Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I meant to say, Officer Cook, as you go from strength to strength and your career with the Metro-Dade Police Department will forever be saluted. Saluted not just by your excellent upbringing, but your your humane actions during your police career, one considered to be quite successful, although you should still be here, living your dreams with Karen, as you both had much more to offer this society. Your love and the convictions you both stood for in helping people can never go unnoticed. The wild air we take in our lungs, nestles me everywhere. The snowflakes that fall on our eyelashes and hair, with riddles and is rife, in every least thing's life. You took action, Officer Cook, to eliminate rife, to thrive and not face strife. More than meat and drink, my meal at every wink. That air, which, by life's law, our lungs must draw and draw, now but to breathe its praise. We praise the Lord for your cunning actions. Your care and compassion through and through, it is and was your very courage that has stood the test of time. They don't come any prouder or more humbler than you. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. It was like a punch to the gut, a sad statement when one loving and caring public servant just doing a job they dreamed of becoming has to be taken from among us by wanton violence that has no business filtering its nastiness through our society's ducts of the fresh air we breathe because of you, Officer Cook.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

November 16, 2014

Now this day, my Father with the sun coming out burning brightly in its sacred place up in the sky. That from which we draw the water of life, prayer meal-Here I give unto You. Your long life. Your old age. Your waters. Your seeds. Your riches. Your power. Your strong spirit. Of all these, to me may You grant. We've been granted many things, good health, peace and prosperity and it's all because of the many brave and courageous men and women of the law enforcement community of which you were a vital contributor, Officer Cook. God sustains His creations as he sees fit. He gives us the power and strength to be able to go out and try and make wise decisions. All we can do is try, just make a little effort. My neighbor, friend and hero, it was Our Creator who gave a to you a talent not too many have to go out and serve and protect our basic common interests. The seeds of your deeds, your heroic actions, bold as they were, the fortitude to enhance mankind will never go without a remembrance. Your life and police career with be saluted, as will your loving legacy, a foundation that has been laid for generations and for all future officers who join your department. Certainly, your loss was felt not only by your devoted family and comrades, but from all around this country, the entire world where people come together fortifying their convictions into commitments of honor, dignity and integrity to perform a job, a profession properly and continue to maintain a balance of peace, freedom and unity in their communities. Your community of Dade County came to honor, respect and admire you, Officer Cook, for your solemn service and forthright dedication and determination to see all things through. You were excellent and outstanding in performance and in the stellar character you faithfully exhibited. Rest in peace. Just as any other citizen, you too had a right to live to an old age and to reap the benefits of your tireless and unselfish labor on our behalf. This is where being grateful and quite thankful comes into place. By the way, Gina and Trevor and to your lovely children, Alexis, Skyler and Legend, good luck on your move wherever you may go and in your college plans, Alexis. Your heroic great-uncle, "Bo," Officer William C. Cook is watching and from God's golden streets where he now patrols along with your great-grandfather, Charles, is directing you form strength to strength in good health, peace and prosperity. I still hope your family can get together for a meal with my family. We'd love to have you over. I'll continue to keep your great-grandmother, Mrs. Julia Cook, in my thoughts and prayers. I'd love to know how she is doing in San Diego, California.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

November 16, 2014

I meant to say in the last reflection, Officer Cook, that you always worked with a full tank of gas, meaning you ate properly and slept properly to handle all the rigors of your job and the challenges and demands you faced on a daily basis. Ridding the world of evil challenges even the most well trained and sophisticated men and women of our law enforcement communities. You were a stellar officer, whose confidence never lacked. Your humility allowed you to follow everyday routines that helped you through your career and in your life, sadly cut way too short. God takes His most bravest and loyal soldiers who go to battle with Him up to heaven to patrol His golden streets. You had a pronounced sense of vigor, a positive zeal to achieve and a will to survive and to thrive when it mattered most. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. With Thanksgiving Day coming soon we must all be grateful to you and indebted to you for a job well done.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

November 15, 2014

Thank you Father for Your free gift of fire. Because it is through fire that You draw near to us everyday. It is fire that You constantly bless us. Our Father, bless this fire today. With Your power enter into it. Make this fire a worthy thing. A thing that carries Your blessing. Let it become a reminder of Your love. A reminder of life without end. Make the life of these people to be made holy like this fire. A thing that shines for the sake of people. A thing that shines for Your sake. Father, heed this sweet smelling smoke. Make their life also sweet smelling. A thing sweet smelling that rises to God. A holy thing. A thing fitting for You. As we all realize and hopefully fully understand, fire has many good functions, it keeps us warm and heats our food that serves as energy for our bodies. As a police officer, we all comprehend that they too need proper rest and nourishment in order to handle the rigors of their professions. You handle yours, Officer Cook, never without a top off tank, meaning you ate properly and got plenty of rest. The evil on Dade County streets and riding it from us was what made you a renowned officer and from this dignity, integrity and foresight were you able to assist in steering those lives to prosper more peacefully and much more decently. I hope Gina and Trevor you children received the little gift that I gave them. Great kids all destined to become successful when they grow up as did their great-uncle, "Bo." Officer William Cook will always be proudly remembered and saluted for his bravery, gallantry and courage to act in a committed and considerate fashion. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Success is a group thing, selfishness is a singular event that can have calamity written all over its figure. It was always us, we and our priorities, Officer Cook. Your thought process was only multi-dimensional when it came to serving and protecting. We should conjure this statement. It made sense in both your life at home, with Karen and during your career paths with the Metro-Dade Police Department. Your were there to light a fire and to put out a fire of disagreement with your calm, cooling and reflective voice of reason.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

November 15, 2014

Hail Mother, who art the earth, hallowed by thy soil, rocks and flora that nourish and support all life. Blessed by thy wind that gives us breath and thy waters that quench, bathe and refresh all living things. Holy Earth-as one-we praise Your majesty, grace and wonder. Thank God for our parents, for it is they who help sustain us and if not for them we would not be here. Officer Cook, you were your dear parents, darling and devoted son, so honorable and well behaved. Your entire life and police career was totally dedicated to all the principles of an upbringing full of love, respect and mutual admiration for everyone. It was yourself, my neighbor, friend and hero who helped save, serve and protect both the quality and dignity of all lives in Dade County. How could we be any less thoughtless? At least for twenty-five years, six faithfully and loyal years of service as a police officer could you be counted on when it mattered the most. Your bravery, your courageousness, your valiant efforts to commitment were all the benchmarks of a well lived life. Your beloved family, your beloved wife, Karen, all knew this was what made you happy. That beautiful smile, that grin, teeth as white as snow, when you had your picture taken in your police uniform that you wore proudly and with a sense of pride and tremendous accomplishments that cast no doubt as to how you'll always be remembered. Very fondly. Forty plus years ago, today at age sixty, you probably would still have a full head of hair with hardly any gray. Yet gray is good, for it indicates a person of wisdom, knowledge, humbleness, understanding, maturity and wise leadership. All the right and proper qualities that go into making an excellent public servant. God's earth has a very valued and boldly superior servant resting in peace beneath it, as we all endeavor to stay on course as you did with renewed resiliency and a sense of vigor and diligence. If all departments could utilize yourself as their model officer, Officer Cook, there would be no need for Internal Affairs Divisions to police its officers. Positive, professional and priceless as a human being, a true hero, a gentleman and as an officer.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

November 15, 2014

Ice mountains melted ages ago and made this ridge, this place of changes. Now we are rooted in it, we of the old ones, we of the new ones from afar, meadows and thickets, we are rooted in the ridge of changes in the time of changes. So much has changed, Officer Cook, since your untimely passing. If you were still here today you would be astounded by all these happenings. The winds carry strange smells, this is a day of change. Great ones above and below, bless us. God always pronounces His blessings upon His faithful followers and heroic officers of which you were an integral part, Officer Cook. O shining One above, feed us with Your light. O soft ones, sky darkeners, wash us with Your raindrops. O powers above, bless us with Your gifts, for we reach up to You, branching wood and sap. God blessed us with your inspiring and humble presence for twenty-five years of service to all mankind, Officer Cook. Having never taken things for granted, you looked and viewed each and every moment of your life and career as an opportunity to make people and all things better. O Mother of the earth from where we grow sandy gravel into whom our roots branch wood and sap deep down, bless us in our night sleep, in our death. Bless us, dark earth as we give back that which we have received as we make a forest of blessing a ridge of blessing for the future to grow upon. And it is with these very saintly and telling words that we all receive Your blessings. We all can look over those ridges where you performed a job with integrity, dignity, courage and honesty, Officer Cook, to enable that spiritual light to keep shining back on us. It's the light of your most compassionate soul that championed the causes of goodwill which someday will win out versus the battles we fight daily over evil. A peaceful, pleasant and a most decent humanitarian who exposed himself to this violence in an effort to permanently eradicate it from our society. The gallantry and giant heart of love and giving will always stand for kindness, you accentuated this in both your life and police career. Metro-Dade and its citizens are forever grateful to you. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero, God sheds His grace on thee from sea to shining sea.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

November 14, 2014

Do not stifle me with the strange scent of growing confusion. I cannot separate sweetness from sweetness in my mind. I ride on the breath of an enormous fog, o don't confuse me. May my sweetness allow me to escape from this gentle madness. And let me be able to go back to the salt of sanity in the scent of the sea. First of all, you were never confused, Officer Cook, you took your life and career as a police officer very seriously. You went out on your daily patrols in Dade County formulating ways for its citizens to live in peace, freedom and in unity with justice for all. God for whatever His reasons deemed it necessary to have your treasured soul patrol His golden streets above where He would never let any harm come your way again. Your heroic and brave act on May 16, 1979, prevented a more violent moment than what had transpired when you and your partner arrived on the scene of a troubled young man bent on violence that needed to be stopped. Your courage, your drive to succeed allowed you to help keep people safe and for this you'll not be forgotten. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. May all your journeys on God's crescent skies be safe and just keep watching over your loved ones, esteemed and brave comrades and dear and loyal friends.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

November 14, 2014

Water flows from high in the mountains. Water runs deep in the earth. Miraculously, water comes to us and sustains all life. Water flows over these hands. May I use them skillfully to preserve our precious planet? What would the world be, once bereft of wet and of wildness? Let them be left, o let them be left, wildness and wet, long live the weeds and the wilderness yet. Water flows all over, our police officers patrol all over. How they perform their jobs depends upon the honor, dignity, integrity they carry with them. Justice, peace and unity can only be accomplished by these brave and valiant men and women. You were indeed a very cherished gentleman, Officer Cook. Your caring compassion, consideration and consistency flow over many times during both your humble life and in your outstanding career with the Metro-Dade Police Department. The achievements of all departments relies upon those who obey certain standards, rules and regulations to help make both the citizens and the officers who serve and protect them safe and sound. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero, may your spirit and its light illuminate mankind and may the many bodies of water nurture our universe forever.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

November 13, 2014

Waters, you are the ones who bring us the life force. Help us to find nourishment so that we may look upon great joy. Let us share in the most delicious sap that you have, as if you were loving mothers. Let us go straight to the house of the one for whom your waters give us life and give us birth. Let us drink these waters and feel healthy. Let these waters be an armor for my body so that I may see the sun for a long time. Let these waters carry away all the bad in me no matter my transgression. O God full of moisture, come flood me with Your splendor. You had a real thirst for knowledge, Officer Cook and a true zest for life and the opportunity to pursue a career of which you were humbly successful from. The fortitude and firmness has been planted and will not wither. Your integrity and honor shall remain the fruits of your labor, it's the tears of your loving family and comrades that has sustained them all these years after your sacrifice on Dade County's behalf. All are forever grateful for your upstanding and stellar character in the face of evil. You stood tall and looked this wickedness face to face never flinching nor batting an eye for even a moment. The pain of losing you never really goes away, I know after time God tries His best to heal all wounds of resentment and attempts to restore vigor in those who continue your pursuits, your goals, your dreams and aspirations with a renounced fervor you so displayed. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. The hearts and souls of all have been nourished by your unwavering faithful and devout and heroic actions of May 16, 1979.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

November 13, 2014

White floating clouds, clouds like the plains, come and water the earth. Sun embrace the earth that she may be fruitful. Moon, lion of the north, bear of the west, badger of the south, wolf of the east, eagle of the heavens, shrew of the earth, elder war hero, intercede with the cloud people for us that they may water the earth. You embraced life, Officer Cook. You interceded on behalf of all Dade County and its citizens in a methodical and a most profoundly meaningful manner. When shrewdness was called upon you utilized it as you carried out all your official duties with the bravery, the consideration, dignity and integrity your position demanded from all its police officers. Hopefully, its message has been heard loud and clearly. Valiant and committed to all, your caring and kindnesses have not ever been forgotten. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

November 13, 2014

We overcome this wind. We desire the rain to fall, that it be poured in showers quickly. Ah, thou rain, I adjure thee fall. If thou rains, it is well. A drizzling confusion. If it rains an dour food ripens, it is well. If the young men sing, it is well. A drizzling confusion. If our grain ripens, it is well. If our women rejoice, if our children rejoice, if the young people sing, it is well. If the aged rejoice, it is well, an overflowing in the granary. A torrent in flow, if the wind veers to the south and to the north it is well. We all have tried to overcome and to continue on with our journeys in life after your tragic loss, Officer Cook. The rains come down, the sun comes up each new day and we try our best to keep marching on as does the years. The sadness will always be there, your memories will always enhance the lives of your loving family, courageous colleagues and fiercely loyal friends outside your profession. They all came to the realization that you were a humbly lovable and wonderful husband to Karen, a beloved and darling son to your parents, a wonderful brother to your sister, Nancy and the best uncle and great-uncle to your nieces and nephews. The honor, dignity and integrity will firmly remain part of your legacy forever. Keep bringing down good thoughts to all who have taken over your watch. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

November 12, 2014

Let the reeds pander to the wayward wind. I am the mountain range that determines the course of the wind. Let the seaweed flatter the inconstant tide. I am the moon that controls the tide's ebb and flow. Let the magnet succumb to the unbending north and south. I am the great earth. Only I have directions. You took your directions from your superiors, Officer Cook and in an excellent and in a dignified fashion went out into the streets of Dade County and endeavored to make peace, prosperity, freedom and unity a reality for all its citizens. No one can ever fault you for voluntarily answering a call in which your down to earth calming voice of reason was necessary on May 16, 1979. Your composure, integrity and honest approaches have never been forgotten. Your legacy as a true loyal police officer and hero of Dade County law enforcement personnel will always be intact. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. When you patrolled, Officer Cook, there was never any pandering or meandering. Just basic hard work to help resolve any dilemmas that arose during your watch.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

November 12, 2014

Cover my earth mother four times with many flowers. Let the heavens be covered with the banked-up clouds. Let the earth be covered with fog, cover the earth with rains. Great waters, rains, cover the earth. Lightning cover the earth. Let thunder be heard over the earth, let thunder be heard. Let thunder be heard over the six regions of the earth. When you were given a proper farewell, Officer Cook, at your Inspector's Funeral, many beautiful roses and flowers were placed at your grave. If only you could have seen this, I'm sorry I didn't attend, but nonetheless, I have always remembered when I first heard of your tragedy. Many years later to have read that you lived in North Miami Beach around the corner from my family. You also attended Sabal Palm Elementary and John F. Kennedy Junior High School as my sister, Michele and I did. I walk by these places each day as well as your old block, 170th Street. Sure brings back those memories. My neighbor, friend and hero, you were surrounded by a plethora of them. You would have been a loyal and good friend to me, kind of like an older brother. I'll keep praying for you, Mrs. Cook. Your darling and heroic son should rest in peace along with your husband, his dad, Charles. Your work ethics were solid as were your contributions to this society. You were never in a fog, your loyalty and determination spearheaded hope and optimism for all. Police officers need the citizens constant support at all times no matter the dilemma they confront.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

November 11, 2014

It was the wind that gave them life. It is the wind that comes out of our mouths now that gives us life. When this ceases to happen, we pass. In the skin at the tips of our fingers we see the trail of the wind, it shows us the wind blew when our ancestors were created. Whatever came from your lips Officer Cook, was the true, the straight and nothing but the truth. The wind howls, the rain pelts down upon us, the sun comes up tomorrow and yet we remember all of your worthy and righteous acts during your twenty-five years of quite a rich and very fortified life and staunch career as a Metro-Dade Police Officer. This was certified by your honesty, dignity and an inherent integrity to get the job done safely and properly serving and protecting all of Dade County residents. As the winds of winter whip parts of our country, your awe inspiring legacy renews each day with a fervent hope that someday we will reunite with you. For now rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. The trails you set for other loyal officers is the ground that humbly brave and dedicated men and women patrolled to keep peace, freedom and unity in their proper environments. You were, Officer Cook, an integral individual in this entire process.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

November 11, 2014

Listen to the air. You can hear it, feel it, smell it, taste it. We sit together, don't touch, but something is there, we feel it between us, as a presence. A good way to start thinking about nature is to talk about it. Pretend you are conversing with the various bodies of water, to the winds that blow as we do to our relatives. Sometimes I go about pitying myself, while I am carried by the wind across the sky. We can sense when your abounding spirit is with us at all times, Officer Cook. I just look to the heavens above when I see planes flying around. Your family may see dark clouds and rain and know that sooner or later you'll help bring the rays of a beautiful sun. You were that humble, yet determined a gentleman, the kind of inspiration as a true professional police officer where others would gravitate to you, you brought the best to work everyday and for others that might in itself be a mighty task. I stand at your grave my neighbor, friend and hero when I visit and listen and observe the sounds of silence, sometimes quite sad or I have seen raccoons running around the cemetery looking for food. You were a very dedicated and loyal public servant who only delivered honor, faithfulness, respect and dignity to your position where it demands this from all personnel. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

November 10, 2014

The finest workers in stone are not copper or steel tools, but the gentle touches of air and water working at their leisure with a liberal allowance of time. It was your metal badge of honor that you shined each day, Officer Cook, your steel weapon that you carried hoping you would never have to use it. Unfortunately, on May 16, 1979, you had no choice but to utilize this county issued piece of safety equipment to protect yourself and your comrades from the harm of a beserk and troubled young man. You gave Dade County citizens dignified and solid professionalism with the utmost decency, respect, honor and integrity. Surely you'll always be fondly remembered. God's golden angels take their legacies with them to heaven to serve an even greater role now. That is to patrol His venues where no harm will ever come your way. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. All people place an extreme trust in their law abiding police officers. This trust can never be broken.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

November 10, 2014

My words are tied in one, with the great mountains, with the great rocks, with the great trees, in one with my body and my heart. Do you all help me with supernatural power? And you, day? And you, night? All of you see me. One with this world! Your words, your heroic actions on May 16, 1979, Officer Cook, are all tied together with the wonderful life you lived, with the police career you so championed and with a passion to succeed where others may not have. Dignity, honor and integrity are tied to the success and achievements of all officers who dare to risk their lives for our pursuits of happiness, peace and unity. Failure to adhere to department rules and standards God forbid could have devastating ramifications to both the officer's safety and those citizens they serve and protect having taken an affirmation to do so. You were simply marvelous in all your undertakings my neighbor, friend and hero. Rest in peace. Heroes and heroines should not be taken for granted for performing in an outstanding fashion during stressful and adverse situations. Those who answer calls voluntarily are the kind of personnel who belong in law enforcement. You sir, Officer Cook, were a very proud member of the fraternity. Keep watching over your fraternity from God's golden streets.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

November 9, 2014

To see the greatness of a mountain, one must keep one's distance. To understand its form, one must move around it. To experience its moods, one must see it at sunrise and sunset, at noon and at midnight, in sun and in rain, in snow and during storms, in summer and winter and during all other seasons. He who can see the mountain like this comes near to the life of the mountain. As all police officers who perform their jobs, you performed yours, Officer Cook, at all times and during many various weather conditions except snowstorms. You were a breath of assurance to all residents of Dade County in that you served and protected them with a humbly lovable distinction, you were dignified and with your integrity you could resolve any situation placed before you. Your comrades always knew never to expect less when Officer Cook was out on patrol. Mountains grow and decay, they breathe and pulsate with life. They attract and collect invisible energies from their surroundings. The forces of the air, of the water, of electricity and magnetism. They create winds, clouds, thunderstorms, rain, waterfalls and rivers. They fill their surroundings with active life and give shelter and food to innumerable beings. Such is the greatness of mighty mountains. Well such is the greatness of our many beloved and esteemed heroes and heroines who gave their lives in support of the many venues where liberty, peace and unity can march on. Time marches on all these many years since you were taken, Officer Cook, from your treasured family, beloved comrades and the load of friends you came across along with Karen. your presence in North Miami Beach where you grew up would be most appreciated nowadays. Such a vibrant and talented individual who gave to those in need, provided shelter for those who wanted rest. All those things that we sometimes take for granted, you never took your life and career for granted, Officer Cook. You achieved because of arduous work in the police academy and it paid dividends in that it made you a self-reliant and confident officer who could inspire others through your wisdom, maturity and leadership. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero, the air we take in, the beautiful sights we see, can all be attributed to your service and your legacy continues to shine like a burning sun.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

November 9, 2014

Gentle Goddess, who never asks for anything at all and gives us everything we have, thank you for this sweet water and your fragrance. Almighty God of compassion we ask that You remember the sacred and cherished life of Your devout public servant and protector, Metro-Dade Police Officer William Coleman Cook, who laid down his life for Your ideals to continue to take shape in all others. He was a very humble young man who wanted to just make this world, this very fertile land and his loving community a bit more safer. His bravery, courage in his convictions and compassionate heart allowed him to go out and patrol Dade County streets with more honor and decorum as needed to handle his position. May my neighbor, friend and hero rest in peace. keeping watching over his soul. Amen. His humility allowed him to care and to be a champion for all. Their rights, their freedoms and their unity.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

November 8, 2014

Cattle browse peacefully. Trees and plants are verdant. Birds fly from their nests and lift up their wings in your praise. All animals frisk upon their feet. All winged things fly and alight once more-they come to life with your rising. Police officers are like the roots that are planted in the ground. They grow. They sprout. They grow branches and protect us from the intensely hot sun. This was what you did, Officer Cook, so ably and with the ultimate humility. As reflected by your friends and by Chief Geoffrey Jacobs, your maturity was well beyond the scope of your twenty-five years. Boats sail both up and downstream. Every highway is opened at your coming. Fish leap from the river, your rays touch the green ocean. It is a man who helps a woman create a baby, a life of its own in its mother's belly. She soothes her baby so it will not cry. She gives birth to a new life, opens the mouth of her newborn and gives it loving care, affection and nourishment. Your parents prides and joys, your sister, Nancy and yourself, Officer Cook. If our families had known each other they would have invited you to share our happy occasions, such as my bar mitzvah. You attended your neighbor, Mr. Cooperman's bar mitzvah. I'd love to meet your sister, Nancy and ask her if she remembers where it was held nearly fifty years ago. Times sure have changed since then. Your beloved soul continues its flights soaring to even higher heights and in all your family members treks in life filled we hope with only good health, peace and prosperity in their pursuits of life. You are surely missed and if we had attended your Inspector's Funeral on May 19, 1979, at St. Mary's Cathedral where your family, colleagues and an entire country said farewell to you, this was my parents last anniversary, doubly sad. Continue to rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Your integrity, leadership and wisdom have been passed along to others to shape and to mold properly as you faithfully did.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

November 8, 2014

Why climb a mountain? Look! A mountain there. I don't climb a mountain. The mountain climbs me. The mountain is myself. i climb on myself. There is no mountain nor myself. Something moves up and down in the air. There was not ever going to be anything during your life or career that you could not tackle, Officer Cook. If police departments around the country want to set an example for others, look to Officer William C. Cook, Badge#1664, Metro-Dade Police Department. You were their beacon of hope, peace and calm. During challenging times, you were their officer, their inspiration in defense and service to all residents. Dade County never felt better when you smiled, went out and did you job with honor and diligence. You persevered in times of crisis restoring confidence and a willingness to exchange dialogue between anyone willing to lend an ear. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

November 7, 2014

Ancient sun, eternally young, giver of life and source of energy. In coal and oil, in plant, wind and tide, in spiritual light and in human embrace. You embraced nature quite well, Officer Cook, those who knew you as a master photographer sure miss you wonderfully breathtaking pictures of Mother Nature. Getting away from the grind of your beloved work, one can only think what might have been if you were with us still? You kindle the heavens, you shine within us, you always will, Officer Cook, (for we are suns with hearts afire-we light the world as you light the sky and find clouds within whose shadows are dark). You very soul my neighbor, friend and hero continues its ascent and will forever keep us lit. We give thanks for your rays and clouds your rays draw up. You inspired by example, lead by honor, counseled with commitment and patrolled with extra passion. For the sky route you travel faithfully as we traverse this globe, for our journeys of earth which draw us together, for our journeys of dream which sustain us when apart, you common sense and dignity and integrity have helped sustain and maintain not only your family, they assist in revitalizing an entire country where police officers set up a watch over all citizens. Ancient of Days, you rule the nations, our birth and death: our journeys you have wrought. Loam we become for your fertile spirit, your cosmic light penetrates our depths, in Your majesty we are bound to one another. We gather this morning, we gather each day to remember your remarkably humble feats, Officer Cook, a sound mind, thinking ways to make other lives more prosperous, a sound body able to handle the rigors of a demanding vocation. As people young and old share pleasant memories of you, even amid joy and woes, varied gifts and diverse needs, we offer you these in thanksgiving for life, a life snuffed out way too soon, we share them through your generations on this earth. Those who knew you, Officer Cook, knew you to never back down from protecting us from wanton, violence, mayhem, bedlam and kayos that is like a gigantic wrecking ball in our society. It was your staunch, faith, bravery, courage and valor to see things through. For the better part of your six years of service to all Dade County residents you were their hero and most ardent supporter. Now as you rest in peace, your role is to help God steer the rudders of safety along with those other brave men and women who paid the dearest price as you did. Because of your commitment, generations have been able to prosper and carry on. This was your theme in both your life and in your professional career. The torch you carried will never go out, for you were the consummate police officer all others could rely upon in a pinch.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

November 7, 2014

A man of conviction, a voice of distinction, a solid citizen and even more so a dedicated and forthright police officer. Words spoken from the heart mean more sometimes than those banged out from a computer keyboard. They do mean something, Officer Cook. You were a man on a very special mission, as were 21,000 other brave souls. Men and women in the law profession whose cunning bravery, commitment to excellence and drive to be a honorable, dignified and as valiant as they come. Your tenacity stoodout. Your passion to duty and the way your calming voice of logic, reason and appeal branched out to all citizens here in the Dade County community where you were respected, known and loved. You were their inspirational hero who championed the goodwill, peace, freedom and unity for all. It is not hard to see why you'll always be remembered for your swiftness and boldness in acting as you did to a domestic call you had answered numerous other times during your career. Sometimes we don't fully understand why God plans things. We think and Our Creator laughs. Not literally laughs, but He tests our resolve on a daily basis to see if we are up to life challenges as you were, Officer Cook. You were a calming influence, honest in all your ways and in deeds. You left behind a stellar legacy, guaranteed to light up this universe in which you were a loving and devoutly faithful public servant. Shine on our beloved warrior. Shine on. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

November 6, 2014

The day we die the wind comes down to take away our footprints. You left an indelible mark on Dade County, Officer Cook. The day you gave your life and career for our protection and security it was a very hot afternoon. The wind makes dust to cover up the marks we left while walking. For otherwise the world would seem as if we were still living. Therefore the wind is he who comes to blow away our footprints. Your mark on our society was left way before you tragically left us, Officer Cook. You still had many plans left undone, challenges and goals to attain. The proudest accomplishment of your twenty-five years was your mother and your wife, Karen, pinning your badge#1664 on your chest for all to witness. What every comrade then saw was your unselfish determination and desire to get things solved and resolved right the first time with honorable intentions and the dignity that followed you around your patrols of Dade County, its streets and residents. You are missed very much this day and everyday. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

November 6, 2014

O our Mother the earth, O our father the sky, Your children are we and with tired backs. We bring You gifts that You love. Then weave for us a garment of brightness. May the warp be the white light of morning. May the weft be the red light of evening. May the fringes be the falling rain. May the border be the standing rainbow. Thus weave for us a garment of brightness. That we may walk fittingly where grass is green. O our mother the earth, O our father the sky. Your proudly and with humbleness and distinction wore your brown Metro-Dade police uniform with honor, Officer Cook. Those officers who came before you paved the way for you and your fellow future colleagues, men and women of humility. honor, dignity and a huge source of integrity. Now those steps to God's green pastures have been protected by yourself my neighbor, friend and hero and countless other officers who were fearless in all their pursuits of justice, liberty, peace and unity in their communities of service and pride. Rest in peace. You weaved around Dade County for six great years of excellence, Officer Cook, now it's time for others to produce the necessary results as you so often produced. Officers of distinction and of many different patterns all go out and try to successfully rein in terror and mayhem. Success breeds success and all it takes is one large group effort with all the training and total preparation that is given to all recruits who are undaunted by these mighty tasks and who show the bravery and courage so validated by their professional positions. Oh Mr. and Mrs. Cook, you've got to be terribly proud of your beloved and darling son, Officer William C. Cook, one of the many Dade County Florida Godsends and heroes of his time and generation. To perform as he regularly did and save countless lives on May 16, 1979, they don't come any finer or more humbler.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

November 6, 2014