Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Everything from the moment a police officer graduates from the police academy, puts on their uniform until the time they retire has to be performed on a professional level of mutual trust and understanding. The officers must be firm, yet firm, honest with integrity, careful not callous. Considerate and dignified. This is what Dade County residents come to expect from all their men and women of bravery, boldness, commitment to excellence, pride and perseverance. You were just that type of professional, Officer Cook, all of your intentions without any shadow of doubt were for heaven's sake and it is precisely because of your monumental motivations that God now has a legendary hero stationed next to Him as you are for safekeeping, patrolling those golden streets where no more harm will ever come your way. Your positive influence resonated loudly through your department and the Central Division where you worked tirelessly to promote freedom, peace and unity. It was not what you could get, it was what you could give and you gave plenty back to the citizens in humility and humbleness, this is what your heroic legacy rests upon. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. When a man wears his pride on his chest and performs over and beyond the calls of duty we respect and admire him, you've been proudly noted and saluted for your service and will forever remain a cherished and treasured individual, you will always be our hero and an officer that all others will look up to.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

May 25, 2015

When placed in a leadership position over other officers the leader of those women and men has to act accordingly and to able to give commands that will benefit the citizens and those of the officers themselves. The safety and security of everyone rides on those decisions that need to be made. It was obvious that you were a born leader, Officer Cook, as you had the humble ingenuity and intelligence to give directions. Your status as a top notch police officer, a man of honor, a person of dignity and decency, a gentleman of stellar integrity, it was a God given talent you had in leading others as not everyone is born with this trait. We are supposed to give people the benefit of doubt, in your profession, where lives of both the officers and the public are on the line, this cannot always happen. Though, you constantly strived for consistency all done with class and dignity, you be remembered for your valor, courage, courtesy and bravery. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

May 25, 2015

I'm amazed as I read once again of a police shooting, Officer Cook, in Cleveland, Ohio in which an officer was found innocent of killing two persons who had led police on a chase across the city of Cleveland. There were one-hundred and thirty-seven shots fired at this car at two African American persons, a man and a woman. This particular officer according to the judge who ruled on the case said he didn't know who fired the fatal shots. The prosecutor also stated its case was not totally airtight, it had some reasonable doubt. I'm glad in your day, Officer Cook, you were a careful and studious officer, who was decent and honorable. What has our society nowadays come to? The court ruled the shooting as justified in that the officer may have been in danger of his life. We know police have to take certain actions to protect not only themselves but the public at large that they took an affirmation to serve and to protect. The peace and unity of all communities and neighborhoods must resonate loudly and not be disturbed by wanton violence and evil. Perhaps, this couple should have slowed down, pulled over and obeyed the directives of those officers. We of course were not in that vehicle and we cannot pretend to be in their minds as to what they possibly were pondering. You were a level minded officer. You were reasonable and rational. You were respected. I think people took you seriously as they knew you from patrolling their streets for six years of professional commitment to excellence, pride and honor. Chief Dale Bowlin would not place any of his talented and reliable officers in charge of others if he knew they could not lead and first take orders before giving them. A lot goes in the makeup of such highly distinguished women and men. Valor, bravery and valor does constitute part of this equation. By being resourceful and gaining positive results that is how any officer's career is going to end up after they retire. Something, Officer Cook, you should have been allowed to do on your own terms. Somethings are completely in Our Creator's hands, as He has many humble, cherished and loyal servants such as yourself cradled there for eternal safekeeping. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Your service of devotion, dedication and sincere determination will always serve as an inspiration forever. There was no finer officer who served their time with as much class and decency as you did. You'll always be remembered for enhancing the beauty and quietness of all Dade County residents and their venues. Thank the Lord you donned your uniform with the utmost epitome of grace and gallantry.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

May 24, 2015

A devout and faithful person has a mastery over their traits. Difficulties may arise periodically, the individual who has complete faith and trust in the Almighty will be able to overcome. You had this trait, Officer Cook, first of all, you and your sister, Nancy, grew up in a caring and loving home, nurtured by the love and warmth, charm and grace of your two loving parents. They would not allow failure or pessimism to creep into your home. As you were growing up you learned all the valuable lessons that life has to offer. Honesty, responsibility, integrity and dignity would surely cling to you as you begin your trek to becoming a top notch police officer. The peace, the serene nature of Dade County and its citizens would soon become your number one priority as you served and protected all people with that same level of calmness and unbiased fairness. No one is perfect, yet you were one of the best officers during your watch and its was your stellar character and heroic humbleness that you will forever be remembered for. Once a hero or heroine's legacy is built upon the foundations of bravery, courage and valor it can never be torn down. It stays a part of your family, your comrades and friends from outside your profession for all future generations to stand up and take careful notice. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

May 24, 2015

Love of wisdom increases your wisdom and since your were wise and mature, Officer Cook, beyond your years, it is no wonder you were a very devoted and resourceful police officer. Your caring concern, coupled with your intuitive and intelligent nature was what helped you sustain yourself and that of those officers who partnered with you sometimes. We all need something to acquire something, after all, we are all born from a blueprint of what God expects us to all accomplish. That is to make this a safer world to live, learn, laugh a little, love a little and produce results that make us humbly proud. Well you achieved, Officer Cook, you didn't just try. You got the job done and as a matter of fact, you did your assignments in an honorable and dignified manner. The scope of your integrity is something that all officers today could surely use a lesson or two in. You loved your family, they loved you, you could not have made them prouder. You were a respectful gentleman. A treasured and a most cherished leader of hope, optimism and you continue to inspire as you did when you first started your police career nearly forty-two years ago. A man of reason for all seasons, you instilled class and decency out on Dade County streets while serving and protecting the public interest. Unity, peace and prosperity could not have been placed in any better hands than yours. As God now cradles one of his many angels of sterling character and heroic humility, let it be known that your legacy remains forever etched in all our hearts and souls. It bonds the past, the present and the future. This is the cornerstone, the foundation, the building block that all police departments should begin. Take one look at Officer William C. Cook, Badge#1664. Do a little research and you'll find the reason why. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

May 23, 2015

Venerable and versatile, honorable and humble, these are the characteristics we look for in our heroes and heroines of the law enforcement profession. The police departments that hire their officers look at many other issues, among them of course is desire, dignity and stellar integrity. Of which you maintained all of these, Officer Cook, as you patrolled the corridors of Dade County. Your sense of guidance and direction not only improved enhancements back when you performed your tasks, but have continued on this day thirty-six years after you gave your life to secure the freedom, peace and unity for all. A very uniquely talented and skilled individual who was not only well received, but well respected among the ranks of all your colleagues. Your service of distinction, dedication and determination has continued its march, though you have been greatly missed by all, your loving police family and its surrounding community as well as your loving family members who have been successful in all their endeavors as you watch from God's heavens above. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. The light of your soul, Officer Cook, will always shine down upon us with the consideration, care and concern you carried for all mankind.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

May 23, 2015

You really loved your profession and the opportunities that presented themselves to you, Officer Cook. You were self-confident, motivated to all the essential causes. You were honorable and dignified. You knew when to ease up a bit and when to be firm and in control. That is why all officers enjoyed working side by side with you. A person who is humble, yet knows their limitations and when to utilize them properly will have more success than the one who is lacking these qualities. Arrogance can only inflame a situation. Composure and confidence carry equal weight as much as diligence and determination. Your success and achievements in both your life and during your police career were centered upon knowing what needed to be used to bring resolve to a situation. And loyalty and humility assisted you as much as your maintaining a calm and optimistic approach. Life is filled with challenges, police officers, whatever job you choose to perform, do it with integrity, perform it with candor and wisdom, carry it out with class and decorum, it's the decent thing to do and you did everything my neighbor, friend and hero with the essence of class and character which humbly represents your heroic legacy. Dade County residents rest, relax whatever they choose to do because of your unselfish bravery, unwavering support to valor, grace and courage. Rest in peace. Serenity along with a sense of humor do help lighten the mood from time to time. Being constantly under stress does not serve any use. You were a hero and a cherished Godsend. You were there because you cared. Not scared. We all have some fears, officers cannot exhibit these fears, otherwise how can they perform at an optimal level.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

May 22, 2015

At times compassion can distort justice. This cannot ever happen. What is supposed to occur is common sense, objectivity, fairness, honesty, dignity and integrity, obviously awareness of the problem at hand which relies on the officers and their impartial judgment. You never showed favoritism, Officer Cook, you never displayed anger, when things may have seemed out of hand, it was your level head, clear conscience and sure resourcefulness. Police officers are not all alike, but their actions have to warrant using composure and this must be applied regularly. Compassion, kindness, care and consideration are all fine traits to acquire, but they too must be balanced equitably and utilized in a very proficient and prudent manner. The brave, the valiant and the courageous must incorporate, decency, dignity and whatever ethical means are called upon to reach a fair conclusion and resolution to the problem or dilemmas at hand. You were fair to all people, Officer Cook, you kept your poise and powers of persuasion together as one unit. You kept persevering in all your actions, May 16, 1979, was no different, you went to a scene, a dispute of domestic consequences and you attempted to rationally and calmly convince a troubled young man to surrender. Your swiftness to respond, your boldness to honor your commitment to assist your colleagues and those civilians in trouble sent a message to all citizens of Dade County that heinousness and evil will not ever be tolerated. You were a treasured soul, a humble public servant serving the right causes and your stellar character will always remain a vital foundation of what we come to expect from our police officers. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Your thoughtfulness and sacrifice has enabled all the enhancements to continue blossoming today.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

May 22, 2015

Promises are meant to be kept and not broken. Law enforcement personnel are not in the profession to make promises, though, they do act from time to time as negotiators which I'm sure you did from time to time, Officer Cook, all on a count of your calming and reassuring tone of voice, which in turn helped you give direction to your comrades who like you were fighting the forces of wickedness every day in Dade County. How could the residents be any more safer and secure? There are limits. Police officers must go over and beyond the limits of integrity and honesty when dealing with any given crisis placed before them. Bravery, cunning and sheer talent, skill and will power must then takeover and arrange the tone. You were a happy man, Officer Cook. You were a charitable and devout gentleman. You were loyal and humble, resourceful and caring beyond any doubt. Your heroic actions at all times have certainly enhanced a community where you were welcomed, admired and respected. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. When I say go over the limits of integrity, it must stay with them at all times even in their private and quiet moments too. It must be treated as a sacred bond which one takes when they first put on a uniform to begin their career. Treat it well with excellence, honor and pride, you'll be amazed how far it can carry you to achievement. The goal is to serve and protect. Wisdom and righteousness go very well in the scope of that plan.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

May 21, 2015

When wording a rebuke or slight correction of someone, you must do so with caution. Police officers come to rely on their basic instincts to get a message across to the general population. When people make unreasonable demands of us, we must not show anger, rather, one must exhibit patience which is a virtue. Officer Cook, as brave, courageous and as valiant a police officer that you were in performance, intelligence, integrity and in dignity for six years, you led the way for all other officers who followed you in the pathways of honesty which you so faithfully pursued in Dade County helping make peace, liberty and unity a reality for its citizens and you will never be forgotten for your straightforward approach and fairness beyond comparison. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Residents took you for your word, a bond of humble and respected loyalty. God rewards the patience, perseverance and humility of all His public servants.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

May 21, 2015

Successful, astute, confident, resolving, intuitive, fruitful, independent, considerate and effusive. Sacrifice, a word most people incorporate into their lifestyles and or their careers. If words and well wishes could bring you back with us, Officer Cook, things would probably be better for all of us. You certainly devoted your life and those ideals which were instilled in you at a young age to many causes. Serving as a humble public servant for all of Dade County residents, promoting peace and unity and its values that are central to helping make people's lives more healthier, more humane, more prosperous, what more can we say? Of course before all this takes shape, you must carry some honor, quite a lot of it, enhanced dignity and integrity to assist you in navigating around the various venues where you patrolled with gallantry and grace, vigilance and diligence, persistence and perseverance. When someone we revere, when someone we love and care about, we someone we respect and admire does for us what not every person would dare to accomplish, then we call this a sacrifice and for this we honor every resting officer whose bravery, courage and valor is beyond our greatest comprehension with all the salutes of pride an din excellence to boldness, in commitment and that is a legacy which stays etched upon our hearts and souls forever, not just on granite or marble slabs for those to pause and reflect. For your heroic and loyal actions, Officer Cook, rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Bravery and swiftness helps overcome callousness and wickedness. You surely acted in a most outstanding manner, Officer Cook , on May 16, 1979, one of many days never to be forgotten. You won't be forgotten. Liberty City has not forgot you. Police history holds its heroes and heroines close to their hearts forever. And you are together with your father, Charles, may he too rest in peace. God has you both cradled in His palms for eternal safekeeping.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

May 20, 2015

A police department, that is all police departments need to stay focused on all its officers having quality of character, good morals, honesty, integrity and dignity. We can never lose sight of all of our brave and courageously talented women and men from our law enforcement profession. You were a supremely and humbly talented officer, Officer Cook, your values and focus never waned, you concentrated on your tasks at hand each day and for this the citizens of Dade County will be forever grateful to you for keeping their hopes, dreams, unity and calmness alive. It is you my neighbor, friend and hero who too should be alive and well continuing to live out your life, your dreams with your beloved wife, Karen. If you do read these reflections I post of your beloved husband, Officer Cook, may he rest in peace, you should realize I cared about him when I first heard of what happened to him and how bad I felt and cried when I continue to read about his life and career as we grew up in the same area of North Miami Beach, Florida. His career and life along with that of your life and nursing career went hand and hand. Two loving and giving people, two cherished souls, Officer Cook's soul and enduring legacy continue to light up this world, one he made a little better by his unwavering and unselfish commitment to pride, honor and excellence. The book "Forgotten Heroes" brought back memories of old, yet nothing is old. Today at age sixty-one, you still would be helping people and being with your mother, may she live and be well. Sadly, twenty-nine years after his untimely passing did I read that he lived in North Miami Beach, Florida. You too, Karen, you and your husband should live and be well.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

May 20, 2015

Wow! Today was the day thirty-six years ago that your colleagues, family and friends bid you a final farewell at your Inspector's Funeral, Officer Cook. This was a sad day for my family as well, it was my parents last anniversary they shared and celebrated together. I'm sorry we did not attend your services and regret very deeply not meeting you personally or your mother. At least I received a very touching letter from your mother and met your niece, Gina and her husband, Trevor and their kids. Great family. But that goes without saying. A man of principles. A humble public servant of faith, devotion and resolve. A treasured and loyal gentleman of honesty, dignity and integrity. Thirty-six years, moreover forty-two years ago seeing you in your uniform, one you wore proudly and with compassion for all behind our American flag, does bring a tear to my eyes. You gave up your life and a career you excelled at to bring enhancement and change to all Dade County citizens. Everyone wished you could have been part of that change, Officer Cook. You were unfazed and undaunted by any challenges that came your way. Life itself is a tall order filled with many tests and challenges, it is up to us to overcome any stumbling blocks placed our way. Bravery, desire, commitment to excellence are not traits we are all born with, your were born with sincerity, class and decency. Thank the Lord for your wonderful parents, sister and most of all, yourself, my neighbor, friend and hero, Officer William C. Cook, a beloved Godsend and a very trustworthy and talented police officer. Rest in peace. Just as it was on May 19, 1979, today is too a Chamber of Commerce day in Miami, bright sunny skies and hot of course. Those dog days of summer are fast approaching. You'll never be forgotten.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

May 19, 2015

Doing acts of kindness without expecting anything in return. Police officers are expected to live up to this creed. You did this for your entire life and six year police career, Officer Cook, never looking for anything in return. No ulterior motives. All your motives were well placed and well spent. No resentment. Only the gratitude of all Dade County who came to know and admire your honesty, dignity, integrity, driven desire and sincere work ethic. Your humbly heroic actions on May 16, 1979, served as a springboard for the advanced enhancement and prosperity for all mankind. Your bravery, courage and valor have since and forever will travel down the same path as your strength of character and the legacy you left for your family, colleagues and friends to travel through. God takes His most humblest of angels to patrol His golden streets, He never loses sight of them. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

May 19, 2015

Whatever we do, we should do so to serve the Almighty, for it is by His hands that we have been created to serve Him. And serve and protect, you did this exceedingly well, Officer Cook, so loyal, faithful, reliable, responsible and dependable, nothing more could be asked of our devoted and honorable public servants. Our health and welfare are our number priority, so you took excellent care of yourself, ate right, worked out by playing tennis with your friends and got the proper amount of sleep at night. Nothing like a good night's sleep while the stars are twinkling. Your dignity and integrity was always shining like the sun, too bad the young man who took your young life and ended a police career headed for humble greatness did not have his affairs, honesty and dignity structured and set up properly. But, you will forever be honored for having the courage, valor and bravery to act in an outstanding manner on May 16, 1979, to ward off more trouble in the Liberty City areas of Miami in Dade County keeping serenity, unity and togetherness bonded as one. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. No one ever forgets a gentleman of commitment, boldness and most of all quality of character which was your life, career and upbringing and now becomes the very treasured and cherished part of your legacy. All those ideals, all those values surely made you very successful and qualified to lead other officers. You made your family, comrades and all your acquaintances very proud to have known you, loved you, admired and respected you.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

May 18, 2015

Always strive to be your best each day. Look at it as another opportunity to make the world a better place. If police officers ascribed to this theory then perhaps some would not go off course in terms of honesty, dignity and integrity which are paramount tools in performing one's job of serving and protecting. Lacking the wisdom to make correct decisions can surely lead or cost someone their life God forbid. Officer Cook, you never were lacking in anything as humbly stated by your friend, Chief Jacobs, you were years ahead of the crowd in terms of maturity and intellect, everything you did on behalf of all Dade County residents served to make them more secure, more at rest, more at ease and more unified. Yesterday, there was an article in the Miami Herald regarding the McDuffie incidents and the riots in Dade County that ensued in 1980. Your former boss, Chief Dale P. Bowlin was mentioned as was the former director of the Metro-Dade Police Department, Bobby Jones. If you were still on the force those were your colleagues and even though they were acquitted by a jury in Tampa, Florida where the trial was moved, there was plenty of wisdom and whatever else lacking. You were a good person. You were a humanely faithful and loyal public servant. You were tremendously devoted, determined and dedicated to your profession and of course to your lovely family and beloved wife, Karen. It was your heroic actions of bravery, courage, valor and commitment to excellence that you will forever be remembered for. Your legacy is one built on the foundations of decency, class and strength of your sterling character. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. If there was one wise thing lacking in your day, it would have been sidepanels for you and your comrades. You always prepared and were ready for battle at all times. Evil must be wiped out and eliminated in order for the good of mankind to prosper and to achieve those goals necessary for survival.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

May 18, 2015

Remember to smile each day. To be thrifty and giving to others. Love your spouse or other family members unconditionally, for we never know when Our Creator will come calling. Live, preach and practice the values and scruples in life that your parents helped to instill in you. Your devout and faithful mannerisms, Officer Cook, have been certainly absent. Though, I do think your family ascribes to what was taught to them. If one lives with the truth on their lips, if one learns the valuable lessons of dignity, decorum and integrity, the chances are very great that they will be successful in whatever endeavors they try to obtain. All in a day's work. This phrase came from the Spring Three One Hundred which honored fallen New York City Police Officers. My father as I've reflected was a decorated and veteran officer there for thirty-eight years during a time in which no officer wore vests, they didn't have them then. How my dad survived all those years when about three-hundred officers were killed doing a job they loved and relished performing. My mother must have been praying a lot. We said prayers for her for when I was seven months old, she suffered burns severe enough on her body that required skin graft surgery. I lived with my aunt who took care of me. Fortunately, Officer Cook, I did not end up an orphan. Your sacrifice left a wonderful and beloved wife, Karen, a widow, without her loving and wonderful companion. A sure gaping hole in your family's hearts. The pain and anguish of your mother, Mrs. Cook, was etched on her face as you were the second member of your family to pass after your dad, Charles, passed in November, 1976, may he rest in peace. You lived as a hero and left us all too soon as a hero in bravery, valor and commitment to excellence excelling in protecting and serving the interests of Dade citizens helping to guarantee their dreams, aspirations, liberties and unity. Your principles of good character, outstanding work all stand for a very humble legacy that shall endure forever. Your mother has lived a long and healthy life for many reasons, foremost, her health, her religion, her values and everything good about life an dhow she has raised her children to become accomplished and honest. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. When our women and men of law enforcement give everything to the causes of peace, there can be nothing better to ascribe to and it is in their memories that we carry on with their legacies and all the wonderful and prosperous things they have achieved through loyalty and good old fashioned hard work. Forced retirement was and should not be any part whatsoever. They deserved to live out their lives, dreams and whatever with their spouses and families. The pictures in that magazine of officers being saluted at their Inspector's Funerals give us the goose bumps and makes you think about the value of life and their professional careers. The scope of things is all too broad, but, I think we can recognize what they meant to this world as you, Officer Cook, meant to the Dade County community where you were honored, revered and admired.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

May 17, 2015

First of all, hope you and your family are doing well Chief Jacobs. Hope you are enjoying retirement. I can say I'm glad my dad, Owen Davis was able to enjoy his retirement from the New York City Police Department where he worked for thirty-eight years spread out over five decades. I visited your friend, classmate and colleague, Bill Cook's grave last week as I do periodically. Seeing that you wanted to become a police officer from the time you were a little boy Officer Cook, you made certain you followed all the right things in order to achieve your goal. You had a penchant for perseverance and diligence. You carried yourself with the epitome of class, decency, decorum, honesty, dignity and integrity at all times. Hard work usually pays dividends to those who ascribe to this axiom. You were motivated to stand up to evil and to serve and protect all Dade County residents with bravery, courage, valor and the commitment to pride and excellence. I found out recently Chief Jacobs that your friend, Officer Cook's mother, Mrs. Julia Cook is still living out in San Diego, California where she is God bless her, ninety-nine years old. September 17th of this year God willing she will be celebrating her 100th birthday. Don't know if you ever had the humble honor to meet her, the Cooks were my neighbors in North Miami Beach, Florida as my family lived around the corner on NE 6th Avenue and 179th Drive. Would look forward to meeting you one day when you come to Florida you can come over to our home for a meal. Any friend of Officer Cook is a friend of ours. I wrote a letter to his mother in 2010 when I lived in Hallandale Beach, Florida with my family and five days after she turned ninety-five she wrote me back a very wonderful and sentimental letter. I cried. I was in her home in January of 2012, playing soccer with her great-grandson, Legend Wilkerson. I showed his mom, Gina, her uncle's picture on my phone and started sobbing like a baby. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. God bless you Chief Jacobs. I can also take you to visit your friend's grave. He played tennis, maybe we could play tennis too? Your vigilance has validated your heroic legacy, Officer Cook, we will never forget your professional accomplishments. I think of Officer Cook everyday, Chief Jacobs just as I do of my parents who have passed on. When a comrade is taken suddenly, doing their duties, the pain never seems to go away. He had many more years left to fulfill and should have been able to retire and earn his pension. He had a wonderful wife, Karen and things were looking marvelous. Sometimes, we ask why God takes an angel to serve up in heaven, your friend was a humble and treasured gentleman with a heart of gold to match.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

May 17, 2015

Greetings Bill! Wow! You sure have missed a lot! But, I'm sure it's nothing in comparison to what you've been up to for the last 36 Earth years.
Please tell God that we are ready and waiting!

Chief Geoff Jacobs, Ret.
Snellville (GA) and Porterdale (GA) Police Dept.

May 16, 2015

Time may have passed but you are not forgotten. I believe as long as someone remembers you or speaks your name, you are still with us.
Thank you for your heroism.
God Bless

Detention Officer A.Zambito
Texas

May 16, 2015

Money given to charity must be given for honest means. The stained glass window that was donated to the Visitation Catholic Church where you, Officer Cook and your beloved wife, Karen worshiped was given with class and honor by your hard working and beloved companion in life and its pursuits of happiness, peace and unity. After all, Karen worked in a profession just as you did, Officer Cook, where honesty, dignity and integrity go along way in determining how a patient is going to recover from any illness. Your challenges in protecting and serving Dade County residents was why you chose you given line of work. You must be patient, you must be devoted, you must keep a sense of awareness with you at all times to keep from being lost or straying from your pathway of decency and righteousness. All an officer's energies must be directed and channeled into the hopes and aspirations of citizens who expect nothing less than an honest day's effort. The proper motivation and mindset must be sterling and impeccable while keeping bravery, valor and courage along with the commitment to pride and excellence close to your chest. Your wore your uniform humbly and so it is on this day we rise and firmly salute and honor your unselfish sacrifice on behalf of all mankind. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

May 16, 2015

We feel different emotions for whatever the moment brings us. Sympathy. Empathy. Loyalty. Compassion. whatever the case, whatever the situation, it was always handled with the professional reliability and epitome of class, decency, honor and dignity. You were there, Officer Cook, on our behalf for all seasons. Your last watch today, thirty-six years later serves as the impetus for us to go out into this world and act accordingly as you strived to accomplish each day of your life. Maybe, had you known more about Mr. Pearsall, the young man who tragically ended your life, you might have found some compassion, I guess his family may have sought help for him, we don't know. What we do know is your heroic actions on May 16, 1979, saved at least seven lives your comrades and possibly countless others. Your bravery, courage and valor were and continue to stand humbly tall among those police heroes and heroines from the Dade County community who left us too soon, yet left their legacies intact as the cornerstones of their unwavering and faithful service in protecting and in serving, which has enhanced the continuing instillation of profound liberty, peace and unity. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Mr. and Mrs. Cook, you raised your two children, Nancy and her brother, "Billy", Officer William C. Cook to my family with all the right and proper characteristics that should and did allow them to succeed in their lives and careers. Your son's sacrifice serves as a reminder of what it means and defines us as truly heroic, truly outstanding, truly magnificent. His stature as a police officer has carried over to those who have succeeded him and to his family members who take his cues and live, lead and succeed in their lives by his examples. At age ninety-nine Mrs. Cook, you should stay healthy and realize, you already do, what your son meant to this society. I visited his grave last week and removed some weeds from his gravestone. Be well. God bless you Mrs. Cook. The stones I place down represent that his soul knows I have visited.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

May 16, 2015

Since you were a fair and unbiased officer, Officer Cook, no one had to ask or offer up any questions regarding your sound character which should serve as the backbone of one's life and the career which they choose to pursue. The areas that were patrolled by your vigilance which assisted the residents in sticking together in unity and with a peace of mind all were done with total honesty, dignity and integrity, all professionally served. Nothing should cause an officer who is supposed to show care and consideration to what they wear and how they comport themselves. Your heroic soul continues lighting up our skies which at times are filled with gloom and despair, so keep watching from above my neighbor, friend and hero. Rest in peace. Love is blind for all we know, our hearts will grow for all we know, that's what the man says. Something to that affect. You were passionate, compassionate, respectful and had a solid dose of admiration, now it's time to give some back to you. You revered Our Creator and relished the thought of serving Him. You did so fearlessly, loyally, faithfully and with a renewed devoutness, determination, desire and unwavering dedication to all calls of duty. Just wish you were still here with us celebrating your family's milestones and playing some tennis with me. I really need the running. I know you kept up and were in constantly excellent shape. Your mind and body functioning as one unit. An esteemed colleague to all. A mountain of a man with the charisma to match. Never to be forgotten for your humbly heroic actions on May 16, 1979. Never. Never. I'm always here for your family, they have become a part of my family. They are classy people like yourself. North Miami Beach, Florida hasn't see the likes of someone so respected as you were, probably will not occur ever again. There are just some things that happen once in a lifetime. You were a Godsend, plain and simple, like that million dollar smile of you in uniform in 1973 behind Old Glory.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

May 15, 2015

Police officers, good women and men of sound minds and logical thinking have to be able to summon the necessary courage to act appropriately in order not to stray from the proper pathways in life and of course during one's professional career that must be highlighted with decorum and decency. Your role, Officer Cook, took its genesis many years before you joined the Metro-Dade Police Department. The upbringing you received from your loving, kind and very giving parents was what characterized your career. A career graced with all the mandatory essentials, honesty, a sense of dignity and an enhanced awareness of integrity. The strength one must muster up to positively shape our lives must come from deep down. You possessed a reservoir of hope, trust and optimism and it never left you while you were out on Dade County streets patrolling the welfare, peace and unity of all citizens. a cherished, humble and a most treasured public servant, rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. With what walks around our streets today, your valor to command and instruct is greatly missed. The Miami Beach Police Department is suffering from police toxic shock syndrome, meaning police officers who send electronic mails that are littered with racism, bigotry and whatever else is corrupt and despicable. If you were the Chief of that department or your friend, Geoffrey Jacobs were the top police officer you would be doing a top to bottom housecleaning, no and ifs or buts. Everything would be weeded out. One of these officers was a major, I believe they should be held accountable, you wear a uniform proudly and humbly, and carry a badge, one should be reliable and responsible to the people they serve and protect. You were a good man, Officer Cook, you wouldn't tolerate this sort of behavior from your colleagues if they are under your command. Something must give. Lately, police have come under the microscope of national scrutiny.You will always be noted, saluted and remembered for your character and class. No doubt about this ever!

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

May 15, 2015

Sincerely can make a person mighty humble, it can humble the most hardened of people. Common sense and logic also can travel a long way. Police officers are those specially trained and determined public servants who endeavor to reach out to all parts of a given area, community where they serve and protect the common goals of its citizens who are entitled to the same rights of calm and unity as are any other individual. Your professional role, Officer Cook, that you willingly and without recourse accepted upon yourself freely was to be honest, loyal and quite resourceful in helping resolve conflicts between others, to ward off violent crimes, whatever was assigned to you at any given moment. You were superior in those challenges placed before you. You were courteous, caring and considerate to all. You were filled with sterling and pristine honesty, dignity and integrity. Your bravery, courage, valor, boldness to the commitment of excellence were all the reasons you have been fondly remembered for your heroic actions on May 16, 1979. Certainly, all of Dade County will honor and salute your life and career and all that it stood for as you were as cherished inspiration to all future officers who persevere and try to emulate your actions publicly and privately. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. You were righteous and sincere in all your deeds, that has long been how many of your friends have remembered you and for this you'll never be forgotten.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

May 14, 2015