Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

In any given job or profession, being reluctant is not always a good thing. Sometimes one must carry their load, in your career, Officer Cook, I can't say with clarity if you always had to shoulder another officer's load. Though, you probably did more times than not. That was the type of person, the kind of law enforcement professional who accepts the onus, the burden, the yoke of responsibility upon themselves. One reason why Chief Bowlin had one of the many talented and excellent officers serving and protecting in his district. All of your endeavor was placed in proper order and this allowed you the ability to maintain a dignified perspective over your assigned area and its residents. Sometimes we tend to overburden and tackle too many things not focusing on those priorities that are more central to those things that need to be done at once. Stress and anxiety are two of any officer's challenges besides the day to day rigors of police work. My neighbor, friend and hero, you were able to categorize your day and its priorities, as you coolly and soundly took care of your business at home and while out on patrol keeping law and order, peace and unity functioning on an even keel. You'll always be fondly saluted and remembered as a hero whose boldness and unwavering commitment to pride and excellence will stand as the cornerstone of your stellar character and legacy. Rest in peace. Resolve and diligence triumph over fear and carelessness. You never had these last two words in your vocabulary, Officer Cook. Just proficient and professional at all times, while maintaining the dignity of the streets and its citizens.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 15, 2015

Identifying with a cause or project influences a person to make a greater effort. Police officers assignments sometimes vary from day to day. I would imagine that once an officer accrues seniority on the job, they can decide where they may work, not always, sometimes. If an officer knows they will be serving and patrolling a certain location then they can familiarize themselves with not only the places in and around the area, but those residents who live and work there as well. I don't know how many years of your six years, Officer Cook, you worked in and around the Liberty City area of Dade County, but the residents there came to appreciate your passion, honor, integrity and dignity. You calmly and fruitfully gained their loyalty, faith and trust and were about to serve them with all your might. Your talents, skills and energy were always channeled in the right places and on May 16, 1979, you woke up early, probably shared a cup of coffee with your beloved Karen, said goodbye and off you went to perform a job, more of a profession and the challenges associated with your job, a job you enjoyed doing, a career well done, a kindred spirit for having the fortitude, the bravery, the valor and the courage to battle evil right until your last breath. You were an excellent police officer, Officer Cook, even more so a humble gentleman and a God given angel, a hero sent here to do what was right and you exceeded where others may not have. Now your loving spirit continues its ascent to God's golden streets in grace and in gallantry. Continue watching over those brave hearts and souls who keep up the battles over wickedness as you so faithfully did. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 15, 2015

Engaging, enlightening and endearing, words that anyone who lives and works to support their families lives by this creed. You were an energetic and a most resourceful police officer, Officer Cook, as you patrolled the Dade County community where you were respected and revered, but it was not only your objectivity but your passion with a focused level of honor, dignity and integrity that was so dear to not only yourself, but to the citizens that you conversed with as you protected their peace, liberty and unity. Educating those who rely on the finest men and women to serve and to protect our common decencies is very essential to being able to handle any jobs that are placed your way. Your loyalty and guidance is surely missed today as much as your smiling face and humbly engaging personality. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Bravery, courage and valor are the tools of education and enlightenment. Embellished properly they can be utilized as a sure fire way to make the lives of all people and the officers themselves a little safer.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 15, 2015

Asking forgiveness from anybody takes a mighty dose of courage and patience from any individual. Officer Cook, as loyal, faithful and as devout as you were, you practiced what you preached. At home or out on patrol, you acted with the same level of reason and wisdom. Other officers were shown the ropes by yourself and learned the same lessons that took you to another level. If you were given more years, I'm sure you would have risen through the ranks, your leadership skills, humbly honed were just the beginning. Patience and perseverance translate into devotion and diligence when applied with honesty, integrity and dignity. You had the right frame of mind at all times when you needed to go out on patrol bravely, courageously and valiantly serving and protecting the enhancements of all Dade County citizens. You were endowed with so many God given abilities which are sorely missed by colleagues from other police communities. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Lessons that could endear and embellish all that you learned while training at the Miami-Dade Police Academy.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 14, 2015

Seeing that you treasured and cherished your life, Officer Cook, it never came as a surprise that many colleagues from around this country paid you respects and to your family that Saturday afternoon at St. Mary's Cathedral at your Inspector's Funeral on May 19, 1979. Difficult decisions that people have to make in life is supposed to make coping a little easier. I don't know if things ever really do get easier for families. Their loves ones bravery, courage and valor along with their comrades whom they go to battle with over evil each day sure are a great starting point for where these families can turn to for emotional support. All God's creations, including all law enforcement personnel strengthen this bond between all people. They endeavor to ties the knots of peace, security and unity as one simple knot. When the laces become untied we must make an attempt to quickly and with great resolve keep things tied as perfectly together as we can. One final redemption is what we all look forward to, as your loving family looks to reunite with your beautiful soul, Officer Cook, it still shines brightly in honor, dignity and with a stellar integrity. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Your commitment to pride and excellence is the solid foundation by which your heroic legacy rests firmly today as it did for your twenty-five years of passion and compassion, these two elements forever tied together as one. Time marches on. A good name lasts forever, it can never be tarnished nor blemished. Your professional standards are the foundations by which other officers should comport themselves. We should take a moment and look at ourselves in that proverbial mirror.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 14, 2015

That passionately calm and soothing voice reflected the tone by which all officers should communicate with anyone. You gave anyone who was willing to lend an ear merit and yet were one to give the benefit of doubt, Officer Cook. Nowadays, people just seem to speak what is on their mind and not look to listen to others for sound and sage advice. In any line of work, in any chosen endeavor, in any profession one chooses to pursue, good listening skills are very important and so essential to the tasks at hand. An open-minded individual such as yourself listens to all information that is gathered, lets people have their turn to talk and then calmly and proficiently begins to cultivate any decisions that may play a part in resolving any and all conflicts. You were the best and furthermore, honest, dignified and decisive in making these decisions. Your courage, wisdom and commitment were a larger part in the scheme of how you conducted your daily personal and professional affairs. You gave so we can live on, as you my neighbor, friend and hero live on in the hearts and thoughts of all family and comrades who respected your solid work ethic which was one built on character and truth. Rest in peace.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 13, 2015

You were born, Officer Cook, to such lovely and darling parents. You grew up in North Miami Beach, Florida where you and your sister, Nancy made friends. You had neighbors, school mates, people from all over gravitated toward you because of the kind of person you were. Honesty, dignity and a stellar integrity was ingrained in you at an early age. The police career with the Metro-Dade Police Department that you embarked upon stood as living proof that was a touch of perseverance and hard work, dreams and goals can come to fruition. It had to be a humble pleasure for other colleagues to work side by side with you during some of your tensest battles. The residents who came to know, admire and respect you knew both the sincerity and generosity that elevated you above others. This had to make your family and comrades quite happy. If only the happiness was still taking place here in 2015. Thirty-six years are fast approaching, the day you laid down your life for all Dade County and a very grateful, yet sad police nation. Enrichment, enhancement and embellishment are all the living symbols of both your treasured character and cherished soul and heroic legacy which will be forever saluted and fondly remembered. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Keep smiling down on us, Officer Cook. I believe your widow, Karen, who has been remarried for several years now, lives somewhere possibly in a town or city called, Zumbro Falls, Minnesota. You should live and be well Karen. Your beloved late husband, Officer William C. Cook, was the eternal optimist and truly a loyal and revered gentleman. The badge he wore proudly and the uniform he donned daily meant as much to him, yet he cared immensely for all people. His compassion was right there with any police officer and this why was he was such an excellent leader. Turmoil and strife would not detour him, nor derail his missions in life.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 13, 2015

Carelessness and callousness may travel down the same road, whereas courage and commitment must stay on the road, they cannot go off the road. Being practical and patient is always something any person with any mind with common sense will realize. Evaluating and estimating are two things that all police officers have to do each and every time they patrol the streets of their communities where they were assigned to keep peace, unity and liberty flowing through the proper channels. Since your dignity, honesty and integrity filtered down throughout your humble life and outstanding career of six devoutly loyal years of service, Officer Cook, really all that can be stated is that you should still be here today. Being taken at such a young age when most people just begin to realize their dreams and aspirations, the hope is that the citizens have truly remembered a most remarkable and poignant young man, a police hero to be revered and saluted for generations to come. You were a man, Officer Cook, who embarked on a very special mission and that was to have the grace, gallantry and vision to see things through in order for people to realize and to be able to culture their ideals, dreams, goals and aspirations. Your sacrifice and bravery only enhances what we already knew about you and now God has taken you and your beloved soul to His Kingdom where you now continue that very sacred mission, to protect His streets and to look after those men and women who dared to risk, cared to share and to keep serenity and safety a priority for all. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 12, 2015

People respect people when they come forth and admit they made a mistake. Police officers are human beings also and when they make a miscue, hopefully they have the decency and common sense to come forth and admit as such. For your care, kindness, courtesies and consideration, Officer Cook, you were a forthright gentleman, officer and a most trustworthy public servant. If there were men and women who worked under your guidance and leadership, I'm sure if they slipped, made a bad decision, you would have pointed it out to them in a most classy and constructive fashion. To err is human to forgive is divine. All it would have taken on May 16, 1979, is for that troubled young man to surrender, you and your colleagues would have seen to it that he get the much needed assistance. But when you pull the trigger of a weapon and commit an act of not only callousness, but something so nefarious, how can things be alright? You acted bravely, your reacted with resolve and fairness, you conformed to firmness, your commitment as heroic as it was, was outstanding to save your comrades and those civilians from further harm, what more can a grateful Dade County say or offer the appropriate words of consolation to your loving family members at a time of grief and sadness as they mourned your sudden loss? It would have taken the words, "I'll drop the weapon and raise my hands." We know in the heat of battle everything may get lost in the kayos and bedlam. You'll never be forgotten for your sincerity, honor, dignity and integrity, this never will be lost as only your cherished and shining soul will light the darkness that still pervades this society. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Deserting the Army would have been his only crime, once he committed violence against others and police officers things only and sadly escalated. Your loyalty and faithfulness will always be fondly remembered. It takes humility to admit to a mistake, it takes more courage to correct a flaw.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 12, 2015

In life we give the benefit of doubt to most people. In life a person is innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. You were a kind individual, Officer Cook, you were a devoutly faithful gentleman. You were a loyal and a most resourceful public servant, the likes of whom Dade County has seen through other comrades who have succeeded you. Everyone has their personal traits and characteristics that follow them throughout their life and in whatever pursuits they care to achieve. Accomplishment and endeavor are based on the effort one is willing to put forth. Police recruits who want to become police officers know the arduous tasks they face and the mountains they must climb to become successful. Hard work, a driven desire and a steadfast determination must appear with them as does honesty, dignity and integrity, this must follow them like a shadow. It followed you, Officer Cook and it never took you off the right path. You stayed the course. Your common sense and soothing voice, you one that was commanding, allowed to to calm down those whose emotions may have boiled over. On May 16, 1979, a situation had escalated in Liberty City in Miami, Florida and it was five minutes before you would end your shift with your partner that day, Reserve Officer Scott Lincoln, you heard on your radio call of an officer needing help regarding a domestic dispute, you were a block away and not dispatched and yet the two of you answered this call because it is logical and common sense to help a fellow sister or brother needing backup. God only knows as He plans our lives, helps shape our dreams, passions and aspirations, you went and with alacrity, swiftness and with a humbleness, you helped to diffuse a rather tense situation. You sacrificed your life for the entire Dade County community and its residents to live in peace, unity and in freedom. You lived your life with pride and honor as will as those residents because of your unwavering and unselfish courage, grace, bravery and gallantry. Your legacy stands this day as a testimonial as to how one should act and in how we place our priorities. These are the dictates of how we should conduct ourselves in modern society. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. If perhaps you were able to investigate this troubled young man, maybe the outcome that day would have been different. Unfortunately, we will never know, only you were a hero who saved at least seven lives, those citizens involved and your colleagues who were wounded and nearly killed. There never will be a doubt, you stood humbly tall and acted with quickness and assertiveness never to be witnessed again. Your actions made all who associated with you quite humble. You were a treasured and quite cherished human being whose soul continues ascending and whose brilliance shines forth each and every moment. God bless you and your loving family, comrades and friends from all around the country.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 11, 2015

Plans and thoughts are shared by police officers far and wide, from all different locations. The safety of every citizen, the safety of every police officer depends upon how far they are trained in how to handle each circumstance, dilemma and situation that is assigned to them to handle. Your safety and success, Officer Cook, was determined by your ability to communicate, identify and to be able to interview those who witnessed whether or not they were directly involved in anything. Being able to sort out all relevant information to be able to draw logical conclusions are all part of an officer's job description. You did yours very well my neighbor, friend and hero and it was all because of your demeanor, character and professional personality up and beyond any calls of duty. Your integrity, dignity, honor and bravery all came to the forefront at all times. Those comrades who at some point in their careers were fortunate enough to work alongside of you witnessed the truth keen vision, wisdom, knowledge and leadership skills so needed to resolve any and all problems that might crop up. Your commitment to excellence and boldness to act heroically has never be forgotten. Rest in peace.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 11, 2015

The good folks of Dade County could raise a smile when they saw you patrolling their streets, Officer Cook, with that big smile and calming personality used at just the right moments. And exactly as to why and how all police officers should go about the business of conducting both their personal and professional affairs. Never give up. Never despair. When character and courage, leadership, honor, dignity and integrity all merge together at a crossroads, those citizens know who has their backs looking after their welfare. It was yourself, Officer Cook, a man of action, always looking for an edge to properly resolve any and all sources of conflict and turmoil. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero, from what seems to be an almost everyday happening, your maturity, your intellect and keen and divine wisdom could sure be sprinkled throughout our country where we the citizens expect not just bravery, courage and valor, but along with this the most important traits of justice and decency showing when to utilize a police issued weapon when the situation calls for it. I know it is certainly different and was back in your day, you were checked, tested and drilled constantly on basic police rules and fundamentals. I don't know why there seems to be a "Wyatt Earp" mentality within quite a few police communities. Something needs to be done rather quickly before kayos and anarchy rein on the streets where peace and serenity should rule. That is why you must keep your soul shining down forever on these lands as great as they may be.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 10, 2015

I think the words, Officer Cook, for this last reflection should have read your life and police career were borne from an outstanding upbringing and the morals so necessary to be able to function in our day to day world. Something you ascribed to with your humbleness, honesty and quality of character. You were not an envious person as you had all the right tools and essentials to make proper usage of your God given talents and abilities. It is said the apple does not fall far from the tree, if this is any indication, your success came the correct way, through perseverance, sweat, toil and both the mental and physical stamina demonstrated in the police academy and to those superiors who were the judges of your performances and of your dignity and integrity placed where it needed to be, within the boundaries of Dade County and its residents whom you served, protected and provided the necessary peace, unity and freedom for those to prosper. The pain, the anguish and torment of your loss still tugs at the hearts and minds of those loving family members, colleagues and friends who each witnessed your grace, gallantry, courage and valor in action. Humbly stated your humility and most giving heart and treasured soul still shine brightly today as they did when your heroic action on May 16, 1979, solidified your legacy among the many Dade County police heroes and heroines of the past. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. More people should appreciate all that is given to them. You had the best of everything along with your sister, Nancy to be able to succeed in life, one cut far too short, but a life well spent helping others to endure and to succeed.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 10, 2015

I wish we all had that proverbial crystal ball. We don't unfortunately. Police officers as caring, considerate and as cautious as they need to function cannot always predict the outcome of how any event they encounter will resolve itself in the end. No one can take away an honest and dignified officer's level of diligence and concern that you had, Officer Cook, for the residents of Dade County and their well being. Central District where you worked out of sure had a most honorable, dignified and devoutly resolute individual patrolling the streets of an area where you were quite respected and admired by your peers for your faithfulness, decency and humbly humane nature. It was the drive and desire that led you to the beginning of an outstanding career of six loyal and fruitful years, twenty-five years of a well placed life about borne from a terrific upbringing from two wonderfully loving and giving parents. The pride they had as well as your sister and wife when your badge was pinned on your chest was just the genesis. The life of an individual founded on the principles of morals and solid character who went where his dreams and aspirations took him. Your maturity, wisdom and scope of knowledge and leadership skills would have definitely taken you up the police ladder to bigger opportunities. Because of your humbleness, commitment to excellence, swiftness to act, God has taken your shining and most cherished soul up to heaven where you have the awesome task of watching over His golden streets and looking down and helping make certain those who now watch and protect are safe from any harm that God forbid may come their way. God truly watches those who fear and remain loyal to His causes. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. May 16, 1979, is a day of saluting your bravery, Officer Cook, as well as a day of intellectual introspection. Honoring you for an outstanding job of serving and protecting the quality of life in all mankind. If we could take back all these tragedies we would, God plans our lives and we must be grateful and give Him thanks for you, your life and service to a Dade County community that must not forget your loyalty and valor.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 9, 2015

I wish we all had that proverbial crystal ball. We don't unfortunately. Police officers as caring, considerate and as cautious as they need to function cannot always predict the outcome of how any event they encounter will resolve itself in the end. No one can take away an honest and dignified officer's level of diligence and concern that you had, Officer Cook, for the residents of Dade County and their well being. Central District where you worked out of sure had a most honorable, dignified and devoutly resolute individual patrolling the streets of an area where you were quite respected and admired by your peers for your faithfulness, decency and humbly humane nature. It was the drive and desire that led you to the beginning of an outstanding career of six loyal and fruitful years, twenty-five years of a well placed life about borne from a terrific upbringing from two wonderfully loving and giving parents. The pride they had as well as your sister and wife when your badge was pinned on your chest was just the genesis. The life of an individual founded on the principles of morals and solid character who went where his dreams and aspirations took him. Your maturity, wisdom and scope of knowledge and leadership skills would have definitely taken yo up the police ladder to bigger opportunities. Because of your humbleness, commitment to excellence, swiftness to act, God has taken your shining and most cherished soul up to heaven where you have the awesome task of watching over His golden streets and looking down and helping make certain those who now watch and protect are safe from any harm that God forbid may come their way. God truly watches those who fear and remain loyal to His causes. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. May 16, 1979, is a day of saluting your bravery, Officer Cook, as well as a day of intellectual introspection. Honoring you for an outstanding job of serving and protecting the quality of life in all mankind. If we could take back all these tragedies we would, God plans our lives and we must be grateful and give Him thanks for you, your life and service to a Dade County community that must not forget your loyalty and valor.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 9, 2015

Police officers just like ordinary hard working people need to be good listeners. Having said that they need to attentively listen and remain impartial in how they go about resolving any and all conflicts and or disagreements that come before them. The rigorous training and classroom and out in the street exercises they go through on a day to day basis help better shape them in a professional atmosphere that assists both the citizens they serve and protect as well as themselves from all the perils they must endure. And because of your fundamentally honest and most dignified nature, Officer Cook, you were to navigate from one place to another securing integrity, decency, peace and unity among all residents of Dade County. In life we must make the most of what God implants within us. You took the baton, the blueprint so to speak and were able to formulate plans of action for each circumstance that was thrust before you. You demonstrated reliance, competency and responsibility. Your heroic and humble actions and the quality of your stellar professional character as shown on May 16, 1979, have and always will remain as the solid foundation by which all officers who have since succeeded you are expected to act. So much is required of any public servant, as brave and courageously valiant as you were my neighbor, friend and hero, let us hope and pray that all police officers, anyone remotely associated with the law enforcement profession acts and conducts their personal and professional lives with the same level of pride but most of all with honesty and loyalty. The uniform, badge and the weapon used to protect both the public and the officer most be utilized in a judicious and proper fashion. Kayos, mayhem and bedlam cannot replace peace, serenity and a calmness that must at all times rule in any community. Rest in peace. Just keep looking down, Officer Cook, I'm sure your mother, Mrs. Julia Cook, is praying for the souls of both you and your beloved father, Charles, may he too rest in peace.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 9, 2015

Today Officer Cook, I just wanted to make contact with your niece, Gina Wilkerson. I got hold of her brother-in-law, Nate Wilkerson and asked how your mother was doing. I was told she is doing well at age ninety-nine out in San Diego, California. She is living either with or near her grandson, Josh Hyatt. I will always keep you in my thoughts and prayers Mrs. Cook. When September 17, 2015 comes I would love to send you a little something, a card or note. I still have the letter you sent me while I was living in Hallandale Beach, Florida. Your son, Officer William C. "Billy" Cook, to me he will always be Officer Cook, he was a hero and a treasured soul of a gentleman. His legacy and memories of a well lived life and of a brave, courageous and valiant public servant will always be there for those to share and to reflect back. What more can we say about your esteemed and most beloved son? He deserves to be here today sharing in his family's happy occasions with his beloved wife, Karen, his sister, Nancy and of course with his wonderfully loving and faithfully devout mother. His life and career meant the world to all his close friends, comrades and acquaintances. His service of honor, dignity and integrity shall be one and everlasting as is his beautiful soul now with God up in heaven for nearly thirty-six years for eternal safekeeping as he now as they say walks a beat on God's golden streets. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Mrs. Cook, if you read these reflections of your beloved son, know I care and he will never be forgotten. His commitment and resolve will be fondly and loyally saluted. A man who sacrifices his life needs to be looked up to in the highest of degree of respect and admiration. I still have your letter and the envelope Mrs. Cook. I have it in a drawer for safekeeping.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 8, 2015

One thing regarding all police officers is that they must not display partiality or bias. Officers that worked alongside of you, Officer Cook, never had to be concerned regarding this matter. Since your maturity, wisdom and leadership skills were a cut above the rest. But, one must exhibit loyalty, faithfulness, dignity and compassion. Anything remotely opposite to this could possibly lead one down the wrong channel. Since Our Creator steers the compasses of His devoutly trustworthy public servants on paths of righteousness, there were never any complaints from residents whom you served, protected and dedicated your life and career to in seeing peace, unity and liberty come to fruition in their community. A loving person, a much beloved son, brother, husband, uncle and great-uncle, rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. A shining soul whose brightness will never be extinguished. A hero to be saluted for your gallantry and courage. A legend to be remembered forever.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 8, 2015

Police officers have to be many things, reserved, honorable, courteous and dignified. Bragging and acting above the law for men and women in positions of authority is something that can never be tolerated. You were by nature, Officer Cook, a cool and calm gentleman whose work ethics are the examples for all officers to follow. You were a man of values, a respected and law abiding person who dreamed of becoming a police officer from the time you were a young man. You showed compassion. You were a doer and a man of action. All your good deeds and heroically swift actions on May 16, 1979, has and will forever lead to the continuation of Dade County, its citizens and their enhancement. Your loving and humble nature are all a part of your legacy here in Dade County and throughout the entire police nation. Your character as stellar as it was endures now in your loving family members who continue your celebrated life and career. A smile once in a while and looking up to the big blue skies above are all the reasons we can gratefully acknowledge your wonderful and generous spirit. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 8, 2015

Since you were a calm and rational person, Officer Cook, it's no wonder you were able to calm people down. If only that fateful day could you and your colleagues been able to calm down a troubled young man. Peace needs to be a two way street, not a one way with no possible solutions in sight. You'll always be remembered for your personality, honesty, dignity and integrity, all values of your stellar character and legacy which will last for all generations. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. God continues to keep peace, freedom and unity marching on as we pause and reflect back on your outstandingly humble life and career, all based on your upstanding upbringing. You made us all very proud of your accomplishments.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 7, 2015

Keep your focus on growth and making peace between all people. It is this very security and serenity that the citizens have come to rely upon from the many dignified and honorable men and women of the law enforcement profession. Your honesty and calming sense of reason, Officer Cook, was spoken to the point and as plainly as one could communicate to others. We know your wit, knowledge and basic leadership abilities were many of the reasons as to why your career and life turned out the way it did. Sometimes, functioning by ourselves is the method that needs to be employed to bring about a successful resolution to any problems at hand. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 7, 2015

Seeing that you were a master motivator, Officer Cook, the positive zeal you had for your professional position should come as no surprise as to why you were indeed a giant of a human being and even more so as a humbly devoted public servant. Metro-Dade Police Department has had its share of excellent officers who worked in its department and were an important member of this close knit family of brave and valiant officers who dare to risk their lives in order to safeguard the public peace, freedom and unity. All assignments require the greatest amount of precision and tact a fact not lost on your many colleagues who knew you Officer Cook and admired your sincere work ethic. Your stellar character has left a legacy that will be felt by all residents, comrades and friends who crossed paths with you personally and professionally. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero, you were a grand man, taken way too young with more goodness left to fulfill. It is being addressed and accentuated by your comrades and treasured family who have missed you very dearly. We can only say what if God gave you more years, you had twenty-five very productive years of fantastic work that has funneled its way down to those valued friends and fellow sisters and brothers of the law enforcement community where you served and protected the honor, dignity and integrity of all citizens.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 6, 2015

We the people should be thankful for all that we have and as far as our needs go, we work and toil exceedingly hard to maintain and try to acquire the necessary character traits that will make us better as individuals. If one has food, clothing and shelter, it is stated that one has all that they need. If your upbringing is not one built on honor, dignity and integrity, it then becomes a bit tougher for one to accomplish. You can achieve. You can make a difference. You made this difference in Dade County, Officer Cook. Your vigilance, your diligence and perseverance all combined with your knowledge, wit, wisdom and leadership skills helped tip the scales of justice properly into the hands and feet of every resident whose lives you served and protected. There were no shortcuts in your life and career, Officer Cook, just a pronounced sense of bravery, courage and valor. Those humbly heroic actions of May 16, 1979, were just the tip of the iceberg so to speak. It is and has been the light of your treasured and very cherished soul which has continued to shine down upon us now as it did then. You were a very devout and loyally faithful gentleman and police officer, all the reasons why you were admired, respected and honored forever as your legacy of humility carries on in your loving family members. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Your influence marches on in those who have succeeded you. Hopefully, they can carry your torch as poignantly and proficiently as you carried it.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 6, 2015

You were a strong person, Officer Cook, with an even special heart. There was nothing weak or diluted with your performance as a police officer. when you needed to be stern, a little tough then you did what your role demanded from you and from any other police officer. When you felt it necessary to be calm, your voice of sound reason could be counted on to bring about the means to a positive solution. That day of May 16, 1979, no one knew, much less thought that your department would heaven forbid lose one of their own. Situations in police work and in the profession happen daily, sometimes once in a while, no one can properly prepare themselves, you do prepare in the police academy and God steers our lives in many different directions for a reason. No rhyme or reason, good and bad occur and we must learn from these events and sadly contemplate how to move on with our futures. Your family members my neighbor, friend and hero have moved on with your treasured soul hovering above and giving them all the same humble and sage advice to be careful be kind, polite, be honorable in all your affairs and most of all maintain the proper level of compassion, consideration, dignity and integrity. It makes life and one's career that much more effective and trustworthy. Rest in peace. Your bravery, coupled with your sincerity has balanced the scales of peace, freedom and security for all Dade County residents. All your humility and humanity is missed today as it has touched the very souls of all who respected and admired you both professionally and personally.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 5, 2015

Positive things occur in people's lives when honor, dignity and stellar integrity is optimized to the maximum. A person's negative desires are based on illusions and by that I mean one should not go running to seek honor and a fame. A good name is based upon a man or woman's good deeds that they perform in this world. You surely performed many heroic and humble actions, Officer Cook, that certainly went over and beyond the calls of your official duties. No accident, no illusions, your whole life, all twenty-five years and your six year career at the Metro-Dade Police Department were solidly and squarely centered around the foundations of good character, integrity, wisdom and a humbly stated God given ability to be able to lead other comrades through thick and thin, through the tough moments, as we know and understand that not everything in life just lands at one's door, it must be earned and utilized very wisely to accentuate all that one can from their abilities. You were a very brave, courageous, valiant and outgoing gentleman and as well in your police work. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Hard work pays dividends to those who put forth the effort. You paid the price at the academy and an even bigger one which most of us cannot begin to fathom. You were a peacemaker who enhanced Dade County and its citizens like no other. I hope you family enjoyed a Happy Easter. As I was on my Passover vacation while out walking I thought about you and how you have been missed terribly and what this day would have been with your presence. I know from heaven your spirit is still and forever looking down along with your dad, Charles on what has been transpiring with your family. I'll keep praying for you, Mrs. Cook and hope you had a nice holiday. No smoke or mirrors were needed to see the real Officer William C. Cook, Badge# 1664. Your passion and patrolling perseverance have helped make a huge difference in people's lives today.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 5, 2015