Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

God only knows why bad things happen to good people. If He could only take back that awful day of May 16, 1979, Officer Cook, the day you passed very sadly from this world. Your honorably heroic actions spearheaded further enhancements in the Dade County community where you were respected and admired for having the dignity and integrity to fight, battle and to conquer evil where one day we hope it will vanish from our midst. Staying attuned to your solid professionalism, the solid quality of character all officers need is what separates the loyal and trusted servants from those who may not be as reliable. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero, for the Jewish nation tonight begins the eight day holiday of Chanukah, which celebrates the victory of the Jewish Nation over the mighty Greeks. You were a friend to all and one of your parents' neighbors, the Coopermans were one of your best friends, their son, Leonard. I wonder if your sister, Nancy would remember where his bar Mitzvah was held. You would have attended my Bar Mitzvah if my family knew your family. Any how you will remain treasured as a hero, humble in all your actions and righteous in your approaches to life itself and during your police career

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

December 6, 2015

If more folks had the courage to stand up in what they believe in the world would be better off. You had the convictions, Officer Cook, to protect and to serve all Dade County people no matter their status. We are forever grateful for your candor, courage and honor. Surely, a sign that your dignity and stellar integrity keeps alive your shining legacy of special character and commitment which in part helped you forge a bond with all people. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Cherished and among the many chosen heroes and heroines of the law enforcement nation.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

December 5, 2015

We dedicate our lives to making wise choices that will lead to the further enhancement of our society. The choice you made, Officer Cook, was to become a police officer. But, it runs way deeper than that. For most of us understand the responsibilities that go into making oneself into a fine public servant. You need three basic credentials: honesty, dignity and integrity. If you do not have them or think that you can go off the right path once in a while, better think about another career. We do look to all of our very valiant and brave men and women to make smart decisions that will lead to liberty, peace and unity staying constructed properly. Character tackles the wonders of thinking, caring, consideration and in calming down those who seem a bit agitated. You were innovative, intelligent and a man of unimpeachable capability, Officer Cook, undaunted by the tests of evil, your and career did make a difference for the enhancement of all citizens of Dade County. Salutes of solemn remembrance mark you sacrifice which keeps alive your soul and legacy perpetually. rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. All the more reason to honor your memory of a wonderful gentleman, a devoted servant of God and an inspiration not only to your loving family, but to those future colleagues who are entrusted with an arduous task, to maintain honor while keeping the peace among all others. You can only take things one day at a time. Practice developing one good trait and then just concentrate on climbing that ladder which may someday lead to success. Police venture into all areas and the message is clear, be careful, stay true to your tasks at hand and be willing to help at anytime.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

December 5, 2015

Life in and of itself presents the toughest of challenges. It is those humble and driven servants who reap what they earn. Nothing is given. Nothing should be taken for granted. When peace and unity collide as well they should, then the evil of violence and innocent bloodshed can be wiped away.You stood for boundaries, bravery and the willingness to commit yourself, Officer Cook, to an honest life and a much nobler professional career as a dedicated police officer. A hero's calling and for this Dade County and the entire police world salute your integrity and dignity, performing in an outstanding manner while saving your comrades and civilians from further harm. You certainly will never be forgotten as you remain cherished and admired as much as you were both loyal and faithful. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

December 5, 2015

Sacrifice takes commitment. Commitment requires character. Courage takes on a dimension of heroism, honesty and the most sacred of intentions. Everything that indeed makes an excellent police officer you had, Officer Cook and so much more than we could ever ask of our devoted public servants. Dade County has lived and yet somehow survived all the violence and bloodshed since you gave your life and career for sustenance to continue. You will remain cherished and respected for trying to calm a young man sadly bent on violence. You did everything properly and by the book. God takes over and guides His servants on paths of righteousness. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Your valor, bravery and legacy stay with those who knew and respected you for your supreme professionalism. The toughest times sometimes call for the toughest measures to secure the necessary peace and unity the residents truly deserve. But then life as we call it in and of itself. You excelled, Officer Cook.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

December 4, 2015

To rise early and to be able to serve God with such humility speaks volumes regarding a person's character. When that individual is a police officer and must be honorable and have integrity when facing whatever issues come their way, we can't say enough. You were that supremely humane hero to all Dade County, Officer Cook. Your comrades and department were indeed fortunate to have you among their ranks serving with dignity and a most refreshing commitment to quality and excellence in pride. We remember your good soul and brave heart. One determined to eliminate evil from this world and you excelled mightily in your professional role. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

December 4, 2015

As some people say, I have a humbly good memory. So you will never be forgotten, Officer Cook. Who can forget a fierce warrior who was decent, honest and carried himself with the utmost professional decency and politeness. All these years later, too many unfortunately since your untimely passing, Your colleagues at the Central Division remember you. They share your memories while Dade County residents who may still be around revere their savior, a man of gentle persuasion and born with a uniquely calming voice of reason. We need our heroes and heroines to be professional, to act like public servants not to stray from honesty. Keep observing us as you rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. We will salute your commitment to excelling in pride and performance of duty. Let your legacy reflect a lifetime of piousness and humane righteousness. Those two go together just as the badge and uniform your wore with success. Dress for success. Always plan ahead. Officer Cook, you were the prime example of a thinking man's police officer.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

December 4, 2015

As some people say, I have a humbly good memory. So you will never be forgotten, Officer Cook. Who can forget a fierce warrior who was decent, honest and carried himself with the utmost professional decency and politeness. All these years later, too many unfortunately since your untimely passing, Your colleagues at the Central Division remember you. They share your memories while Dade County residents who may still be around revere their savior, a man of gentle persuasion and born with a uniquely calming voice of reason. We need our heroes and heroines to be professional, to act like public servants not to stray from honesty. Keep observing us as you rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. We will salute your commitment to excelling in pride and performance of duty. Let your legacy reflect a lifetime of piousness and humane righteousness. Those two go together just as the badge and uniform your wore with success. Dress for success. Always plan ahead. Officer Cook, you were the prime example of a thinking man's police officer.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

December 3, 2015

When the skies open up the rains come flowing down. A police officer's integrity and honesty too shall flow. It better each and everyday. Your record and career accomplishments, Officer Cook humbly speak loud and clear. Now if only the perpetrators of this mayhem can really get the message. It was delivered by you from 1973 until May 16, 1979. Spoken like a real champion of all citizens of Dade County. Your heroic legacy represents, dignity, desire, devotion and dedication to all the right causes. You were a gallant man. Treasured and yet confident in your talents and abilities. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. We were blessed to have a wonderful public servant, the world lost a great professional unique and calming with a mindset to match.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

December 3, 2015

Praise the Lord for all His works. Salute those God-fearing servants who give their lives for a noble cause. Officer Cook, no greater thought can be uttered except to say you were very humble, honest and maintained your dignity and integrity through thick and thin. Whatever the citizens of Dade County have to say it can only be that you were a gallant and resourcefully brave person. To stand toe to toe, face to face with evil, you can't say much more. Your legacy which you humbly attained is being reliably honored and saluted for you my neighbor, friend and hero meant the world in strength and in resolve. Rest in peace. God does avenge the evil that costs His servants their lives. He passes final judgment on those who willfully and heinously commit violence. No one escapes being judged. Everyone has their time. The righteous, their deeds flow like a river.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

December 2, 2015

With effort and efficiency were you afforded the chance to make a success of yourself, Officer Cook. No one was disappointed. Though, the tragedy of losing you at such a young age with more left to accomplish has sent goose bumps up and down the ranks and with your family. They know you were a hero. We comprehend you were a hero. Your character and valor speak louder than anything. You were a blessed man and a devout servant for the people as God directed your every move. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Your soul lights up those dark blue skies and drives away the gloom for all this wickedness. Contentment leads to laziness, a trait no officer shall possess.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

December 2, 2015

Faithfulness and preservation. Fruition triumphs over futility. So it goes to reason that honesty is still any law enforcement professional's best policy. Above all, one must stay dignified and carry themselves with unimpeachable integrity. All the right ingredients in your life and during your career, Officer Cook. police departments are not looking for style points nor are they looking for an officer's magnetism. Rather, they observing the composure and general character of that one committed officer. For all of the residents in and around the venues of Dade County who knew you, Officer Cook, to be dependable and reliable. You stay above in God's heaven patrolling His golden streets and down here we will cherish your memory, which like your wonderfully precious soul will be forever saluted. Commitment, courage and the bravery to fight through battles of evil are how we remember our heroes and heroines. Life is not a dream. It is what you make of your God given opportunities. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

December 2, 2015

It takes the proper frame of mind and inner strength to be able to battles any and all forces of violence. No matter who or what type of issue comes up police officers must stay focused and attentive on all matters at hand. One of the best humbly speaking, yourself, Officer Cook, a man of pride and resiliency who stay on the trail of achieve like no other. You were born to lead, wise beyond your years and gifted where not all recruits are cut out to deal with difficult tasks they may encounter. But, your charming personality, polite disposition, honesty and integrity remain among the reasons you have been and will continue to be honored and saluted for outstanding bravery in the line of duty. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. We respect what Dade County citizens knew already about you. You were a supremely righteous man who served with every bone in your body. Only justice and fairness reigned down when you patrolled, Officer Cook. The truth and nothing but the truth. Thank the Lord your oath meant something, as well as the uniform and badge you wore with grace and humbleness.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

December 1, 2015

I did visit your grave today and someone left some nice flowers. Officer Cook, you were a remarkable man. A loyal and fruitful servant. A fearless man whose vision of honor and excellence helped you see through the wickedness that still resides in Dade County. You'll stay within our hearts and thoughts as a man of courage, dignity and integrity. The type of character a person maintains generally is indicative of how they will be successful or not. Let your legacy of heroism and valor stay among your peers, friends and family members who were privileged to have to known and loved you. You were the epitome of greatness and humility personified. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

December 1, 2015

We toast life's achievements, we salute life's heroes. We pause and reflect back on the good nature and humility of a true servant of God and of a very decent man. A man who grew up and became a police officer. A gentleman who grew up and lived by the truth of honesty that flowed from his lips. A poised person who calmly and diligently served all mankind with grace and integrity. Let dignity and honor rule our lives, for if this stopped happening heaven help our society. Officer Cook, as a true believer of the golden rule and of a solid upbringing by your parents, we remember you. We challenge others to act accordingly with morals and ethics as you so faithfully did. You performed your duties with sense and with a purpose. Some of us try to pursue, it's how you arrive there that counts. You maintained compliance along with practicing care and concern. Your legacy stays implanted in us all and those that knew you were humbly blessed. A true Godsend surely patrols God's golden streets. The beat you now undertake is paved by those who persevered and were patient. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

November 30, 2015

Today being your birthday, wow, the years have really come and gone. Thirty-six years later is a rather long time. But looking back, as a devoted and caring professional, Officer Cook, your mettle, valor and honesty were and continue to be appreciated. You brought believable intellect, resolve and resourceful service to all Dade County residents. Determination and a yearning along with a thirst and passion for more knowledge. Never to be forgotten. I apologize for not visiting your grave today, God willing tomorrow morning after some pick ups I will stop and offer a small humble prayer for a humble and cherished legend of a hero. Commitment, charisma, consideration and character count the most. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

November 30, 2015

Changes in life require the utmost caution, for one never really knows how green those pastures from afar are. Police officers have to be ready, willing and able to adapt to newer enhancements that may help make their careers a bit easier to accomplish that for which they undertook a solemn oath to both serve and to protect. You would be amazed a all the changes that have taken place in Dade County since your sacrifice, Officer Cook. It;s a crying shame you could not personally witness these enhancements, but you'll always be a part of them through your beloved soul. It will always stay illuminated. A legacy of heroism, quality in character, bravery and unwavering commitment to pride and excellence. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. You remain cherished, admired and well thought of in all police circles and within all professional walks of life. You chose a career and performed both in an outstanding and most humble fashion.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

November 29, 2015

To make a mistake and to forgive is divine. Lately as sad as the very violence that took your life, Officer Cook, the city of Chicago is going through protests. Why? Because one of their officers shot a young man sixteen times, though the officer has been charged with first degree murder. We, the great residents of Dade County are indeed thankful for a superior officer like you and for displaying incredible resiliency, resolve and honesty. Your dignity and integrity along with your stellar courage, commitment and character won't ever be overlooked. You remain cherished, faithful and loyal up and over what was called for on May 16, 1979. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. As I leave for my Sunday morning constitutional around North Miami Beach, your community where you grew up and thrived I'll think about your positive accomplishments that have continued enriching mankind. A sacrifice made and all the salutes of valor to stay everlasting. If that officer is acquitted of those serious charges, heaven help the people and the police department of the Windy City. There will be more than a harsh wind blowing outside not just by Lake Michigan.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

November 29, 2015

Put down the limits. Pick up the hope. As a tireless and hard working police hero, Officer Cook, you ably demonstrated to the multitudes of other skilled, talented and brave men and women in law enforcement just what it takes to get the job done and to save lives. We can surely thrive by the grace of God and your humbly compassionate strength of character, boldness and devout commitment. As we look to our futures, we should not ever forget the past and those valiant men and women such as yourself who have paid the ultimate price, making the sacrifice for enhancement and enlightenment to march on just as time marches on so may we remember you efficiency and solid proficiency. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. The world is a bit sadder by not having your sixty-two years of maturity, engaging personality and a bright smile so wide, it just brings me to tears when I look at your picture taken more than forty year sago behind our American flag, Old Glory. Glory be for your efforts and heroism. This all goes back to how your wonderfully loving parents raised both you and your sister, Nancy.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

November 28, 2015

Most people are courteous and decent. Most try to make this world a better place to live and to prosper. Any and all police officers worth their mettle endeavor to do the same. The idea is to perform your jobs right from the get go with decency, dignity and honesty. The popular saying you can't have your cake and eat it too, to any sworn officer one must make quick decisions, be held accountable, stay fair and unbiased, all things you did quite well, Officer Cook. But, still within various departments you have officers flying off the handle and going astray. Last week in one our local newspapers an article was written regarding a lieutenant from the South Miami Police Department. Despite awards he received for his good work there were still too many skeletons in the closet. Too many red flags. I may have never known you, but from those family members I met and from the article in Forgotten Heroes, you were a very good police officer. Competent and confidant. Considerate and courageous. Class and desire. Honor and dignity. It's a lot on any officer's plate for even a regular person to digest and maybe even to comprehend, but if you perform a demanding and arduous assignment then it must be done and completed in a first class manner. The strength of both your commitment to both excellence and pride must be achieved and the enhancement of the unification and peace process must remain intact. You will be cherished, respected and admired for all your outstanding heroic efforts on May 16, 1979. Surely a humble legacy of hope and faith that can be happily passed down to future generations of your family members and those future brave and honorable officers whose must perform properly and with perseverance. They honor your watch. They salute your gallantry. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. They even said this South Miami officer would make a good chief one day.Better have him converse with your classmate and friend, Chief Geoffrey Jacobs. He will remind him of what is expected. He put forty years in police work and was honest and dignified.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

November 28, 2015

As the holiday season now begins with Thanksgiving and culminates with New Years Day, let us focus on those who inspired us through their dignity, honesty and stellar integrity. You are the inspiration to all, Officer Cook and through your heroism and courage may we have these opportunities to take a few moments from our daily routines and pray for you and to those whose composure helps obtain and provide the much needed freedom, unity and peace. After all prosperity cannot and will not thrive if the commitment to character, valor and motivation is not met. They work one on one as you did for six years, Officer Cook, bending and not breaking keeping cool and calm under the duress of a stressful profession, one that you freely and without regret chose to pursue quite passionately. You are never far from my mind nor those hearts and minds of your beloved family members and colleagues who will humbly cherish and treasure those wonderful memories of a decent, loyal and caring public servant. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. God understands and eternally protects those brave legacies, those heroes and heroines who were and stay so endearing to us. We can sit, eat and laugh, yet at the same time be very mindful of your special soul which travels in heaven touching the souls of those who like you paid the ultimate price. Sadly another officer in Colorado Springs joined that Eternal Honor Roll with his angelic wings ready to walk a beat on those golden streets.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

November 28, 2015

Police officers look to humbly and ethically capitalize on any opening to gain a positive advantage in both resolving and in solving crimes. They endeavor to take more than a bite out of crime. What your role was, Officer Cook, involved more sophistication and details than we could ever imagine. The calming concern, the voice of logic and reason preceded your every move. Nothing left undone. We just imagine what if God allowed you to be here today. We can think and dream about what more you would have accomplished. Sacrifice brings change, not the right change your family and comrades would have ever even imagined. You graced those residents of Dade County venues with superior dignity, honesty and genuine integrity. Your legacy and its special character and commitment to pride and excellence won't be forgotten. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. I hope and pray those who have taken your watch from here on will act accordingly as you did and honor Our Creator with the proper conduct police work demands.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

November 27, 2015

Remember the courage. Witness the valor. Behold the brave. Honor the humble. Salute the sacrifice. All the things we do to bring to light the many talented and treasured officers such as yourself, Officer Cook. You made people proud. Most of all you made your family a part of your career and through your loving parents did you receive the much needed honesty, integrity and dignity. You took care of your mother after your dad passed. Always the consummate and concerned son. Mrs. Cook, your very special and cherished son for all his value to Dade County is now one of God's guardian angels. He patrols his beat in heaven as his esteemed soul brightens those darkest moments. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Legacies educate, engage and enhance our every direction. Your son took direction so well he was able to lead his fellow colleagues with humility, maturity and gallantry through any and all adversity.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

November 27, 2015

My wife Holly wonders how I could reflect everyday about you, Officer Cook and your life. Today being Friday, I visit a few Independent and Assisted Living Residences to speak with senior citizens, some of them, probably many back in your time, you watched and protected. But then your service to all Dade County covered a rather large area. Character and honesty also cover a large area. They are your springboards which start the day of your birth and last as long as you walk on this Earth. When you sacrificed your life and career for the total enhancement of Dade County you took with you a blueprint of what you would be doing each day. After roll call when your supervisor said hit the streets and be careful, for each and every officer out there protecting themselves and the public becomes a very real responsibility that you took to heart and quite seriously too. All these years later you have been fondly remembered for being valiant and dignified for having the bravery to tackle any and everything. We will not forget you. You were a marvelous man and much more than that, a loyal gentleman. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. The writing on your legacy is literally etched upon your family, colleagues and so many friends who knew you and what you stood for. Consideration and kindness in abundance.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

November 27, 2015

I thank God for everyday that I have a chance to improve this world. Seeing that you were a very devout and resourceful individual and a caring and concerned police officer, Officer Cook, to those who knew you it is no wonder why you were successful. You stay focused, positive and optimistic that things would work out. Honor, dignity and integrity all work in the grand scheme of things if one just takes the initiative to make them work. Police work calls for many split second decisions that may mean an officer needs to use their firearm to protect themselves and then there is no telling how that particular situation will pan out. You were destined for greatness. God keeps those and many other reasons hidden within His heavenly shelter where you now walk a beat patrolling His golden streets. At least your courage, commitment and strength of resolve went with you. Your humbly heroic legacy keeps guarding those who have taken over your watch. Let us offer a prayer they stay safe and grounded upon the foundations and principles as you possessed, morals and proper professional conduct. It is all in the genes. Those Cook genes are really something to marvel at. Class, decency and determination personified. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. So much more. You were cherished and will be saluted and honored for your actions to save lives of your comrades and civilians on May 16, 1979.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

November 27, 2015