Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

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

What is a dream? It is a sign of many things. Dreams are the touchstones of our characters. A dream itself is but a shadow. We can make our dreams come true. Officer Cook my neighbor, friend and hero, you dreamed, but more importantly you lived out the realization which made you the individual you became as a Metro-Dade Police Officer. Just as God is fair in all his dealings, this is true as you lived your life each day protecting us in a dignified manner. your family, colleagues and friends should strive to emulate the core values that were implanted in you. I can't promise I'll be able to do this, but I would like to travel out to San Diego, California to visit with your mother Mrs. Julia Cook. I'm sure it would be very emotional for me but, your family were my neighbors and I would love to spend quality time talking with your mom about your treasured life. For now, rest in peace and we should endeavor to accomplish our goals, ideals, and cultural and religious achievements as you did.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 18, 2012

The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments if comfort, but where he stands in times of challenge and controversy. During your distinguished career in which I read of your commendations that you and your colleague and friend Officer DeGenova received, that dedication always remained steadfast in times where split second decisions had to be made, I'm sure your performance was always first class and of the utmost in dealing with each individual you came across. Your friends and colleagues, Officers DeGenova and Edgerton, along with your partner Scott Lincoln, who survived that tragic day that you made the ultimate sacrifice to make Dade County and its citizens safer will never be forgotten. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero, Officer Cook. As always, I'll keep your mother Mrs. Julia Cook in my thoughts and prayers. Furthermore, I'm sure you provided your wife Karen with a comfortable life as you did with your family. Everyday I think about you and am sorry we never had the chance to meet one another. Your colleagues who survived where heroes like you and they too should never be forgotten.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 12, 2012

Today Officer Cook by chance my wife and I met your niece Mrs. Wilkerson, her husband Trevor and your young nice and nephew at the Flea Market in Pompano. We exchanged greetings and she told us your mom is doing well out in Dan Diego. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. I'll always remember your honor, dedication, commitment and experience. You could say God blessed us by our meeting Gina and Trevor there.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 5, 2012

For a wife who has lost her husband, we ask God to fill the spaces left behind. For parents who have lost a son, may God sustain you, and hold you in his arms. For siblings who have lost a sibling, may God remind you of the good times. We can't say thank you enough.For officers who have lost a dear friend, may God help you to pick up the pieces. For children who have lost their hero, may God restore beauty to your home., without replacing his memory. We can't say thank you enough. The brothers, sisters, parents, children, the friends, we honor the fallen, and pray for the living. In your pain, and in your sadness, and your tear filled nights, God promises a day with no more pain, no more sadness, and no more tears. It's a day without mourning, a day when the radiance of the sun shines brighter, than any pain we have experienced and until that day, we gather together "officer" to say thank you, because we can never say these words enough. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend, and hero Officer Cook, you and your family will always be in my hearts and prayers forever.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

July 29, 2012

No one could tell me where my soul might be: I searched for God, and he eluded me: I sought my brother out, and he found all three. The watchword of faith declares the unity of God. If God is the Creator, our Heavenly Father, then all people are His children and are bound together in a bond of true brother and sisterhood. This statement implies that we should honor each person regardless of faith. I'm sure Officer Cook, you respected each individual that you came across professionally and the excellent upbringing only serves to enhance your wonderful legacy. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. You and your loving family will always remain in my thoughts and prayers.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

July 26, 2012

I meant to say the stained glass window would bless Karen and your family in many ways. From the Book of Psalms comes this quote: Kindness and truth have met, righteousness and peace have kissed. Simply put Officer Cook you exemplified these words in being the tireless, dedicated, loyal professional law enforcement officer one should always strive to be. Success can only be garnered through learning, not being afraid to tackle new challenges that officers such as yourself faced everyday on the job. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero along with your dad, Mr. Charles Cook and I'll always keep your mom, Mrs. Julia Cook in my prayers. I tried to reach your niece Mrs. Gina Wilkerson the other day, her number was disconnected. I will write a letter to find out how your mom is doing. God bless her she is turning 97 in September. She was living out in San Diego, California near Mr. Hyatt and Mr. Miller, your two nephews. Justin, I met at your mother's home almost two years ago, and left a letter for your mom and she wrote a marvelous and touching letter back to me, even though we never knew one another and to this day I'm sorry our families never had the opportunity to met.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

July 21, 2012

The stain glass window that your wife Karen donated to your church in your memory, will bless her and your family in my ways. The glass is a reflection of the life your led as a hero and I still cry whenever i look at your picture from the book "Forgotten Heroes" or see it on the Officer Down Memorial Page. God counts our tears that we shed and stores them in His storehouse. For all the good deeds you performed in this world, God keeps retribution away from us. One deed leads to another deed and one transgression leads to another transgression. In the end my neighbor, friend and hero Officer Cook, you should rest in peace and your beautiful soul will guide us on life's most challenging paths. Even as a Rabbi who has officiated many funerals and unveilings, I still wear my emotions on my sleeve. God was watching over me when I said a eulogy for both my mother and uncle, a gem of a person like you who always greeted you with a smile and the words like how are you and glad to see you.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

July 18, 2012

Today Officer Cook I passed your home where you and your wife Karen lived. I'm sure you and Karen shared happy days there. each day of a person,s life regardless of the profession or job they undertake is important in making this world a better place to live and prosper. My neighbor, friend and hero you constantly endeavored to reach out and make yourself a better person. Our Creator reached out and took an angel like you to keep watching over your family, friends, and colleagues. Rest in peace and I will always keep your mother Mrs. Julia Cook in my prayers and your family as well.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

July 18, 2012

A good way to which a man should cleave is to forsee the fruit of his action: for every action like every tree bears fruit-good or bad. We are taught that the beginning of wisdom is the fear of God. We must raise our standard of behavior, our conduct of life to how we want others to treat us. The golden rule is to treat others as you would want to be treated. I'm certain Officer Cook that you truly lived your life by this very example. It's truly sad what happened to you that awful day you were taken and we all were deprived of getting to know and enjoy being with you as your family had you for twenty-five years and now still holds on to truly warm and fond memories of your life and the sacrifice you made to make this world safer. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

July 12, 2012

Who does God's work will get God's pay, However long may be the day. He does not pay as others pay, In gold, or land or raiment gay, In goods that perish or decay: But God's high wisdom knows the way, And this is sure, let come what may- Who does God's work will get god's pay.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. For the wisdom, fortitude and bravery you showed that day of May 16, 1979, my neighbor ,friend and hero, Officer Cook, you certainly deserve the the reward you are reaping eternally. your family, friends and colleagues are missing your smiling face, and positive outlook you displayed so often during your lifetime of 25 years. Rest in peace and keep watching and protecting us from the Heavens above along with your fellow colleagues who made the ultimate so that we here in this world can enjoy that what you were can no longer enjoy. I will always continue to keep your mom, Mrs. Julia Cook in my thoughts and prayers.I still either walk or ride by your home in North Miami Beach, Florida where you grew up and spent your formative years.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

July 5, 2012

There is a destiny that makes us brothers, None goes his way alone: All that is sent into the lives of others Comes back into our own. My neighbor, friend and hero Officer Cook, you were very successful during your lifetime and even though you life was tragically cut short you achieved more than most who live many decades. You left this world a better place because of how you lived your life and the upbringing by your beloved parents who enabled you to grasp the finer points of life. I read that you enjoyed being as photographer, so you certainly appreciated the beauty that this world and its surroundings have to offer. You laughed, lived and loved and it is this legacy which your family can truly and proudly carry on as your memory and beautiful soul shines brightly from the Heavens above. Rest in peace and know I'll never forget your brave actions of May 16, 1979. With July 4th coming up it is because of you and your fellow blue angels patrolling Heaven's pearly gates that we can celebrate with our families. As a nation and community we cannot forget your ultimate sacrifice, and I still cry when I think of you even though I never had the pleasure to meet you and your lovely family other than your niece, Gina Wilkerson, her husband and their children, who you would be very proud of.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

June 30, 2012

Bite off more than you cam chew: Then chew it. Plan more work than you can do: then do it. Hitch your wagon to a star: and there you are. Dream, plan, work, and have faith in God. Dreams are the touchstones of our characters. Officer Cook, my neighbor, friend and hero, you were not afraid to dream I'm sure and to aspire to loftier goals. you succeeded and exceeded every one of your desires in life. I'm sorry my family and I never got the opportunity to meet a really super human being as classy as you and your family were. I have been meaning to call Mrs. Wilkerson, unfortunately my family in February has had to mourn the loss of my mother-in-law. Rest in peace and know you made the world a better and safer place because of your relentless commitment to law and order. I'll always say a prayer for your mother, Mrs. Julia Cook.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

June 21, 2012