal with turmoil and bloodshed. My neighbor, friend and hero, Officer Cook, while you so aggressively patrolled the streets to make them safer, we at least can take the time to honor your solemn memory and lend a hand to those who so patrol these streets today. There are so many wounds left to ponder, it's beyond reason at times as to why violence cannot be stopped altogether. You waged a battle with those who saw fit to take over the streets and let violence rein down and you were a great source of strength and inspiration in trying to calm individuals down who were bent on destruction and mayhem. It's a crying tragedy what took place on May 16, 1979 when you stood and took up a brave and valiant effort to calm one man down who was looking to glorify himself in violence and mayhem. Your valor will forever reflect the courage you brought to your law enforcement position each day. Rest in peace and keep smiling down on us.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

September 28, 2012

Days are scrolls. Write there only what you would like to have remembered about you. it is said that when righteousness and justice become a reality upon the earth, all that is savage and brutal will vanish and all wickedness will disappear. Strife and war will no longer devastate the lands and discord will no longer tear apart mankind. Officer Cook from the day you were born, your golden scroll was inscribed with only goodness, and all that you stood for. The inspired way you carried yourself in deeds and as a law enforcement officer can only reinforce the terrific upbringing in which those who knew you were able to enlighten themselves. We can cherish hopes, embrace values and perform deeds which your untimely passing cannot destroy. Many men have done superbly, but you surpass them all. As my family just observed the solemn Day of Atonement, also called Yom Kippur, we are reminded on this day that God hears and sees our prayers of repentance and how much we contribute to charity. You cannot run from God. As devout a person that you were, it's easy to understand the compassion you exhibited both on duty and in your private life. Still wished we had met. You could be like an older brother to me. This is probably why your passing leaves me very sad to this day. Rest in peace Officer Cook, my neighbor, friend and hero. For we know this world is no waiting room for eternity. Eternity is here among us. Several law enforcement officers joined you in heaven, so keep watch with them over us. You certainly were very much loved and are greatly missed this day.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

September 27, 2012

The right way to live your life is by the middle course. A person's temperament which is no nearer one extreme than the other. A person should strive to be neither hilarious nor gloomy, but always quietly happy and cheerful. if one lives in between, they are called wise. It goes without saying that we should endeavor to regulate our conduct as far as possible and to be Godly. if we do the proper things in life, evil is kept away from us. God watches our souls as we come and go now and ever. Officer Cook, my neighbor, friend and hero, the life you and your wife Karen led spiritually was one of trust, honor, compassion and the pursuits of happiness. Even though I didn't know you personally, a big regret I carry with me to this day, you were a happy and healthy individual who symbolized the essence of a life well lived. As I reflected earlier, I'm sure you and Karen would have made great parents and all that your parents instilled in you. You keep that beautiful shining smile looking down on your family, friends and loved ones. We will smile as we look up to the heavens above that you so diligently patrol. I want to offer a little prayer in loving memory of a beautiful human being, Officer William Coleman Cook, who lived the right way and gave of himself to protect us from society's evil ways. Merciful father, we lift our hearts up to thee as we recall with tearful tenderness, this great gentleman Officer William Coleman Cook, who is no longer with us in the land of the living. Grant peace of mind to those of his loved ones who bear deep wounds in their hearts today. may consolation come to them soon. May they find comfort in knowing that death is the wish of some, the relief of many, and the end to all. it places all mortals on the same level. Death separates, but it also unites. It reunites those it separates. may the memory of our departed loved one, Officer William Coleman Cook inspire us to live nobly and charitably as he did and to animate with cheerfulness all those who surround us. O Lord, let us all find sustaining hope in thee who has been our source of strength and comfort throughout the ages. Amen. Rest in peace Officer Cook and guide our lives on the pathways that you followed in the land of the living. You good deeds will always serve as our source of inspiration.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

September 21, 2012

The right way to live your life is by the middle course. A person's temperament which is no nearer one extreme than the other. A person should strive to be neither hilarious nor gloomy, but always quietly happy and cheerful. if one lives in between, they are called wise. It goes without saying that we should endeavor to regulate our conduct as far as possible and to be Godly. if we do the proper things in life, evil is kept away from us. God watches our souls as we come and go now and ever. Officer Cook, my neighbor, friend and hero, the life you and your wife Karen led spiritually was one of trust, honor, compassion and the pursuits of happiness. Even though I didn't know you personally, a big regret I carry with me to this day, you were a happy and healthy individual who symbolized the essence of a life well lived. As I reflected earlier, I'm sure you and Karen would have made great parents and all that your parents instilled in you. You keep that beautiful shining smile looking down on your family, friends and loved ones. We will smile as we look up to the heavens above that you so diligently patrol. I want to offer a little prayer in loving memory of a beautiful human being, Officer William Coleman Cook, who lived the right way and gave of himself to protect us from society's evil ways. Merciful father, we lift our hearts up to thee as we recall with tearful tenderness, this great gentleman Officer William Coleman Cook, who is no longer with us in the land of the living. Grant peace of mind to those of his loved ones who bear deep wounds in their hearts today. may consolation come to them soon. May they find comfort in knowing that death is the wish of some, the relief of many, and the end to all. it places all mortals on the same level. Death separates, but it also unites. It reunites those it separates. may the memory of our departed loved one, Officer William Coleman Cook inspire us to live nobly and charitably as he did and to animate with cheerfulness all those who surround us. O Lord, let us all find sustaining hope in thee who has been our source of strength and comfort throughout the ages. Amen. Rest in peace Officer Cook and guides our lives on the pathways that you followed in the land of the living. You good deeds will always serve as our source of inspiration.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

September 21, 2012

A kind man does good to himself: A cruel man does himself harm. A good name is a better choice than great riches: A good reputation is more than silver and gold. let others praise you, not yourself: Not your own lips, but someone else. Gracious and merciful is the Lord, Slow to anger and of great kindness. My neighbor, friend and hero Officer Cook, these words very humbly describe the rich life you exemplified as a human being and the way you treated individuals as a law enforcement officer. Society owes you a tremendous debt of gratitude for all that you accomplished in the twenty-five years lived and the six that you so faithfully carried out as an officer. People who knew my dad who was a police officer like you said he was too nice to be a police officer. I'll say you too were too nice of a person to be a police officer, but I know this was the path you laid out for yourself as a young man. It's a terrible shame the young man who took your life could not have searched in his heart to seek peace and pursue it. Free will that is given by God to us is something not to be taken for granted. Discreetness is the better part of valor. Your valor and generosity can never be taken from you, it's etched on a marble wall at Tropical Park in Miami, Florida along with those of your forty-one comrades who made the ultimate sacrifice on behalf of the people of Dade County. Rest in peace in glorious splendor and we will always remember and cherish your golden reputation.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

September 20, 2012

You who are asleep, wake up! You who are in a trance, arise! Search your doings and repent: Remember your Creator: You who forget constant truth in vanities of the hour. And indulge all year in trifles which cannot profit or save, look rightly into your souls!@ Amend your ways and your deeds: Let each one of you give up his evil course and purpose. Free will is granted to every man. If he chooses to lean to the good course and be righteous, he is at liberty to do so. On the other hand, if he desires to follow the evil course and be wicked, he is likewise free to do so. The man that took your life that awful day, should probably have thought twice about the ramifications of his actions. God only knows the reason, his life and the decisions he made should have been redirected toward good. he had deserted the Army, and that would have been his only blemish. For what he committed against yourself and your comrades, just a tragedy for all of us. A big loss for your family, comrades and friends. Your heroism that day will surely never be lost in this tragedy. You were doing your job and trying to get this person to surrender and make a peaceful resolution to what turned out to be a very difficult situation. You gave your all for Dade County and its citizens and the honor and integrity you brought to your department will forever be honored. Rest in peace and Officer Cook, my neighbor, friend and hero. You represented honor, loyalty and the epitome of integrity and you were a success in your every endeavor. You never had to amend how you performed your law enforcement duties and this is something you can be proud of as is your family. A first class person all the way, and it shows by your proper upbringing. Your parents were never disappointed at you and you only brought grace and loving kindness to them.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

September 18, 2012

I see Thee in the starry field, I see Thee in the harvest's yield, in every breath, in every sound, an echo of Thy name is found. The blade of grass, the simple flower, bear witness to Thy matchless power. Each day we have a new beginning: each day blessings are given to us anew. It is a gift for us to utilize wisely, because the wisdom of living consists in making the most of what has been given to us. To a large extent we are like the maker of cloth who cannot weave without threads. We have the threads to fashion a life. God gives us daily threads. These consist of our hands, eyes, brain, and a soul with the power to do. "O teach us to count our days that we may get us a heart of wisdom." To live well we must have a faith fit to live by, a self fit to live with, and a work fit to live for. Remember thou art immortal. My neighbor, friend and hero Officer Cook, you and your sister Nancy were raised within a beautiful family. The patterns you both weaved as you accomplished much in this world is one to be desired. The tapestry is one we should all pattern and govern ourselves by. Each part of your inner being only achieved greatness, and those who knew you were blessed with your greatness and joyful presence. It is the quality of a man's life that ultimately determines the blessings their souls receive in the next world. Your pure, precious and cherished soul will certainly garner that extra special blessing. I'm certain these last thirty-three years God has watched over you and that unique individual that you were to those who knew and loved you still feel your greatness as it permeates within them. Rest in peace and help us utilize the special gifts God gave to you and as his blue angel patrolling the streets from above. From talking to your niece, Mrs. Gina Wilkerson, your certainly were a very special person, a loving husband, brother, son and uncle to your family. Your passing sure left an impression on me and still I wished I had been able to befriend you. Your an inspiration to me this day and for always will remain so.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

September 15, 2012

Let justice roll down as waters, and righteousness as a mighty stream. The day of May 16, 1979 Officer cook that your life was ended, make no mistake will never be forgotten. During your distinguished career as an officer, you probably had to make a few quick second decisions. Several months after your tragic death, your department was under the shadow of judgment from the Dade County community. A gentleman was speeding in the Liberty City area where you sacrificed your life. Six of your colleagues went on trial for this man's death. In the end they were acquitted of killing him. Tensions in the community back then were running high. The day of your tragedy, I know you and you colleagues were under the same watch. Officer Cook, my neighbor, friend and hero handled the situation as did your colleagues Officers DiGenova, Edgerton and Llincoln, your partner that day acted within professional standards. Justice was served when the man that took your life, had his taken by your fellow officer Detective Blocker. he had no recourse but to discharge his weapon to protect himself and his fellow officers. Just as you went around that Nova to protect your fellow comrades as you heard gunfire and possibly saw your comrade falling out of the car. Officer DiGenova still suffers this day from brain damage and I'm sure thinks greatly of you as we all do. You had to carry out justice, and yet you had to be careful. Simply put, it's a shame what happened that day and your heroic efforts to calm this gentleman down were not in vain. You carried out your job precisely as you were trained to. All the great work that you and your comrade and friend Officer DiGenova did through the years, when you both received numerous commendations, this too shall not be forgotten. Rest in peace and keep watch from the heavens above to make sure we are carrying out justice in a proper and dignified manner, the way you instructed us.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

September 13, 2012

The power of faith is similar to the power of the words and how we address each other. On Friday afternoon, I lead services at various senior living communities in Broward County. One of the prayers we say is "I believe in the sun even when it is not shining. I believe in love even when not feeling it. I believe in God even when he is silent. When someone passes we say Blessed is the God of truth. Simple words made even more powerful when repeated over and over. We have to endeavor to keep the faith even in dire situations. Your passing Officer Cook, left a profound mark on your family, friends and colleagues. For me it left an emptiness one cannot explain. We have to bless Our Creator in good and difficult circumstances. To utter this prayer, as hard as it may be to accept your untimely passing, is the resolve and faith that sustains us. Your mother, Mrs. Julia Cook, who on Monday will turn ninety-seven years young, of course I meant to use the word old. I don't believe old is the correct word to use. After all, age is a chronological number. This is testimony that as a devout person, she has been able to sustain herself all these years, even after the passing of both you and your dad, Mr. Charles Cook. You and your sister Nancy were both brought up with plenty of faith and belief, to go along with high morals and quality character traits. The words you spoke when called upon were fitting and proper, a reflection of your upbringing and serve to reinforce how we should address each other. You were a beloved and cherished son to your parents and to all who came in contact with you either personally or professionally. Faith is rather an act of the spirit, and it's the soul's urge to rise above its own wisdom. As noted in the Book of Psalms, "I chose the path of faith. Your judgments I set before Me, "Lift up your eyes on high and see, who has created these? faith is the best tonic for mankind because faith in the Lord will reward you with courage in time of trouble, and provide you with an adequate purpose in life. Our food, clothing and shelter is dependent on faith and your faith, my neighbor, friend and hero, never wavered with your wife Karen, or your parents who provided the best upbringing for both yourself and your sister Nancy. One day our faith, and the faith you maintained will unite us with you once again. Rest in peace and the onus in us to keep the faith and believe Gods does things, even tragedies such as your sacrifice for a reason. I will never forget you and that lovely letter your mother wrote two years ago to me. As my family beginning Sunday night celebrates the Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashanah, in which our slates are wiped clean and we start from the beginning. I am reminded of a simple story, one that your mother, probably heard of. In the olden days, you took a bottle of soda back to the store, and got something for its return. In order to accomplish something, one needs to make a deposit, if one is going to receive a return. God is rewarding you Officer Cook, for both your deposits and returns in this world for having served Him faithfully with honor and loyalty for twenty-five years.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

September 11, 2012

We ask thy blessings and eternal rest to all our brothers and sisters who have sacrificed their very lives in the performance of their duties. Give their loved ones the peace and strength to bear the anguish of their loss. Remove all resentment from their hearts, knowing that eternal peace and rest will abide their departed loved ones forever. This we beg, Thy name forever and ever. Amen. As your family and colleagues have had to deal with anguish of your untimely death, Officer Cook your commitment will never be forgotten by me and my family. Rest in peace and continue to watch all of us from the heavens above.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

September 8, 2012

A philosopher once remarked, "Dress like a king: live like a king: allow the people to show due respect to you: but be humble in your inmost heart." When a person boasts, it is a sign they don't know anything. Officer Cook , my neighbor, friend and hero, you were a lovable and fun person to be around, whether with your family or colleagues. When you were on duty to performed as a true professional and hero to the zenith. You lived your life with your wife Karen as expected, you had fun, and yet when it came time to put on your uniform you excelled and fought right down to your last breath. I sorely miss you as does your family and friends. Rest in peace and someday we will all be united together with you.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

September 7, 2012

"My Brother"
Although I never met him, I knew him. He was idealistic and believed he could make a difference. he was immensely proud of the uniform and the badge and what they represent. he felt privileged to be of service to his department, community and to his country. he was a cop. Although I never met him, I knew him. He had a strong sense of right and wrong and became frustrated when true justice became sidetracked. he felt the sharp criticism that goes with the job, but he never wavered. He stood by and for his fellow officers. He was a cop. Although I never met him, I knew him. He was friendly, courteous, and polite, yet firm. He laughed and joked, but was serious when necessary. He was competent, trained and professional. He was a cop. Although I never met him, he longed for his family during the long hours. He worried about them when they were apart and during the different shifts, weekends, holidays and midnight. He felt guilty about the lost time, but knew his calling and prayed they would understand. He was a cop. Although I never met him, I knew him. He was a good son, a loving husband and a devoted brother. He was dedicated to the profession and cared about the people he served. He wanted to do the best job that he could and endeavored to be the best he could be. He was a good citizen and neighbor. He was a cop. Yes, I did know him. he was a cop, he was my brother. Rest in peace Officer Cook, Metro-Dade Police Department's brother and fellow officer, and my neighbor, friend and hero. Your colleagues have the watch now and you can watch over them and guide them safely through their daily shifts. You certainly were the essence of a police officer endowed with high morals and impeccable character. I still wish I had the humble opportunity to meet and get to know you. I know people called you by your nicknames of Bill and Billy and your mother Mrs. Julia Cook in her letter to me almost two years ago this month referred to you as my son Bill, and thanking me so much for visiting Billy's grave. I'm sorry but I'll always refer to you as Officer William Cook. I always think of you and as long as I am able, I'll try to visit your grave as much as possible. God rest your precious soul.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

September 6, 2012

"Final Call"
An angel in the sky must leave his place of rest, gently tucking his wings beneath his armored vest. For duty has called, there is much work to do. Little did he know, this on is dressed in blue. Follow me fallen brother, I'll show you the way, your duty has ended, your work is now through, come hang your hat beside me, I'm a cop too. Officer Cook, you were the epitome of a police officer dedicated to serving the public. You didn't just hang your hat, you performed as a public official to the highest degree. Now, because of your sacrifice, officers in Miami-Dade County have side panels to protect them too. Just keep watching over us and rest in peace my neighbor, friend, and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

September 5, 2012

Man has told you what is good, but what does the Lord demand of you other than the doing of justice and the love of kindness and to walk humbly with your God. With the humble is wisdom. Humility is a beautiful virtue, one that should never be neglected. The deeds that you do with the still small voice have a much greater permanence than those accomplished by much fanfare. Officer Cook you were a kind soul, loved by everyone you came in contact with personally or professionally. The deeds that you performed in your twenty-five years of existence can never be forgotten. You truly lived your life with your wife Karen as wisely and humble as one is expected to live. You practiced and preached as your upbringing suggests. It's be said that you were wiser than the years that God placed you in this world. I personally will always have the regret of never having met you or your family. I still hope I can meet your mom either here in Florida or out in San Diego, California where she resides. September 17, of this year, she will be ninety-seven years old, a true testimony of good health, her character, her spiritual devotion and the wisdom, kindness, love and all the good things that you and your sister Nancy were instilled by your mother and father Charles, he should rest in peace along with yourself, my neighbor friend, and hero. There are certain traits that are developed within an individual, and Officer Cook you certainly lived your live and performed your duties a cut above most people. Today, you are admired by family, friends and colleagues from all over and the legacy that you left for all is one to truly remember. The love and goodwill you shared with those who knew you will always be valued. A good name and life that you lived cannot be replaced, nor can it be taken away. The memories of you will always be there for us to share.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

September 3, 2012

Arise, shine, for thy light is come and the glory of the Lord is risen over thee. For see! darkness covers the earth and gross darkness covers the people, but on thee gleams the Lord, His glory appears upon thee. Somehow, Officer Cook you and the twenty-thousand other officers, your colleagues who made the ultimate sacrifice as you did, tried to dispel the evil and darkness which exists in society today. As long as we keep our faith through prayer then I believe we can overcome the odds that seem stacked against us. Dedicated officers such as yourself obviously can only do so much even with all the training and preparation that prepares one for the rigors of the profession. I have visited your grave twice in the past week. I was in the area and wanted to stop and offer a prayer for you. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend, and hero. the art of remembering those brave officers like you should never be a way of the past. You continue to watch over us and we will do whatever to remember the good deeds and life that Officer William C. Cook lived and to the fullest.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

September 1, 2012

Officer Cook, when I said I did not think of your as a fighter, I meant someone who looked for trouble. God forbid I did not mean this. You fought to stay alive and to overcome the dire situation you faced. You did not ever give up. To this day, I maintain you and your comrades were ambushed by this evil person. You had to resort to using your firearm, and try and rescue the woman in the Chevrolet Nova and take into custody her boyfriend before this situation got worse. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. I always think of you in the sense in which your fought and stood up to face the evil in our society. You were a man of moral character, ethical at all times. You were not the kind of person, much less as an officer to pick a fight or get into trouble, as many officers get into today.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 28, 2012

Man was created for one purpose: to enjoy the goodness of God because He wants to shower us with His favors. Let us at all times lives our lives in such a way that we can fulfill this purpose of creation. let us live a way of life so that God will constantly reward us. May it be thy will, O God, that we may return to Thee in perfect penitence, so that we may not be ashamed to meet our fathers in the life to come. Unite oue hearts, O God, to fear Thy name: keep us far from what you hate: bring us near to what Thou loves: and deal mercifully with us for Thy name's sake. may it be Thy will, O God, that love and peace and brotherliness dwell among us! may our hopes of heaven be fulfilled! Grant that the good inclination may uphold us. Fill us with the desire to fear Thy name, and do Thou give us our soul's peace. Amen As you embarked in your law enforcement career, I'm sure your instructors embellished this point again and again to each of your fellow colleagues, the importance of being careful and seeing the big picture out there in the streets. The good and the evil, the light and the darkness. it's kind of like driving in the Everglades at night without your headlights on. Police officers serve a multiple purpose. They deal in every element of weather, work any and every shift, they can work around the clock during natural disasters. I understood that the week you were tragically taken, you were going to have your first weekend off to be with Karen and to enjoy being with each other. As I leave this reflection for you, we are in the midst of Tropical Storm Isaac. It's been seven years since South Florida has seen a storm or hurricane and my family and I hope and pray you family is fine and that your mother Mrs. Julia Cook is doing well in San Diego, along with your two nephews, Josh and Justin. Getting back to officers dealing with every kind of situation imaginable, you were exactly just that unique type of individual who was able to discern good from evil. You fought until your last breath, you fought the good fight, even though I don't like to think of you my neighbor, friend and hero as a fighter. For all of your training, that sad day of May 16, 1979 will always stand out when Officer William Cook stood front and center along with your partner, Reserve Officer Scott Lincoln, and Officers Keith DiGenova and Robert Edgerton to endeavor to dispel evil and saves the lives of Dade County and its citizens. You are a pride to us, your family and colleagues and should always be saluted for making the ultimate sacrifice to make us safe and secure forever. Rest in peace for now and keep watch over the light and goodness that this world has to offer. Your colleague Detective Donald Blocker came and dispelled the evil that took your life in a wanton, callous and brazen manner. He too should be remembered. Officer Cook, you lit the lamp, now it is up to us to keep those flames of your sacrifice burning eternally. You and Officer DiGenova worked together at one time and received commendations for the excellent police work you performed. This can never be forgotten. Once again, rest well my dear neighbor, friend and hero. God really does reward those who serve Him, and you served Him well, going out of your way to help those in need.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 26, 2012

Faith is not merely praying upon our knees at night: faith is not merely straying through darkness into light: faith is not merely waiting for glory that may be. faith is the brave endeavor, the splendid enterprise, the strength to serve, whatever conditions may arise. It is said that faith will come to those who passionately yearn for its ultimate meaning. We believe with perfect faith in the coming of the Messiah and in the resurrection of the deceased at the time when it shall please God, blessed be His name, and exulted shall be the remembrance of His name forever and ever. Officer Cook, you were certainly a man of faith, devotion, loyalty, not only to your family and colleagues, but to the community in which you devoted your life as the dedicated law enforcement professional. You sacrificed your existence so that each of us can pursue our field of dreams and passions. Sometimes people tend to look the other way, but not Officer William Cook. You stood up that day and faced danger in the eye. The life you led, as your parents raised you and your sister Nancy is the testimony of how in the grand scheme of being is how we all should strive to conduct ourselves. The courage to deal with adversity and be true to one's own beliefs is the one way we all can get closer each moment to Our Creator. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. As I reflected previously, I will never forget your bravery, fortitude, and achievements as the best of Metro-Dade Police Departments finest and most unselfish officers. Your faith was unwavering and one day in the near future I am going to try and dedicate a memorial to you for your service to the community at Sabal Palm Elementary School that you attended in North Miami Beach.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 25, 2012

Greater is prayer than sacrifices. Greater is prayer than good deeds. There are various types of prayer which reflects the mood of men and women. Prayers of thanksgiving, petition, contemplation, adoration, affirmation, inquiry and penitence. If we are judged worthy, we are helped physically, spiritually and financially. To every worthy prayer there is an answer. I know Officer Cook, that you were a very devout person, and you and Karen worshiped at Visitation Catholic Church by Starlakes Condos in North Miami Beach. Karen dedicated a stained glass window there and those congregants still around today can always share thoughtful and beautiful memories of you now and then. Today, I visited your grave and said a little prayer, and though I did not know you, I spent a few moments contemplating what might have been. I called my wife to tell her where I was and started sobbing like a baby. I'm sorry but your tragic and untimely passing to this day leaves me sad. God comforts us in His own way. Your passing left a profound sadness upon me, and of course with your family and colleagues, but we all know that you are resting in peace and continue to look down on us my neighbor, friend and hero. We all have a responsibility to carry on your distinguished legacy and not let you down. Everyone must pitch in to make this world the kind of place you made it look thirty-three years ago. A safer and prosperous world would definitely bring a smile to your face. Every time I look at your picture, wearing your police uniform so proudly and smiling, should bring a smile to us all.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 23, 2012

I believe you enjoyed playing tennis and used to play with your friend and colleague who was shot the day of your killing. Officer DiGenova and you I believed played across the street where you are buried. I too play tennis and would loved to have swatted a few forehands and backhands with you at Oak Grove Park down the block where you grew up in NMB. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 22, 2012

I apologize Officer Cook, I meant to say in the previous reflection that if you and your wife Karen had children, you both would have been excellent parents. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 20, 2012

They say that man is mighty, He governs land and sea, He wields a mighty scepter O'er lesser powers that be: but a mightier power and stronger man from his throne has hurled, For the hand that rocks the cradle is the hand that rules the world. Religion and understanding begin in the home. It is with the mother who is with the child when they lie down and when they rise up: it is the mother who sits with the child in the house and shows them, tells them, imparts upon them,instructs them how their lives are guided by fixed principles, and the intrinsic beauty of a good life. A happy home where love prevails. The family is the symphony and God is the conductor. Officer Cook you and your sister Nancy came from such a wonderful upbringing, where love, unity, peace and serenity prevailed. It is easy to understand your fortitude and dedication to your profession, in tense moments when a calming voice of logic and reason must be maintained. This epitomized the love your parents had for their children, and the fact that you and your sister did not disappoint them in any way. You meant the world to your parents and are sorely missed by everyone you came in contact with. You were mighty in the sense that you knew how to reach out to focus your abilities to maintain law and order. I believe had you and your wife Karen had children, you both would have made excellent parents. Rest in peace my wonderful friend, neighbor and hero. Heroes are not born, it is many ingredients that help mold a hero and the unique individual that Officer William C. Cook was and forever will remain. Two of the numbers of your badge number 1664, one and four were part of my father's badge number, 1541, when he was one of New York City's finest. May you and my dad rest in peace along with your dad Charles Cook.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 20, 2012

I never knew your wife Karen Officer Cook, but I am sure your marriage to such a lovely and wonderful woman was because of your abilities to communicate, to share your love, knowledge, emotions and understanding with one another. her devotion, affection, sympathy, understanding, appreciation, admiration, and enjoyment of common interests is exactly the ingredients for a successful and healthy marriage. I understand that Karen was a nurse, and helping to take care of and assist people is what the world needs more of. There should be more Karen and William Cooks in the world. People like the two of you who go out of their way to sacrifice and make the world a safer and healthier place. The fact Officer Cook that you and Karen were devout individuals reminds us of how we should conduct our daily lives. You enjoyed photography and hunting, I'm still hunting or rather searching why that day of May 16, 1979 happened. But, as I relate to senior citizens at my Friday and Saturday Sabbath services, God gives each of us daily tests and one day we will understand and comprehend His ways. To be sure you were a hero in every sense of the word and your heroic actions to protect your fellow officers should and will never be forgotten by me or my family. Rest in peace and continue to watch over us with your beautiful and precious spirit.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 19, 2012