Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Intelligent planning, sincerity, and perseverance are necessary for success. The light of your precious soul will never be extinguished. Rest in peace me neighbor, friend and hero Officer Cook. I'll always keep your mother Mrs. Julia Cook in my thoughts and prayers. You displayed the three things mentioned above with true class, dignity and courage.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

June 11, 2012

if your family would like to konw where i come up with these thoughtful and insightful reflections, I cull them from a book titled "Portion by Portion", which refers to the portions of the Old Testament, the Torah, but can be applied to any and all religions. In describing your life and career with the Metro-Dade Police Department, I would surmise Officer Cook these sayings most definitely apply. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.Living in North Miami Beach, for the time being, I cannot help but to pause and reflect back on your wonderful life and consumate profession that you carried out in a humble and dignified manner. The book I used belonged to a very dear and close friend of my family, Rabbi Dr. Abraham Atkin, who was our backyard neighbor.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

June 3, 2012

We thought of you with love today, but that is nothing new. We thought about you yesterday, and days before that too, We think of you in silence, we often speak your name. All we have are memories, and your picture in a frame. Your memory is our keepsake, with which we will not part, God has you in His keeping, we have you in our hearts. A million times we've wanted you, a million times we've cried. If love could have saved you, you never would have died. It broke our hearts to lose you, but you didn't go alone. For a part of us went with you... the day God called you home. The only picture I see of you Officer Cook, my neighbor, friend and hero is your smiling face on the "Officer Down memorial Page", and sometimes do I cry like a child, as if this happened yesterday. I'm sure your family has cried mightily these past thirty-three years. For now, rest in peace and I'll never forget your professionalism, honor, bravery and commitment to protect the good citizens of Dade County.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

May 31, 2012

There is a destiny that makes us brothers, No one goes his way alone: All that we send into the lives of others, Comes back into our own. I care not what his houses of worship or his creeds, One thing holds firm and fast- That into his fateful heap of days and deeds The soul of man is cast. As a member of the law enforcement society Officer Cook, you represented your colleagues, family and friends with the respect, honor and integrity that your position demanded. That same respect, honor, integrity and love was shown to you at your Inspector's Funeral that Saturday afternoon, May 19, 1979 at the Cathedral of Saint Mary. You will never be forgotten by me or my family, even though we never had the opportunity to ever meet one another. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero as you ascend God's Heavenly Gates and keep watching over us. I will always keep your mother Mrs. Julia Cook in my prayers and thoughts.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

May 30, 2012

To fully appreciate the heroes of the present, we must recognize our heroes of the past. .Your heroism and service is honored today, the 33rd anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer who was murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered.

Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

May 24, 2012

If wisdom's ways you'd wisely seek, Five things observe with care: Of whom you speak, To whom you speak, And how and when and where. Words are powerful instruments. Words can save, help or soothe. They can rob, hurt, and draw blood. With words we can arrive at the truth. Words can teach. words can advise. I'm sure Officer Cook in performing your daily duties and specifically as it was mentioned in the book "Forgotten Heroes", you needed a level headed approach in calming people down during domestic issues. The words and tone of your voice were essential to carry out the rigors of your job. I'm sure as I'm leaving this reflection, that the words you spoke during your life were only the truth and the professional demeanor needed only helped make situations better. For now, rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

May 23, 2012

Rest in peace Officer Cook on this the thirty-third anniversary of your tragic passing. When the going gets tough, the tough get going. Once again, rest in peace and i'll keep your family in my thoughts and prayers.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

May 16, 2012

Today Officer Cook my wife holly and I visited your grave the day before the anniversary of your end of watch, Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.The American flag and the flag representing fallen officers was placed on your grave. I'll continue to keep your beloved family and mother Mrs. Julia Cook in my prayers.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

May 15, 2012

The success of a leader can be best estimated by his relations to his people. The true leader is one who concerns himself with the people he is leading.One characteristic of a true leader is to provide an example to those who follow him and to deny himself many privileges of a follower. The true function of a leader is to take the average individual and to broaden his concept of his potential capacities. That day of May 16, 1979 Officer Cook, you showed your partner Reserve Officer Scott Lincoln, what it meant to be a true leader. You went above and beyond in making the ultimate sacrifice to protect your fellow officers in serving Dade County citizens. I wanted to leave a further addendum to the above paragraph. Lord,Thou knowest that I know myself that I am growing older, and will some day be old. Keep me from getting talkative, and particularly from the fatal habit of thinking I must say something on every subject and on every occasion. Release me from craving to try to straighten out everybody's affairs. Make me me thoughtful, but not moody: helpful, but not bossy. With my vast store of wisdom, it seems a pity not to use it all-but Thou knowest, Lord that I want a few friends at the end.... seal my lips to my many aches and pains- they are increasing, and my love of rehearsing them is becoming sweeter as the years go by. Teach me the glorious lesson that occasionally it is possible that I may be mistaken. What tragedy! What a blow, a staggering blow! What a disappointment! My neighbor, friend and hero Officer Cook, you displayed so much in a short life. But for what you sacrificed that fateful day, you'll always and forever be remembered by your family, friends and esteemed colleagues. I believe many officers from around the country and Canada attended your Inspector's Funeral and for the life and lessons you imparted on all those privileged to be around you and to work with you, the memories will remain. Rest in peace and hopefully those who follow in your majestic footsteps will proudly carry on the torch and your beautiful legacy.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

May 12, 2012

The success of a leader can be best estimated by his relations to his people. The true leader is one who concerns himself with the people he is leading.One characteristic of a true leader is to provide an example to those who follow hom and to deny himself many privileges of a follower. The true function of a leader is to take the average individual and to broaden his concept of his potential capacities. That day of May 16, 1979 Officer Cook, you showed your partner Reserve Officer Scott Lincoln, what it meant to be a true leader. You went above and beyond in making the ultimate sacrifice to protect your fellow officers in serving Dade County citizens. I wanted to leave a further addendum to the above paragraph. Lord,Thou knowest that I know myself that I am growing older, and will some day be old. Keep me from getting talkative, and particularly from the fatal habit of thinking I must say something on every subject and on every occasion. Release me from craving to try to straighten out everybody's affairs. Make me me thoughtful, but not moody: helpful, but not bossy. With my vast store of wisdom, it seems a pity not to use it all-but Thou knowest, Lord that I want a few friends at the end.... seal my lips to my many aches and pains- they are increasing, and my love of rehearsing them is becoming sweeter as the years go by. Teach me the glorious lesson that occasionally it is possible that I may be mistaken. What tragedy! What a blow, a staggering blow! What a disappointment! My neighbor, friend and hero Officer Cook, you displayed so much in a short life. But for what you sacrificed that fateful day, you'll always and forever be remembered by your family, friends and esteemed colleagues. I believe many officers from around the country and Canada attended your Inspector's Funeral and for the life and lessons you imparted on all those privileged to be around you and to work with you, the memories will remain. Rest in peace and hopefully those who follow in your majestic footsteps will proudly carry on the torch and your beautiful legacy.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

May 12, 2012

Opportunity knocks at every man's door at least once in a lifetime. Every person has their share in life, what we need most is not so much to realize the ideal as to idealize the real. People need to make each and every moment count. Life calls for courage, and demands that we break from the majority when the will of the majority is contradictory to the rules of God. My neighbor, friend and hero Officer Cook, you made each moment of your treasured life count by giving that very breath, we call life to serve God and the citizens of Dade County. Rest in peace and know that you will never be forgotten by me. I still regret that I never had the chance to meet and spend time conversing with you. At least I met your niece, Gina, her children and your nephew Justin and received a wonderful letter from your dear mother, Mrs. Julia Cook.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

May 6, 2012

As your family may know, I am on this site daily, and it still amazes me, all of these tragedies. Too many accidental shootings of officers, even an officer who wanted to be shot to observe how it felt. Tragedy beyond comprehension, but make no mistake, you lived your life as a hero and your heroism that day, May 16, 1979 will never go unnoticed by me. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero, Officer Cook. Hopefully, this Thursday, May 4th I can attend the Police Memorial at tropical Park in Miami for you and your colleagues who gallantly served Dade County Citizens. Of course, I will keep your mom Mrs. Julia Cook in my prayers.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 29, 2012

Genius is a gift, wisdom is an achievement. Both of these extraordinary traits you possesed as you carried out your law enforcement career in such an honorable manner. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero, Officer Cook.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 26, 2012

In the words of our National Anthem, "The Land of The Free and The Home of The Brave," my neighbor, friend and hero, Officer you personified these words as you performed your duties, rest in peace and I will forever keep your mom Mrs. Julia Cook in my thoughts ans prayers.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 22, 2012

It says in our National Anthem, "And The Land Of THe Free and The Home Of The Brave," these words personify the courage that you displayed, my neighbor, friend and hero. Rest in peace Officer Cook, and I'll forever keep your mom, Mrs. Julia Cook in my thoughts and prayers.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 21, 2012

We say in the National Anthem, "Land of the Free, and the Home of the Brave," Officer Cook my neighbor, friend and hero you personified bravery to the zenith. Rest in peace and continue to watch over your fellow law enforcement colleagues. Mrs. Cook, I will always think of you in my thoughts and prayers.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 21, 2012

In honore casorum, Gone, but not forgotten. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero Officer Cook.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 15, 2012

You are a true hero by the profession you chose Officer Cook. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. One day, I want to take my wife and younger son to your grave. I think it's important they know of your sacrifice. You are thought of each day along with my parents. When I see your smiling face, I know you made everyone proud of who you were and humbly speaking how you carried out your duties to Dade County and its citizens.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 11, 2012

I meant to say Ii wanted to leave a reflection for you Officer Cook. Once again, rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 10, 2012

I just decided to a reflection for you Officer Cook, my neighbor, friend and hero. Rest in peace. Your heroism will never be forgotten by me.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 9, 2012

Today is Good Friday, Passover starting tonight, and Easter Sunday, this is the time of year when we try to be as humble as you were professionally and when with your family. Rest in peace Officer Cook, my neighbor, friend and hero. To your loving family, I wish all of you a healthy and joyous holiday season. Mrs. Cook, I will always say a prayer for you.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 6, 2012

Faith is the eye that sees God, the hand that clings to Him, and the heart that yearns for Him. Faith is the very soul of religion, an image of eternity. faith is one of the seven attributes that minister to the throne of glory. They are: faith, righteousness, judgment, grace, compassion, truth and peace. As it is said: "and I will betroth you unto Me in faith and you will know the Lord." The righteous man lives by his faith. Officer Cook, as a devout Catholic, you lived your life precisely by these words and deserve God's blessings as you watch over us in Heaven. The Heavenly Gates have a beloved servant for these thirty-three years and for eternity. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero and watch over your family and all those for whom you took an oath to serve and protect. I wish you and your family a healthy and blessed Good Friday and Happy Easter. I will always keep your mom, Mrs. Julia Cook in my thoughts and prayers.Passover falls the same time and the lessons it imparts on each of us should not be forgotten. We need to count our blessings every day.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

March 29, 2012

How Do You Live Your Dash? I read of a man who stood to speak at the funeral of a friend he referred to the dates on his tombstone from the beginning.... to the end. He noted that first came his date of birth and spoke the following date with tears, but he said what mattered most of all was the dash between those years. For that dash represents all the time that he spent alive on earth and now only those who loved him know what that little line is worth. For it matters not, how much we own: The cars... the house.. the cash, what matters is how we live and love and how we spend our dash. So think about this long and hard.. are things you'd like to change? For you never know how much time is left that can be rearranged. If we could slow down enough to consider what's true and real and always try to understand the way other people feel. And be less quick to anger, and show appreciation more and love the people in our lives like we've never loved before. If we treat each other with respect and more often wear a smile remembering that this special dash might only last a little while.So, when your eulogy's being read with your life's actions to rehash.. would you be proud of the things they say about how you spent your dash? I was eulogizing a gentleman the other day and was asked by his family to read this short poem, and I thought to myself how this would have to you Officer Cook, my neighbor, friend and hero. The point reaches home, exactly as you lived your life, in humbleness, love, compassion and the gentle and warmth that came from your being. Rest in peace.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

March 24, 2012

To Everything There Is A Season, And To Every Purpose under the Heaven. This saying most definitely applies to my neighbor, friend and hero, Officer Cook. Rest in peace and one day we may learn the reasons for what Our Creator has planned for us.You had a plan for your future and followed through with it and your bravery and courage will never be forgotten.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

March 22, 2012

Time never diminishes respect. Lord, You know that I know myself that i am growing older, and will some day be old. Keep me from getting talkative, and particularly from the fatal habit of thinking I must say something on every subject and on every occasion. Release me from craving to try to straighten out everybody's affairs. Make me thoughtful, but not moody: helpful, but not bossy. With my vast store of wisdom, it seems a pity not to use it all- but You know, Lord, that I want friends at the end.... Seal my lips to my many aches and pains- They are increasing, and my love of rehearsing them is becoming sweeter as the years go by. Teach me the glorious lesson that occasionally it is possible that I may be mistaken.... Rest in peace my friend, neighbor and hero Officer Cook. These are powerful words to live by and words that you lived by during your extraordinary life and led as a shinning example for us all to follow.The humility you so often displayed, as was reflected on by a friend and classmate. Chief Geoff Jacobs, who said you were mature beyond your twenty-five years on Earth. I will always admire what you stood for on May 16, 1979 and all Dade County citizens should too. Leadership is found within an individual, they are not born to lead. Your ability to size up a situation, from from those I spoke to was outstanding as well as being able to pacify those who needed a calming voice of reason. Most of us would be humbled to sit with you in your company for a few precious moments and I wish we could have do so, but Our Creator had other plans. There is another saying: A man thinks and God laughs, as a Rabbi, I still am trying to ponder and figure out what this means, when I try to explain this to older people, where I lead services. God gives each of us tests, from A to Z, to see if we are making the world a better place as you did during your lifetime.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

March 19, 2012