Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

If spiritual awareness is being then what do you have once you've reached this holiness? If inhabiting this world consists of doing, what then shall be said of being? One makes holy the action with the spirit and embody the spirit with the deed. Sort of like for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. For all your good actions, Officer Cook, there is surely an eternal reward that one cannot place a value over. Your resolve, your resounding resourcefulness, your courage and convictions assisted in bringing the necessary changes in Dade County and how it has been enhanced since your unselfish sacrifice to restore and keep the freedom, unity and peace within all residents who live and prosper. For having been our humbly heroic champion of goodwill my neighbor, friend and hero, Officer Cook, may we all salute your God given talents and bravery, valor and dignity which was bestowed in large part because of your excellent upbringing by your two wonderfully eloquent and devoted parents, Mr. and Mrs. Cook. Your son, as darling and determined as he was should rest in peace. His pride, your pride and joy now occupies an important place in God's heavens where he patrols those golden streets like no other. His comrades here who have taken over his watch have some mighty big shoes to fill. They of course cannot ever be filled. The hallow ground where you rest Officer Cook, is to be remembered and cherished solely for how you comported yourself accordingly, only with the highest regard and morals for all people no matter who or what they looked like. You were among the many Dade County heroes and heroines who helped shape the face of how our future would turn out.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 13, 2015

Even if one is not a mathematical wiz, one can accomplish so much. It is strictly up to that individual. And to what length as to how they make it occur. You were by nature, Officer Cook, a devoted person, genuinely concerned for the welfare of others. Your honesty and sincerity took you down the pathway of justice, liberty, peace and unity for all citizens of Dade County. Through light and darkness, good and bad, poverty and despair. But, in the end even on your last watch on May 16, 1979, there you were voluntarily answering a domestic call and with humbleness, boldness, commitment and resolve you were engaged in a terrible gun battle, yet you saved three civilians and your comrades that day from certain harm and most likely being killed. Oh, the why and the how, we will never know. We most assuredly know you are a loving and a most dedicated public servant whose life and police career with founded with the highest standards of decency, dignity, honor and bravery that has stood and will always stand as the foundation and cornerstone of your heroic legacy. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. One inch cost you your very treasured life, Officer Cook, nothing will ever take away all that you achieved in your twenty-five years of life. You were a very devoted husband, son, brother, uncle and great-uncle and with a crystal clear clarity, you had more, so much more left to fulfill. Only God knows why! There was never any quit or backing down from Officer William C. Cook. So much joy you delivered to everyone.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 13, 2015

It is intended for us to bring joy and good spirit to the world. Being devout and faithful is just part of something that should be incorporated in our lives. Religion was created to worship as we please since we have basic freedoms because of your unselfish and unwavering commitment to excellence through honesty, dignity and a central core of integrity, Officer Cook. A piece of paper has two sides. You possessed many sides all of which were humble, admired and respected for your professional capacities and capabilities. Every police officer's goal is to resolve all problems placed at their feet. Struggle is a part of life, you may fall, but it is the one who can rise humbly to the occasion is the one is rewarded. You were a great influence to all people and to your colleagues who have held you in the highest esteem for coming to the rescue of your comrades on May 16, 1979, as well as those three civilians who are forever grateful. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Having a great partner in your beloved wife, Karen to share and care about all of life's experiences. Ups and downs are an everyday part of life's equation, even if one is not mathematical wiz.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 12, 2015

Some days we wonder into something in life that is a mystery. I amazes us. We ponder and think about what we can accomplish at that moment that is special and will help us carry on in society. Our mothers and fathers raise us to be good children, good and responsible human beings. Your parents, Officer Cook, raised you and Nancy to be become exactly that and so much more. You humble presence graced this green earth for twenty-five years, so much so that you endeavored, became a man who worked and received that which you had put forth in determination and dedication. It takes this and a whole lot more, honor, integrity and dignity to make a real difference in this land. You achieved where others may not have. You provided leadership, strength, hope and optimism to all Dade County through your courage, valor and bravery, as of which have now become your legacy as our hero. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. One day those hidden mysteries of life eternal will finally be unlocked. God's watches over your soul and that of those women and men who fought the battles against evil protecting you from any harm ever coming your way.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 12, 2015

In some families not every child grows up and becomes a success. It's not an overnight process, as it may take many years of tears, toil and loads of effort. The carefully balanced scale needs a little off here and there in order to become once again properly balanced and in sync. In your family, Officer Cook, you and your sister, Nancy were raised with proper values and scruples so channeling those energies into a bright and brilliant police career all be it a dangerous and yet a challenging one, there is no mystery as to why you were so accomplished. The question to fathom is why you were taken so young and with more to offer this world? Only Our Creator knows that answer. You were a very brave and dignified police officer and a gentleman in your quietly personal moments. You held your head up with class and humility and that is all we can ever expect from our devoted and determined public servants who bravely serve and protect our interests. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. All the tears shed for you, Officer Cook, will one day turn to those of joy as those who loved you will reunite with you and your father, Charles, may he too rest in peace.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 11, 2015

And a child grows up and becomes a young man or young woman. The wisdom God instills in us can never ever be taken for granted. Since we are all God's wonderful children, it is up to us to make some sort of impression and to carry on with dignity and grace. God doesn't expect perfection, just a little bit of endeavor each day. Exactly, what you gave each day, Officer Cook, you displayed quite humbly your true class, your vision of hope and promise to all Dade County citizens. Honor can be taught, it is up to the one being instructed to carry on like a human being should comport themselves. Mysteries are mysteries. Fallacies, fiction and fantasies are what they are. Police officers need to go out on the streets where they try to serve and to protect under the proper codes of ethical conduct, yet act as bravely, valiantly and as courageously as possible. You maintained this decency and decorum not just for six years of loyal and dedicated service, yet carried it with you for twenty-five proud and humble years. The true hero in you my neighbor, friend and hero will never be lost. The lamp you lit over forty years ago when you started out as a Public Safety Officer at Jackson Memorial Hospital continued its brightness well into your career at the Metro-Dade Police Department. Those who served along side of you have never forgotten your boldness and commitment to thwart evil. The examples you set are there today for all to see as your legacy among all Dade County police heroes and heroines. Tropical Park in Miami, Florida is an excellent venue to begin remembering your keen wisdom, foresight and unselfish and unwavering maturity and intellect. Rest in peace. The bricks and the marble walls only begin to tell your story of outstanding professionalism through and through. As your beloved friend, Chief Geoffrey Jacobs said about you, Officer Cook, you were mature beyond your years. It would have been a humble pleasure to have met you and your wonderful family. I did meet some of them and for that I can be extremely thankful.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 11, 2015

Since failure is the polar opposite of success it is important to bear this in mind when our brave men and women go out and expose themselves to the most dangerous levels of any kind of evil. Thus this insures our survival and opportunities to continue to blossom. These courageous people, since they too have rights and families to return home to after their assigned shifts, it is up not only to their departments to try and offer them the tools of their chosen careers to achieve, but for us those ordinary people, we call the citizens to care, cooperate and be considerate of all elements that they drive right through while on their patrols. Officer Cook, you were that courageous and dignified young man, a gentleman whose humane nature and humble beginnings brought forth new hopes and dreams for all to aspire to become. To dream big. To have lofty goals to try to reach. Nothing stopped, nor kept you from succeeding. Tragically, wanton violence stopped what would have been a very prosperous and prominent career built by morals and the inane ability to see the big picture. Your valor, your unwavering integrity all are the cornerstones, the foundations that you laid and the sacred torch you lit never to be extinguished as you championed the liberties and rights of all men, women and children. Young or old, you were there. A young man from California traveling with his sister and parents to the great State of Florida about to make it happen. It takes time. It's not an overnight maturation, a knee jerk reaction. Hard working, wisdom, knowledge and careful planning were the correct ingredients that enabled you, Officer Cook, to get from point A to point B. Failure can never be trapped in an officer's mind. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 10, 2015

Tradition versus transition. Sometimes words can get lost in the translation of what point a person strives to get across. The Metro-Dade Police Department is known as one of the largest police departments in the Southeast Region. And as such it functions under the proper guises of exceptionally trained men and women who go out in their community to serve and to protect the common interest of the residents. Their honor, dignity and integrity is being put to the ultimate test as are those of all fine police officers. I use the word fine, sadly you get a few bad apples that have to be taken off the streets and turn in their weapons and badges. Your loyalty, your commitment to serve proudly and to ultimately steer people clear of evil, Officer Cook, has been how you have been remembered. When our loved ones lay down their lives for our prosperity, we must not forget them. A tough transition to say the least, but, one made a bit easier all because of your bravery, courage and valor. A huge loss to your family, department and friends from all around the nation. The dates when your watch ended, Officer Cook, is not just some chronological number, it's a date that is destined to be revered by all and for you to be humbly saluted for having the intestinal fortitude to act accordingly even during stress moments. We are all proud of your endeavor and its accomplishments. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Parting is most difficult to do as are the necessary transitions that must be afforded to other officers who took the same oath as you, Officer Cook, to go out with honesty and perform their professional responsibilities. All anniversaries of our lost brothers and sisters are meant to be marked by solemn reflections on how they lived their lives and careers as both heroes and heroines.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 10, 2015

One day we all hope and pray to God that the goal of all police officers is the complete eradication of wickedness from the face of this society. You were a very instrumental and integral servant in this endeavor, Officer Cook. Contempt breeds contempt. Success breeds success. Who can argue with this opinion? Police officers always seem to have plenty on their professional scales to weigh and to balance. It's a very fine line to bear and not to cross indignantly. Police constantly need the citizens and their hands to help them in this never ending battle over evil. You acquitted yourself, Officer Cook, with a high degree of charm, honor and valor. A legacy built on the foundations of excellence and diligence. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. We rest peacefully by day and night because of your never ending humble bravery, courage and convictions to see liberty, unity and peace reach their peaks. A very concerned, caring, compassionate and optimistically humane human being. All of this flowed from your body, you left everything on Dade County streets for those of us to witness true heroic actions that saved seven lives and countless others. Well done!

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 9, 2015

Unity is our strength. Success our goal. On my travels on Friday to lead services at the various Independent and Assisted Living residences in Broward County, Florida, I pass a sign on a building that reads, "God wants us to do what is right not what is left." Interesting if one ponders those rather profound words. A decent and honest person of course would strive to do what is right. One lacking in wisdom may stray and veer to the left not knowing what is in front of them. But, you were the epitome of courage and bravery, Officer Cook, who looked in all directions in Dade County where you toiled and sweated in wanting to make the residents lives more safe and sound. Your commitment to your department brought pride and honor to all officers who ever donned a uniform and carried their badges of honor with humbleness, honor, distinction, dignity and integrity that has been everlasting. The keen vision you maintained helped you to become the faithfully achieving officer then and the hero whose actions that awful day of May 16, 1979, stand out as part of your legacy and in the history of all police heroes and heroines who have laid down their lives to better enhance i their communities of which they served and protected with both grace and valor. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. What is left for us is too not go astray too much to the right or to the left. Your compass from the heavens above should provide us this assuredly most necessary assistance. Your professional pursuits needless to say were exceptional, top notch and always one-hundred percent top class. History will bears this statement out. As always, I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers, Mrs. Cook. If you knew me or were told about me by your grandson, Justin Miller, your son, his uncle will always be held in the highest regards. Your " Billy," Officer William C. Cook has and will always have a special, very special place in my heart and prayers. Your son had more left to fulfill. God made sure, very certain that he would achieve and not falter during his twenty-five years on this Earth. You see He protects the simple, the humble and those whose work is loyal and honorable. you raised good children along with your husband, Charles, may his soul rest in peace. God surely has two of His most devout public servants up there guarding those golden streets. when violence takes a person's life, an officer or whomever, it is up to us channel their passions and energies into a positive light, a proper frame of mind with humility and zeal as the pillows and cornerstones supporting their life and career agendas.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 9, 2015

A time for loving and a time for hating. How can you have both? This is just the way the world functions. All the monumental moments, all the experiences, all the joyful times of pleasure, sadly, we still have moments of grief. More than just fleeting seconds. It can take years to overcome the misery of losing a beloved family member. Exactly when a police officer gives their life in the line of duty further enhancing the serenity of their given communities where they were selected to serve and to protect. Sometimes, Officer Cook, we don't get the opportunity to offer a fitting goodbye. The logic of our modern society demands that whenever an experience offers two sides, only one can be good, the other not so good. You received my neighbor, friend and hero an Inspector's Funeral, fond and emotionally noted goodbye with honor, dignity and the same integrity that was the epicenter of your amazing and humble life and police career. You were admired and loved by so many citizens, officers from our locales and the many friends who shed many tears over your untimely loss. A loss felt as much today, this very moment as was felt nearly thirty-six years ago. So hard to believe time has seemingly flown by that fast. Like batting an eyelash. The bad can be removed, Officer Cook, by perpetuating your memory with the same care and consideration in which you afforded all people. The task may appear impossible, but with a little perseverance and persuasion hope and reality can come together as one in a positive and in a constructive fashion. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Your loss, your sacrifice on our behalf can never undermine all the good work you performed valiantly and gracefully on our behalf. We are forever indebted to you, Officer Cook. You never turned a blind eye on anything. May 16, 1979, bears this component of your life and career in which your boldness and resolve came front and center. There was no running or turning the other cheek. You stood in there face to face to confront a problem that seems to continually plague us. Just a loving and concerned human being whose humanity shall be one and endure for eternity.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 8, 2015

The world exists. There is no question about this fact. The question that burns in the bellies is whether we as God's chosen children can do anything, make an attempt to make this place a safer venue to live in and to prosper. No matter what your chosen line of work or professional endeavor may become we strive to complete out tasks in a timely manner. It is up to us to do it honestly, with integrity and dignity, as there are standards of moral conduct that must be adhered to. Officer Cook, as you pursued peace, liberty and freedom for all people in Dade County we are reminded of the perils, dangers and risks that are associated with police work. A tall task for someone as respected and as humble as yourself. The grace, valor and commitment was always there. The swiftness to act heroic in the very face of adversity is exactly what sets our brave and courageous heroines and heroes apart from the ordinary hard working citizen. In the Cook household that proverbial apple of advancement and class along with the unbridled and unwavering responsibility did not fall far from the tree. The seeds you planted, Officer Cook have sprouted and are awaiting to be nurtured by all your future comrades who now have succeeded you in watching, serving and protecting the good residents of Dade County. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Dedication, determination, devotion and desire starts during one's upbringing and what a person makes as their lot in life and in their career carries over to what their legacy will eventually become. Your soul as cherished and as treasured as it was and continues to be helps keep the light on in this world making it a bit easier to distinguish between good and evil. The blessings of those who have known you, Officer Cook, will surely pay dividends later on in their lives and during their professional careers. It will never be repetitious to say you will forever be missed. You gave your all in this battle, war on crime and its wickedness that still rears its ugliness. Certainly that light assists your colleagues in finding the bad guys, the bad apples and taking them off the streets.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 8, 2015

There is more to reality than meets the eye. The everyday world would be an illusion. It is real only in the way a dream is real. We witness it, we hear it and we live it. We place our trust and our lives on it and in an instant it is gone. The reality and perception can be something that may never actually be seen, heard or comprehended. Nonetheless, all you wanted to broker, Officer Cook, was for all parties, all residents to live together as one in liberty, peace and unity. As a duly sworn officer, it was your daily assignment to relieve the stress, the tension and turmoil from Dade County and this was achieved on a high level of sanctity, dignity and integrity. Your humanitarian efforts are the cornerstones and foundations that have been laid for the future. Domestic disputes we hope and optimistically pray for all to dwell in peace, where children can walk, play together, ride their bicycles and cross the streets in a much more safer and sounder atmosphere. You did your job well. Your decency, desire and dedication when coupled with your fierce determination left nothing to be overlooked. Only a talented and decent gentleman whose family and loyal colleagues and friends who have treasured your memory all these years later and will continue to do so. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Your beautiful soul continues lighting up this world and dispelling the gloom of darkness that still casts its eyes upon us. Brighter days await all of us.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 7, 2015

I meant to say, Officer Cook, that the community where you served and patrolled in and about was not a wilderness. It is and can be a confusing maze of good and unfortunately stumbling blocks lying ahead. Now it is up to every police officer to correctly navigate around them serving only the good of every citizen. The mysteries of life and within our lives around them are etched within the sidewalks, homes, whatever. Your job, Officer Cook, was to try and unlock and take away the evil, leaving the good for those people to prosper and live within the relative calm and peaceful influences that somehow surround them. Sometimes there just aren't any reasons that seem real plausible as to why bad things occur to good people. Police officers risk their lives as you did on May 16, 1979, in bravery, courage and valor in committing themselves to accomplish what we deem as fitting and just. Nothing is obvious. Things just seem hidden from our view. You made this universe better prepared for the future under your watchful eyes and ears. The good deeds and your heroic actions won't ever fly under our radar screens. The legacy you left for other officers to follow and try to emulate has been there and left for their benefit. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 7, 2015

A community where a police officer patrols is no a wilderness, it is a venue for all to prosper. To live in peace and in liberty. To be united as one. Your service to Dade County, Officer Cook, was comprised of many elements. In order for any police officer to function and to be responsible to the residents they serve and protect they must maintain a central decorum of decency, honor, desire to keep justice moving forward and their determination and devotion must be balanced equally on the same beam. No qualms from anyone on any of these points. The finer points were the ones you instructed other officers of and it was your maturity, keen sense of awareness, vision and intellect that steered you from one situation to another. The citizens were most honored to have you among them listening, watching, sharing and most importantly caring for their welfare. Going over and beyond the scope of your profession endeared you to so many who have kept you and your soul in their hearts and in their thoughts all these years later. You have been missed terribly. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 6, 2015

Then there is being alone in the most God forsaken place. Where God visits after all. Leaving one's home, one's parents and one's family. Somewhere where I will learn what I will learn. Where I can see what I will be. You left California, Officer Cook and came down to Florida in 1954 to settle here and explore what you might do for a career while growing up in North Miami Beach, Florida. You decided you wanted a career in law enforcement. And what a superbly marvelous career you began to carve out if not for a wanton act of violence that took you from your family, colleagues, friends and your beloved wife, Karen. You will always be remembered for your bravery, honesty, dignity and integrity. God it is said watches over the simple, the humble and those hard working people who uphold His covenant. You did this rather loyally and very faithfully. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. The lessons of your upbringing have never been far from your loving family members.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 6, 2015

He would even have to discover the way he would discover while he was on his way. Of him it was said. A man who set out and did not know for which place he was destined. From the time you were a young man, Officer Cook, you knew the direction your compass would take you. It took you from high school to the Miami-Dade College Police Academy where you studied, trained and learned the ropes of what was expected from every recruit who wanted to become an excellent police officer. You were humbly speaking that good of an officer, that you were able to utilize your vast knowledge and intuitive resources and share this with other men and women as brave and valiant as yourself. Your dignity and integrity helped to weed out the brazen and viciousness from Dade County and its streets. There have not been many as superior as yourself my neighbor, friend and hero. So as you rest in peace with your guiding light reflecting off your soul, let us hope with fervor and pray with an optimistic attitude that peace, freedom and unity will forever blanket our world that sorely needs its covers of protection. You discovered the straight and narrow, now let us the citizens seek this route and never become sidetracked. It's our only way to help our officers help us and themselves in safety and in security.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 5, 2015

If you think you know what you will find, then you will find nothing. If you expect nothing, then you will always be surprised. And to be able to bless God, Our Creator who creates the world anew every morning.So it is with setting out on the path of liberation leaving everything. Police officers leave their homes in search of the truth and justice and we never know if they are going to return safely to their families. We hope and pray they will. Officer Cook, you left everything out on the streets of Dade County of which you loyally and faithfully patrolled in search of peace and unity for the residents. The preconceptions, the notions, the what ifs, the why, the reasons why bad happens to good people. The definition of a hero is one who sacrifices on behalf of the people for the people. This was not just a pipe dream, but a goal and an aspiration of which you maintained through constant diligence and hard work. Your bravery and courage were no accident. Your field of vision was outstanding as was the long list of comrades and friends you gained by being simply a nice person and an even more humbler public servant. You set the direction for others to follow and those trails are even more remarkable by your feats in life and in your career. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. You always found the good in everyone and would never look down at anyone. One of Chief Dale Bowlin's best and most courageous officers.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 5, 2015

There is a place that is as far from here as breathing out is from breathing in. Every word that comes from our lips is very dear and near to all of us. Since all of us are in some way linked to the first man created by God, we are compared to a miniature version of the universe. Every sound, every syllable that is spoken holds a mystery of life most of us might not be able to comprehend. Remember the days of old, God found someone in the wilderness of the land, He placed them upon the high places of this earth, that they would nourish themselves from what the land yielded. It was honey from a rock. Think about it, God gives so many words in our life times to converse about and when we have spoken those words in whatever language we understand, then starts the proverbial clock. Those words had better be like honey as sweet as they sound and not shattered glass that spills out from our lips. Only the words of grace, honesty, dignity and integrity when incorporated as one were spoken by you, Officer Cook for twenty-five years. My neighbor, friend and hero, you had more to live for, you had more common sense to dispense to others, God speaks, our response is to listen and to be able to communicate His finer points. Violence today is such a "hot topic" its language is conveyed all across this land and throughout the four corners of this great and grand universe. Quite a piece of land. For you, Officer Cook, your patrol took you around Dade County listening and watching the citizens you took an affirmation to serve, keeping together their rights, peace and unity so essential for them to prosper in a healthy and calm environment. You were the best, no doubt about it. Rest in peace. The peace you dreamed to create. The aspirations that would associate you then, now and forever with all those brave and courageous souls who like you gave up their lives for a common purpose. Peace. Equality. Hope. Enhancement. Take some of these first letters and you have the word heap, you deserve all the salutes, accolades that have always carried your heroic legacy. Your good name and humility shall be one and stand for doing above and beyond what was expected of you.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 4, 2015

Do not bring worry upon yourself, for as our sages say worry can do both harm and even cost one their life. If one wants to attain true inner peace and happiness, they should at least once or more a day speak in some language to God. Our Creator understands the many tongues that are spoken. Since God's mercy and His majestic glory fills the world it would make communicating with Him all the more the better. Whatever is in our hearts, speaking with Him in even our most intimate moments will lessen our burden. You were a very faithful and devout individual, Officer Cook and whenever you communicated with anyone it was only the truth coming from your mouth. You and Nancy were raised with the proper values and morals, so this was easier for you than most to carry over as a police officer. Every job in particular public servant who go out and protect our freedoms and dignities have to be sound and logically common sense thinking persons. You were one of the many brave and valiant heroes and heroines in Dade County police history who distinguished themselves with your grace and most sincere resourcefulness. All of this has not and won't ever be forgotten. Fear is something a police officer stores in the back of their minds, for if they are worried at all times they would not be able to perform their jobs properly the first time. There are not too do overs. Success hangs in the balance of their instincts and intuitiveness. To be a leader of other officers one must maintain a code of precisely prescribed instructions, possess a certain level head and maturity beyond one's years which you must certainly had Officer Cook. Speaking and calming people down was inbred within you and humbly speaking you were one of the best during your career. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. As a humane gentleman it was far more easier for people to approach you and for you to show them the way. You showed you colleagues the ropes on how to manage their careers and probably even their personal lives if they seemed bothered or troubled by anything.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 4, 2015

Everything looks different after you may have been sitting or standing for a while. The most ordinarily common thing, like lifting a cup of water to drink or brushing one's teeth becomes so beautiful. Ever wonder why we must thank the Lord for small favors, for various miracles that occur each and everyday? As we age and grow older each day when the windows of opportunity start to close how we have to try a little harder to achieve our goals. Fortunately, in your life, Officer Cook, you did not wait too long to focus in on your goals, dreams and aspirations. The proper upbringing starts when one is small as a toddler and then when they start to crawl along and then take steps walking, this is when the wheels start to go faster and faster into motion. You were on this crusade, a mission to become one of the best police officers in Dade County, wherever you would have traveled, class, honor, dignity and integrity would have been your kite strings that followed you as you watched over us with passion and a profound sense of perseverance. There is a very resounding difference in the landscape of Dade County today and all because of your professional courtesies and sincere resourcefulness. Your life and career meant something as does every life of a police officer who gives theirs up for the honor and safety of the people they protect. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. At age, the tender age of twenty-five should you have been enjoying your life, as your friends stated, you had a wonderful wife in Karen and a career that was just blossoming with hope, confidence and optimism. Calming people down is never an easy task even for the most highly trained police officer that you were, but you were able to stay course and just on May 16, 1979, you were taken way too soon and God called you back to His heavenly shelter where He continues watching over your serene and perfect soul.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 3, 2015

You acted with class and seriousness, Officer Cook. And all of the positive attributes you so possessed, are today and have always flowed within the bloodlines of your dear family members. The secret to one having a keen sense of vision is seeing innocently from a new viewpoint, a new perspective if you will and not what one is used to seeing from that what you expect to see. Sometimes our eyes do play tricks on us and we can be deceived. Your valor, your accomplishments in both your life and in your professional police career were not at all deception. It's only diabolical when one person has wickedness framed in their mind and sets out on a crooked course of evil coupled with kayos, bedlam, mayhem and terror that is perpetrated against law abiding citizens those of Dade County or wherever. And as a duly sworn police officer, Officer Cook, it was your job to try and gets things right by attempting to simmer down the hostilities that existed in a community that you patrolled and were known, revered and admired. All your bravery, all your self-sacrifice has been forever duly noted. You and Karen were both very reflective individuals and your goals and aspirations were meant not only to enhance one another, but that of the ordinary person or as a nurse, each patient that she cared for. Since kindness, compassion and decency were both etched within your physical and spiritual capabilities it's plain to see why you had a good marriage and what would have been a healthy, long and prosperous life if not for wanton violence that too you away from her and your family and comrades at sadly way too young of age. Your sage advice though can still be felt today and everyday from God's golden streets that you now protect as you rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Decency, common sense and class are the important things we as ordinary people can learn from a most humble and humane police hero that was cherished and treasured then, now and forever. Police officers have to observe and explore every angle of whatever they face, this is a given. It's sometimes what is"outside the box" that may be meant to confuse and confound them. That's not happening where you rest now, Officer Cook, because only God has the most perfect of vision as to how this world is to be seen.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 3, 2015

The longing for truth can only enhance one's dreams and desires. When the volume seems to get turned up, then do we try harder. You didn't need your volume cranked up ever, Officer Cook, because you only gave the citizens of Dade County one-hundred percent full effort. That goes for your courage, bravery, valor, decency, fortitude, honor and integrity. Whenever called and whatever the assignment called for you were ready, waiting and able. Sincerity is a main focus in helping to manage and to take control of any situation that may get out of hand. Understanding the dilemma and as calmly as possible, you were able to get your point across in an effort to upgrade their lives. We certainly can be thankful to you, our humble hero through and through. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. As I leave this reflection, I'm looking out of my window at the menacing clouds and the winds that are swaying the trees by my North Miami Beach, Florida house, I guess this could remind me of you my neighbor, friend and hero, patrolling in all atmospheric conditions, laboring for peace, liberty and unity, though on May 16, 1979, from what I read, it was hot and sunny, a Chamber of Commerce day, a tourist' dream. But, your sacrifice was no accident, as you went boldly head on into the face of wickedness and saved seven lives that day in a matter of five minutes. We can ponder that for a moment five minutes, three-hundred seconds, one man's life, young life and a very talented police officer on a special mission of dignity and direction suddenly taken from his family, co-workers and an immeasurable pool of acquaintances. You were indeed a special man, Officer Cook, your unselfish passion when meshed together with your kindness and consideration for all people were a dynamic that surely no ordinary person can really totally comprehend. You gave. You shared. the scope of all matters you had to access before acting upon them, simply a marvelous feat of police professionalism. Rest in peace. The truth is and always will be that you handled yourself personally and professionally was class and seriousness. How else could you accomplish in of your goals, dreams and aspirations. You are our inspiration and all these characteristics still beat loudly when your family members bloodlines. Loud and clear. No need to turn up the volume. The message you imparted is very clear.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 2, 2015

Do you think it's possible? Not the great and humble acts of heroism? But the little simple thing of walking hand in hand with a friend to the next station? To just simply trust in your instincts and let one little space in life transport from one point to another. You courage, Officer Cook, took you on all your patrols of Dade County residents. But this was not the only factor or trait that helped you to achieve. One must enhance their life and career goals by honesty, integrity and dignity bordering around the fences and walls of freedom, peace and unity that all logically and calmly thinking police officers need to have at their disposal, in other words they must be surrounded by them twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. You have to begin to place your trust in God, which you did as a very devout and faithful public servant. Trusting your friends, your comrades who in turn learned by your examples, leadership, knowledge and instincts is what made you the humane individual and class officer that Metro-Dade County had and has come to know and respect. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. God surely has a very loyal and trusted guardian angel now with Him for eternity. Officer William C. Cook has and always will be honored and saluted for all his unwavering and committed actions. I miss just meeting and greeting you. Your family misses the attention they would receive from you, those hugs and embraces are shared by all. Keep your vigilance up Officer Cook from God's heavenly abode.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 2, 2015

With your white hair blowing about, how can I stay the same? Today, if you were here with your family and friends, Officer Cook, we might just be a little more happier. By the way, at the still young age of sixty-one you would probably have a full head of dark wavy hair, sprinkled with a touch of gray. This signifies your youth, wit and unmatched maturity beyond your years. Years of comprehension brought about through resourcefulness, a sense of keen vision for how you would want things to turn out. Some of us may at times act timid and shy, but your heroism stemmed from unwavering acts of boldness, bravery coupled with the courage to succeed. The valor validates your humble nature and appeal you had for all residents that came under your watchful eyes and ears. If only now can we truly realize how saner our world would be thanks to great and modest heroes and heroines such as yourself. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. In the end God sorts out through His method all of this craziness how He wants our society to be. That is to just make an effort. take your time and to think things through and through. Officer Cook, you were the building block to securing peace and liberty and restoring justice to an area riddled with tension and turmoil. The date of May 16, 1979 bears this statement out as you and forty-one other Metro-Dade Police Officers actions put a permanent stamp on the total enhancement of a forgiving and thriving venue. Health, peace and prosperity is all we can ask for. God delivers on His promises. You, Officer Cook, stood up to your end and went above and beyond the calls of your official duties. Forever remembered. All your pursuits were fashioned in a terrifically relentless manner with only class and par excellence professionally behind them.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 1, 2015