Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I was not awake day or night. I thought I knew who I was, but I was you. Did we leave something behind? have we left out some vague detail? Forgetfulness and the ability of forgiveness seem to go hand in hand. When our brave women and men in the law enforcement communities lay their lives down in order for our freedoms and unity to march onward, we must not forget. So forgive us and the very next time remember to salute or to perform some good deed to cherish their memory. You were a man of humbleness, Officer Cook. A very special gentleman whose chosen career path took you down the roads of decency and higher ethical standards than most. But, it was your dignity, coupled together with your integrity and honor that brought the outstanding acts of bravery, courage and valor to be forever saluted. The commitment and resolve which manifested itself to the citizens of Dade County on May 16, 1979, will always be that which your treasured legacy will be viewed by all. To forgive is divine, to act with class and ethics based on one's upbringing is paramount to performing exceptionally. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Ignorance and regret were words surely not in your vocabulary, Officer Cook, just common sense logic, diligence and vigilance.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 1, 2015

Questions. We get bombarded with them on a daily basis. Sometimes we have the answers, other times not. No one knows all the correct answers otherwise we probably would not be in this world. For it is God, who has the answers under lock and key. It is that eternal treasure chest that He gives us something to pry it open. And yet we keep figuring out how to do the job. How can we accommodate the God of mercy, the God who is perfect in His ways, who would only do something that would befit us in a positive manner. You achieved quite a lot in your life, Officer Cook, than most of us would if we lived for a hundred years. As I've reflected to you that I go to nursing and assisted living centers on Friday to lead a Jewish Sabbath Service and in my travels, I come across quite a few residents one-hundred years and older. This September 17, 2015, your mother willing be turning one-hundred years old. Mrs. Cook, you are a remarkable woman whose entire life and faith has been devoted to God and to living a healthy lifestyle. You preached this to your children and the lessons that both you and your husband, Charles, may he rest in peace along with your son, my neighbor, friend and hero too never eluded them. He stayed the course. He was honest. He was brave and courageous. Officer Cook practiced calm and sensibility even in the face of impending gloom and evil. He spoke passionately and yet, remained humble in his honor, dignity and integrity to all mankind. Finer words, humbler words could never be spoken. I know I never met your beloved son, but, I know that as the son of a veteran New York City Policeman, everything mentioned regarding your "Billy" is something you can look back and only share the fondest of memories. His life while taken too soon was one conceived on love and compassion to serve and to protect as a dedicated and devotedly determined Metro-Dade Police Officer who will never be out of our hearts and thoughts, because he poured his every ounce of energy, leadership, knowledge and maturity into his chosen profession which resulted in a lot of thought and both mental and physical training to succeed at. He achieved on all fronts. You certainly can be very proud of his standards and endeavors. The questions are still floating around, it was your constitution that was as solid as a rock. You delivered quality, excellence and gallantry beyond the calls of duty. Believe it or not God rewards those who toil and maintain the peaceful atmospheres on His behalf. Your son, Mr. and Mrs. Cook and Nancy, your beloved son and darling brother is reaping for all that he planted in this earth. Let us conclude this reflection with the words, "God takes care of those who take care of all others."

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

January 31, 2015

It is not the person who has too little, but the person who craves more that is poor. You had a fine upbringing, Officer Cook. You devoted parents made sure both you and your big sister, Nancy had the essentials of a roof over your head, clothing to wear and food to nourish yourselves. Your humbleness and where you grew up here in the city of North Miami Beach, Florida was where you begin your ascendance toward becoming a police officer. Yes, you did enjoy your childhood. Yes, you did have loads of friends, your neighbors to pal around with, most importantly, you and your sister had the total love and unconditional support from your parents. I'll always have you in my thoughts and prayers, Mrs. Cook. You had the unwavering and cherished support from your beloved wife, Karen, who was there for you, loved you as you afforded her the same afffection. Neither rested on your seats until your work days were complete. And I know the nursing profession, just as your profession, my neighbor, friend and hero is a very demanding and time consuming job where the utmost responsibility and faithfulness is expected from each nurse, each police officer. The jobs both require, honesty and commitment. Dignity toward the citizens, as well as stellar character and integrity help to create a vacuum of goodwill. In your household there was no lack of character, consistency and courage. You maintained the bravery for six years to be able to go out on patrol and endeavor to help to keep the peace and unity moving along so that the residents would feel most at ease. Now that you have served your time and having been both diligent and vigilant, God has sadly called you home to His shelter above where you and your comrades who have made the same ultimate sacrifice can watch over us. Rest in peace. Your career, your dreams and desires were met with hope and optimism that there would surely be a brighter tomorrow for all of us. You were a mover and a shaker in Dade County, Officer Cook, there can be no doubt your legacy stands as strongly now as it did nearly thirty-six years ago. We the people of Dade County and in North Miami Beach, Florida are just a little poorer now that you have passed and a little emptier not having you among us physically. Spiritually, you have never left us, because your bountiful and treasured soul continues to light up this land in an effort to dispel the darkness of evil. Something you fought as a good person, a very talented officer and a man who humility allowed you to do what had to be done. Your mission now in retirement should have been allowed to continue. God, Our Creator makes those decisions, He needed you for a much more special. very special mission. The care, compassion, consideration and cooperation was always there. Something for us to have in mind when we step out to accomplish our goals and our aspirations.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

January 31, 2015

As for me or the next person, we may not have known you personally, Officer Cook, that doesn't make your tragically senseless loss any easier to bear. The wounds, the sorrow, the healing can take many, many years to overcome such grief and to be able to move on and function with our lives. We live in a society that we think and pray acts rationally with compassion and hope, prosperity and goodwill for all mankind. You certainly deserved my neighbor, friend and hero a much better outcome. You were a brave officer, yet still much too young to have had your life taken by an awful act of vile and viciousness. The gaping hole left in your family's hearts is one that as all families of officers who sacrifice have to comprehend and be able to deal with the unfathomable grief that consumes their lives forever. They slowly deal with their loved one's loss, try to put the pieces together and slowly heal and thrive as a family tries to do during this time of mourning. When your father passed, Officer Cook, you were there to help keep the Cook Family united. And now it is up to your loving and beautiful family members to keep each member moving along the same path of wisdom, righteousness and devoutness as you so faithfully demonstrated during your life. Your bravery, valor and commitment have indeed followed you to heaven where Our Lord was waiting for you with open arms where now He would shadow and protect you from any more harm. Rest in peace. Those of us still fortunate to live and to prosper have you to eternally thank for your unselfish and unwavering acts of honesty, dignity and integrity. We do know there is one God in heaven and on earth. We do know that Badge#1664 worn by you, Officer Cook, was worn proudly and with a reserved humility. You graced this world for twenty-five years, we know, Dade County residents knew who watched over them protecting their common interests. You were an integral part of the peace and freedom process never to be forgotten. This is and remains your legacy forever Ignorance, despair and regret cannot be linked with violence, all police officers just try to stay honest and keep on course in this seemingly never ending battle, a war against that will never undermine the fabric of our communities and this society as a whole. Believe me I cried when I heard what had happened that day, May 16, 1979 to you and I still cry today from time to time thinking about you and what was left unfinished in a life, career and a happy marriage all tragically shortened by wanton evil against yourself, your department and our nation as one.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

January 30, 2015

I used to believe you were unknowing. Unknowing of how it was for me, as if you were never the blossom trying to become the tree. Officer Cook, you and your big sister, Nancy, were the blossoms from your family tree. But, we all knew how you would turnout and succeed beyond our widest expectations. Devout and humble, loyal and faithful, valiant and vigilant, courageous and brave. These words only begin to frame the life and police career of one of Dade County's many heroines and heroes from the past. It was your past watch over all citizens that has served and protected them in a most honorable manner. Not everyone can attend the police academy. Not everyone is cut out and handed a blueprint in how to maintain and to get the most from their life. But, you my neighbor, friend and hero, grew up into a congenial young man, a humane gentleman whose gentle soul because of your solemness to duty floats now higher and higher as you now patrol over Our Creator's golden streets of heaven. Rest in peace. Your past achievements are the direct correlation of why peace and unity can survive and thrive together as one. Your calming influence, unbridled wisdom and masterful maturity also link up to your enduring legacy which is solid as an oak tree which is near your grave where you rest in eternity.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

January 30, 2015

There are only two ways to live your life. One is though nothing is a miracle. The other is as if everything is. Miracles do happen each day. But, they only occur if we do a positive deed to help shape and make this world a better place to live and enjoy its fruits. You lived your life, Officer Cook, on the upside of righteousness and sincerity. You always went over the bounds to assist someone in need. And indeed this was done by example on May 16, 1979, you were alerted along with your partner that day, Reserve Officer Scott Lincoln to a domestic situation in Liberty city in Miami. You went and performed your role in an outstanding fashion coming to your comrades calls for help. Obviously no one could have ever envisioned the final outcome. The residents saw the real you, Officer William C. Cook, Badge#1664 admirably and ably pitching in to try and take a troubled young man who was bent on evil off of the streets. You were very brave and valiant to stand toe to toe, face to face and take trouble away from the citizens. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

January 29, 2015

Think to yourself that everyday may be your last; the hour to which you do not look forward will come as a welcome surprise. Professions that carry with them such inherent dangers, police work, its many fine and highly trained men and women leave their homes one day and heaven forbid may not return to their loved ones. It happens and boy oh boy the sorrowful feelings, the guilt, the shame that won't often don't get to say goodbye. You were prideful and very mindful, Officer Cook, that each and everyday you faced such perils. You handled a rigorous job with exactly the proper mindset and skill level to see most of your assignments through until the end. The bravery, courage and conviction carried over to other fine men and women who have since succeeded you. You are now their guardian angel who watches over them, the people of Dade County that you served, protected and delivered the ultimate framework of liberty, unity and peace. Easier words to say, tougher and more challenging to carry out. You did accomplish. You did achieve. You were bounded by integrity, dignity and honesty sometimes so rare as each officer must strive to perform up to snuff by these principles of ethical conduct and morals. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. You mastered all the essentials and now because of your ultimate humane mastery are you now with Our father and King helping Him to protect His heavenly and golden streets. I would surmise the two words you would say to any of your colleagues out there, be careful.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

January 29, 2015

We enjoy our lives by eating, drinking and celebrating our family occasions. Part of the beauty in living is to be able to share an embrace with another person. The price of embracing is your life and now those of us who look for a suitable mate enjoy it with all the fervor. All public servants certainly enjoy their down time from their demanding jobs, their professions that call for honesty, bravery, courtesy and courage to commitment while at times under duress. You were the ever faithful and respectful police officer, Officer Cook, the demands on you were great and yet you humbly accomplished a most difficult and yet a profoundly meaningful career, although cut way too short by the violence committed by a troubled young man. Your vigilance and valor, your integrity and dignity was no accident, as you were raised by two very caring and loving parents who instilled a belief in you that if you did things in a timely and orderly manner, you would succeed and you most definitely did. Six years of loyal and dedicated service to all Dade County residents was done through trial and error and hard old fashioned work, sweat and much toil. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. You are patrolling God's golden streets with the same amount of energy that you expended during your watch. Everyone was so proud of you when you graduated the Police Academy and wore your uniform for the very first time with class and humility. Sadly, the only celebration, though not fun and laughter were the tears that were shed at your Inspector's Funeral in which your fondness for life and a youthful zeal to achieve were noted in your eulogy. Gone too soon. A Godsend beyond the calls of duty. A superb servant with a real sense of congeniality. You'll forever be remembered for your leadership, wisdom and maturity that surely would have advanced your career father up the ranks of your department. You and Karen, Officer Cook, were the class and epitome of a true host and hostess. I know she misses you so much as does your beloved family, friends and loyal colleagues.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

January 29, 2015

Innocence can be described as someone not responsible for doing an improper act or a person, a young child who might be timid about something. Not all people are innocent, in that they think they can fool the world thinking they are as white as snow, when in fact they are as guilty as sin. You were the sensible type of individual, Officer Cook, who acted accordingly and conducted all your personal and professional affairs with the utmost class and consideration. The citizens of Dade County did not have to fear anything when you went out on patrol to help permanently banish evil and to bring lost lasting relief from tension and turmoil. Everything was done with care and cooperation, integrity and dignity, braveness, commitment and valor that now has been elevated to the heavens above where you rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. A friend to all. A supporter of unity. A liberator whose message still rings as loudly now as it did more than forty years ago. The likes of which will never be witnessed again, though your vision still speaks volumes. Violence perpetrated against law enforcement officers will never be innocent, it's only a sad part of our modern day society that we all hope and pray that our highly trained and motivated officers can surely grab its tails and never let go until it's completely eliminated. At least, Officer Cook, all be it, you left us way too soon, you left room for hope, optimism and equality in place of despair, regret and ignorance. A legacy surely to tug away at our hearts and souls. Your beautiful and treasured soul certainly lights up this universe as it keeps ascending to God's golden throne. Your bright smile and wide grin keeps the sun shining and the happiness abounding.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

January 28, 2015

In the morning sow my seed and in the evening withhold not my hand. What do we utilize our hands for? We use them to motion someone over to us. We use them to protect and to defend ourselves from evil. We place our hands over our faces when we are joyful and when we shed tears and get emotional. Police officers use their hands, feet and lips to convey points of information to the citizens of which they serve and protect and allow for liberty, peace and unity to be cast upon them. Officer Cook, you gamefully and very diligently used your hands. Your whole being was used in an honorable and in a dignified manner bringing honor to your family and your department. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. God's hands cradle you forever with love and reverence, in the very same fashion that your hands were utilized. Everything you enhanced, people have reaped the benefits from your stellar character. Only humility and humbleness came from those faithful and devout hands. Your embraces would certainly come in handy nowadays. You continue to be missed very much.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

January 28, 2015

Today your face shone clear through the crystal mountain air, I saw you oh so clearly, with a big smile on your face. The grin said it all. Today, God has you, Officer Cook, along with your father, Charles, wrapped in His palms for eternal safekeeping. Love is wild. Life is wild. And God is wild. He's wild because of the capacity of His loving creatures who produce wonderfully day after day despite turmoil and baseless bloodshed. And it is the many fine police officers this world has seen who go out and battle a force to be condemned. You did this, Officer Cook, except you were not a wild person, quite the opposite. You kept your sanity. You were a humane and a most honorable and dignified gentleman. Dade County, its residents and your department can sure be thankful, grateful as well that you proudly joined its ranks. In your family, The Cooks were very devout, loyal, honest and faithful. All resources that indeed served and protected you well for twenty-five years, six of those committed to bravery, valor and courage in service to a profession where a happy balance must be struck to produce a level-headed and logical resolution to any problems that you had to face. Reality stares everyone in the face, it's those who don't blink or bat an eyelash who succeed and prosper. You firmly and courageously performed professionally and will never be forgotten. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. It's God who keeps you eternally safe from harm as you kept us peaceful and unified. Whenever I look at your picture, Officer Cook, I'll still well up and cry, but I'll always know you carried your pride in donning your uniform and that smile can still be felt wherever you are right now up in heaven. A peacemaker. A calming influence, nothing but the good old fashion common sense truth.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

January 27, 2015

At some point in our lives, we have looked into each other's faces. How do we keep things secret? Who do we confide in? We converse from brow to brow and hear with our eyes, the one set that we receive as a gift from God and hope to keep healthy. Of course, touch, smell also play a central role of how we conduct our business today,chipping away and making an indelible impression in society. You were one of the many wonderfully gifted police officers, Officer Cook. And you were sent into this world to perform and complete a very special mission. Your fearlessness, your ferocity, your dignity and honor shined best when you went out on your daily patrol to serve and to protect Dade County citizens. All done with a smiling face, a gregarious personality and most of all with a quiet and resounding humbleness and a calming and caring voice of wisdom, leadership and maturity that will never be forgotten. Like your bravery, courage and valor, this all remains firmly planted for generations of police officers to come. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. You looked evil face to face on May 16, 1979 and you know what though you gave up your life and career, you firmly enhanced the image and reputation of all residents to have the chance and the choice to lead better lives. To prosper in liberty, unity and peace. This was why you were sent here to be a Godsend and forever a true hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

January 27, 2015

We look at what appears to be our shadows, a reflection of our very self. But, what is really is is our true personas. There are those who can handle a "full plate" of work or whatever tasks are required to get the job done right the first time. You were one of the many humble and likable public servants, Officer Cook, who could do as we say handle a full load of various assignments. The empty feeling we suffer by your tragic loss cannot ever be replaced. There is a time for pain, anguish, grief and heartbreak and as the many months and years come and go, a slow healing process starts to take shape. It's roots embedded deep within us. Your mother, Mrs. Julia Cook, you live and be well at age ninety-none, God bless you. The pain, the suffering, losing both your beloved husband, Charles and then two and a half years later, your darling beloved son, Metro-Dade Police Officer, William C. Cook. Your "Billy." A shame I never got to know all of you. To the people of North Miami Beach, Florida where he and his big sister, Nancy grew up, there will always be a sort of emptiness. You don't see too many humble heroes living among other people. I only wish Mrs. Cook that I could have been there that tragic day of May 16, 1979, to help your son in some way. When I first heard about his passing, I cried and all these years later I never forgot about him. I checked out this book entitled, "Forgotten Heroes" and his story I've read about. I saw he attended Sabal Palm Elementary School where my sister, Michele and I both attended and your living in North Miami Beach. I visited your home, could have rented it , missed you by two weeks, I got hold of this book around September, 2008 which would have given me two years to find where you resided. Though, I narrowed down where, found your home, met Justin and he gave you my letter. I'll always be grateful for you having taken the time to write back to a total stranger. My family was living in Hallandale Beach, Florida in a home at the time. I visited your home and met Gina, Trevor and their kids, your three great-grand children. I cried when I showed her her uncle's picture on my phone. Now you can understand why I feel this way when something happens to a police officer. My father, Owen, may he rest in peace was a New York City Police Officer for almost forty years. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. I still have your "Billy's picture" from the book I read and wow forty years later of him smiling in his uniform, one would honorably and truly proudly behind Our American flag. God bless you Mrs. Cook and your entire family. If you read this Nancy, I do hope Gina and Trevor and their family are fine and enjoyed my little gift to them. Legend will remember I played soccer in your backyard with him. Say hello to Alexis, who is in college now and her sister, Skyler. They will remember me I'm sure. I will always have some emptiness, as I walk by your old block, I salute your son for his heroics in life and in his career. A humble Godsend and a hero to be saluted for eternity. Humanity will forever be indebted for his acts of bravery, passion and valor. Everything your family accomplishes, Officer Cook, is a direct reflection of all the wonderfulness that you represented and imparted by your wisdom, intellect and maturity to others.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

January 26, 2015

That is the only courage: to drop the known and travel into the unknown. These are some of the many mysteries of life and in life itself. And it is not something to accomplish just one time, but over and over. As the saying goes, practice makes perfect and yet only Our Creator makes no miscues. Police officers are not perfect. They are not push button robots. They are not computers. Back in your day, Officer Cook, the myriad of modern technology was not yet born. If you only had some of today's technological advancements, who knows what some of the outcomes would be? Courage begins with fear, some apprehension. You performed your position maintaining fine quality, courtesy and respect for all those you bravely, courageously and valiantly served. No qualms whatsoever. Dade County can truly and proudly look back on one of its most loyally and dedicated public servants and humbly salute your achievements. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Only excellent feats and determination to do the right thing for all citizens.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

January 26, 2015

So what is beauty? Is not beauty something that takes place when "you" are not; "you" with all your problems, with our insecurities and anxiety as to whether you are loved or not? When "you" with all these psychological complexities are not, then that state is beauty. Beauty it is said is in the eyes of the beholder. It was in your tripod and camera, Officer Cook, whether you were home or out in nature. The most surreal photographs was taken with your camera and watched by your eyes. What captured our interest was your decency and honor, as it was Dade County and the Metro-Dade Police Department's Roll of Honor to have you as one of its most distinguished heroes and legends to cherish and forever salute for your devoutness, loyalty and persistence. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. A beautiful soul has gone to heaven to take his place where your comrades who made the same ultimate sacrifice as you did rest securely in God's palms. Nothing will ever harm, hurt or bother you ever again. We should all be bothered, troubled when someone so young lays down their life for our pursuits of happiness to continue. Police officers need to act as psychologists at times to bring peace and unity to the forefront.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

January 25, 2015

The great swan on the wing; the flight of the alone to the alone. As a child I'm sure, Officer Cook, you enjoyed your playtime with your friends and neighbors. We tend to get lost or to divert our minds in the thick of it. Nothing wrong with this. You reveled in doing the things other kids did. And since your beloved parents knew you and Nancy, your big sister were on top of your homework assignments, a little leeway would be fine. As a finely trained and knowledgeable police officer there was probably a little space to try some other resorts to solving any problems that would come up. Your wisdom, understanding level and maturity beyond your years all drove you down the proper path. Your bravery, courageousness and valiant efforts on May 16, 1979, are going to be the benchmarks of how well you performed. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Today we find ourselves alone in thought thinking and marveling how well you lived life, learned all life's lessons and loved being around people making them feel at ease. We can remain peaceful precisely because of your unselfish actions aimed at riding Dade County of wickedness. As your soul continues its flights above, at least your engaging sense of humor has settled within all those who knew and admired you.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

January 25, 2015

In holy accord do we listen to God's messages coming from the ground. The taciturn and humbleness from where life begins and when our lives are complete, our missions here in this world are finalized then do we go back to the dust from where we once came from. All embraces, all legacies and their lore go back forevermore in the earth, this holy ground where our remains are placed for safekeeping for God to bless and to watch over them. You maintained dignity your whole life, Officer Cook. You achieved where others may not have. You accommodated where it was necessary for the survival of mankind. You fought the battles of evil with grace and courage. You placed hope and trust back in the yards of the ordinary citizen. Because of your faithfulness and unwavering gestures of decency can we realize hope, peace and prosperity. All of our deepest thoughts and inspirations can be solemnly kept all because of your profound sense of diligence and vital vigilance all carried out with candor and consistency. One important thing vital to a police officer's safety and to the security of the residents. Dreams start from the bottom of the ladder, as one climbs each rung, things begin to take shape. The drops of rain which fall on the ground where you rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero are vital in that they nourish the hallowed ground in which you were laid to rest for having sacrificed your young life and career for us to treasure and cherish all the excellence you placed within the areas of Dade County and its people who have not forgotten you. You carried a blueprint and it spelled out a precise plan for how you would achieve a means to a peaceful resolution of any problems that would crop up. You carried the baton humbly. You lit the torch gently and with a hands on care, compassion, consideration and concern for everyone. It maybe dark where you rest eternally, but we all know your soul has kept our world safely illuminated and that flame stills burns warmly and as brightly today than it ever has.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

January 24, 2015

Sometimes in life things get so small it can be a bit difficult to see them. Look at space travel, a rocket goes up in space, it's launched and becomes so small as it travels from light into darkness. Here on this planet we call earth, we feel the touch of grief at the loss of a beloved family member. The wounds go deep, the physical and mental anguish unbearable at times. Then, as we try to make any sense at the loss of our loved one, hope comes and the adjustment period for healing starts to come around. We remember the life and times, the careers of our family member who gave something important back to our society. Our recollections, our memories get foggy and we may forget all that they meant to us. You meant the world to your family, colleagues and close friends, Officer Cook. They will always look back to a happy childhood, a terrific upbringing and a career built and engineered on precision, excellent morals honor and integrity. Police officers undertake a special mission to serve and to protect our vital interests and this needs to be accomplished with bravery, courage in their convictions and a boldness and a swiftness to their commitments. There can be no doubt that on May 16, 1979, this was all handled professionally in a manner that represented goodwill and translated into a very valiant effort to steer peace, unity and freedom to the residents of Dade County who admired and respected your quality of patrol around them. The legacy you left humbly behind for all to cherish is the message of hope and optimism which springs eternal. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Your uniqueness, Officer Cook, represented the small steps we have to take in order to begin the enhancement and fortification of a community that during your time was reaching out for help in times of tension and turmoil.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

January 24, 2015

Yes you were in candor and in consistency, Officer Cook, with never any hints of residual complacency. That does not belong in anything one's goes about to achieve. In police work, it can be a sure sign of trouble and I'm sure there's not one department nationwide condoning this sort of rogue behavior from any of its brave and valiant men and women. Kindness, not ruthlessness, care and concern have to be added in to an officer's daily role of supporting its protection to those citizens of which they serve. We can show remorse. Police officers understand and do try to comprehend their actions. One something goes down, like a discharge of gunfire, it's difficult to take something back and I'm quite sure you always put the citizens and their concerns at the top of your priority list. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. You're now at the top of God's list of guardian and cherished angels whose boldness and courage did make a distinct difference in all of Dade County.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

January 23, 2015

The Lord in His in all His ways forms the various bodies of water for us to refresh ourselves and to be able to swim in them. The waves come crashing off of the rocks. We praise these and all of the various matters created for our benefit. Our eyes behold the wonderful capacity that God indeed possesses. Your grace is unbreakable. Your divine providence built for us to utilize at just the precise moment where intervention is surely needed. We sit and wonder. God ponders and plans our every movement from up above. From birth until our passing, high above in order for us to reach out to Him. The moon at night has the ability to make us calm and happy. You made us quiet and peaceful, Officer Cook and it was all directed by Our Creator who planned your pathways in life. A life lived quite well, instrumentally by faith from your parents. A devoutness and a desire to serve God and to do His will. As one of His truly outstanding and brave public servants, you gave Dade County residents back their liberties, peace and unity. All smiles and a sense of humor that could not be matched and all sorely missed this day and forevermore. The wings you now wear in heaven my neighbor, friend and hero now take you wherever God needs you patrolling His venue. Rest in peace. You performed beyond admirably. You went out where not too many would dare to go and you achieved in a matter of mutual trust and respect among all. All those courageous souls up in God's golden castle watching over us with assurances that no harm will ever come to you again and hopefully none to us. A remarkable reflection of humility and success.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

January 23, 2015

May the four corners of our universe converge upon us. O Lord we praise the fruits of Your labor as you watch and bless our works on behalf of ourselves and of our families. We take the sun, the moon and the stars that twinkle at night glowing for all to gaze at. How marvelous are Your deeds? You work as a finely trained police officer was measured by all things that are needed in all officers. Devotion, desire, dedication and determination. Honesty, dignity and integrity. How did you act toward the citizens? Were you a faithful and loyal resource to your comrades in times of trouble and distress? We can state emphatically yes you were. The consummate considerate and caring professional who will always be well regarded and thought in the most humblest of moments. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

January 23, 2015

As the world gathers to pray for peace, let us resolve to be one nation unified. We watch our breathing, may we relax our bodies and minds and remain at peace. Let us smile and laugh and realize why we are the source of God's good graces. Allow us to shine compassion down towards our neighbors and may our suffering be lessened and a speedy healing find its way to our aching bodies. The air we take in to our lungs, the food and drink we utilize as a fuel of nourishment that allows us the chance to endeavor, may it be granted in good favor. Our humility, may it too shine down and never leave our sides forevermore. Nothing escaped you, Officer Cook, tragically your rights were taken, the very same that you and your colleagues stay the course day to day to serve and protect. Nothing is just given to us, nor shall it be taken for granted. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

January 22, 2015

As we all live our lives, when it is the time for god to take us, may He do so graciously. When we have reached the center and are ready to be laid to our final resting place, may our tears and sorrows be rejoined with a smile and Your eternal healing process. We stop and ponder. We explore and excavate. We ask why? It is Our Creator who has those and the many other answers to the mysteries of life and what is asked from all God's creatures? We are born and when we have accomplished what is deemed proper and righteous, then does God begin to judge and make decisions regarding our longevity. We reach out to taste, to smell, to touch, to see and to hear all part of these miracles and delights of life so enriching. The grace, the valor, the dignity and the beauty all wrapped around our little fingers of our hands to grasp and to hold firmly near our bodies. Our freedoms of speech, of peace and of unity do we rely upon our bravest and most courageous men and women of law enforcement to serve us, protect us and to enhance our welfare. You were part of the many brothers and sisters, Officer Cook, who made sure by your solemn affirmation that all would be in order. You laid the foundations precisely by your honor, integrity and faithfulness, nothing can ever tarnish nor demean all that you represented in Dade County and to its people. Nearly thirty-six years later you are being saluted for taking a stance in the heat of the moment when evil was being brandished in an abnormal fashion. You stood toe to toe, face to face and gave your life to allow our hopes, dreams, aspirations and inspirations to continue. This is your legacy. I know it will only continue its growth as does your soul that steadily goes up that ladder to God's golden streets. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

January 22, 2015

We can all converse with stellar clarity that your unselfish, unwavering acts of heroism, Officer Cook, are to this very day the ramifications of determination and intellectual dedication to persevere on our behalf. The result of these courageous deeds to safeguard a community in which you channeled your entire effort is surely being reverberated around the nation where your comrades continue doing the work, your goodwill that is the very repercussion of the components built into our society in which we champion, liberty, peace and unity for all mankind. Your loyal influence does carry much weight in and about an area of Dade County where it needed the most patrolling. You were decorated with humility to see your activities through and though it was an all too brief six years of excellent and a most resounding performance, your endeavor brought much hope, optimism and an imbued sense of relief and dignity. I think the residents would nod in agreement and would share in these thoughts in remembering your courage and acquaintance with all. Your smile, your impact left a mark that can never be erased nor tarnished. God has brought to His kingdom one truly unsung hero who wore the Metro-Dade Police Uniform with pride, poise and passion. You enjoyed turning your energies into emotions of free spirit and free speech for all and now your very spirit floats high above like a beam of light. That very beacon of hope shines eternal. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. For all the letters of our alphabet, there can never be one negative opinion of your uplifting, unwavering and terrifically understanding and compassionate character. A necessity for police officers and just about any other jobs that people perform on a daily basis, whether risk or danger hovers over them as it most certainly does in the law enforcement profession. A job well done!

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

January 21, 2015

We now pray and perform Your will O Lord. For it in our best interests to act with the proper reverence and dignity that we know is right in order to achieve. We bow in awe as we take leave to go out and bring home a living to support our families. Faith and resolve can take a person a long way provided they act within the scope of what is deemed moral and ethical. And this is why you were very humbly successful, Officer Cook. But, it all takes its genesis in the home. Kind of like a baby taking its first steps as they learn to walk. Your efforts, Officer Cook, brought forth assurances that the citizens of Dade County were being served and protected by one of the best. Resourcefulness on your part left no ramifications of anything terrible occurring to anyone. The reverberations of optimism have continued spinning like a top in a most constructive nature. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

January 21, 2015