Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

We know what a person thinks not when he tells us what he thinks, but by his actions. Caution is the confidential agent of selfishness. Your actions, Officer Cook, did your conversing and when you stopped to talk with someone, they listened, they knew you had only pearls of wisdom leaving your lips. Officers always have to use care and execute caution, some officers display this trait better than others. You were indeed a very well respected and liked officer, whose colleagues certainly took note of your work ethic and have admired this all these years later. I believe your life and professional career should be a blueprint that should be shown to recruits coming through the police academy. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 6, 2014

I know of no more encouraging fact than the unquestionable ability of man to elevate his life by a conscious endeavor. It was never a doubt in any of your abilities and mannerisms, Officer Cook, which enabled Dade County citizens to live in a unified and peaceful lifestyle. There will never be a tainted scent regarding your brave and unselfish actions on May 16, 1979, it was only to save your comrades from further harm and that of those civilians. You and your partner that day did what any normal thinking police officer would do, respond and attempt to calm down someone bent on evil. You have and always did my neighbor, friend and hero possess the firmness and the virtue enough to maintain what we consider the most enviable of all titles, the character of an "Honest Man." Rest in peace.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 6, 2014

I meant to say, Officer Cook, as one looks back on his life. We, that is those who knew you personally, could look back and have the fondest of pleasant memories. There are continents and seas in the moral world, to which every person is an isthmus or inlet, yet unexplored to him. Well you were an explorer, a hunter and an avid photographer, so being out in nature was nothing new to you. You just really are missed and now that your treasured soul has ascended to the heavens above, let it keep exploring over all of God's green and lush fields. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 5, 2014

How often must one feel a she looks back on his past life that he has gained a talent but lost a character....Society does nominally estimate men and women by their talents-but really feels and knows them by their characters. Those who knew you, Officer Cook, your loving family, colleagues from the department and personal friends knew the humorous person you were, but they also got to meet and work with a seriously talented and caring gentleman. When it came time to go to battle, you stood tall, you stood ready and you foremost, stood face to face on May 16, 1979. This is how you'll always be remembered. The following of your admirers is endless as was your honesty and valor. Society lost a brave soul and one of its most admired police officers. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Few have displayed the virtue and zeal that accompanied you around the streets of Dade County.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 4, 2014

We falsely attribute to men a determined character-putting together all their yesterdays-and averaging them-we presume we know them-Pity the man who has a character to support-it is worst than a large family-he is silent poor indeed....A large soul will meet you as not having known you-taking you for what you are to be, a narrow one for what you have been-for a broad and roaming soul is as uncertain-what it may say or be-as a scraggy hillside or pasture. But we all indirectly or directly determine the kind of character we become from the moment we are old enough to be responsible for our actions. Your life of honor, humility and stellar character, Officer Cook, was a key ingredient in all your personal and professional successes and endeavors as a Metro-Dade Police Officer. You could cheer up a sad person just with your bright smile. A wonderful heart that stopped beating before its time, but your cherished soul continues to forever infuse light in this world upon the darkest of days. Dade County truly has suffered greatly from the loss of your superior character and inspirational wisdom and a maturity to match. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. There was a show with Tom Selleck on television called,"Kids of Character." You were a kid at heart and the hero in you always will shine brighter than ever. The commitment you undertook was undoubtedly the best thing that could have ever happened to your community where you were their loyal and dependable servant and protector. Departments do rely greatly on both men and women of character and integrity along with a mighty large dose of dignity.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 4, 2014

The pessimist...is seldom an agitating individual. His creed breeds indifference to others and he does not trouble himself to thrust his views upon the unconvinced. The optimist, Officer Cook, that you always strived to humbly become, let his deeds speak louder than just anything that comes from a person's mouth. The words you spoke were the truth and nothing but the truth. A person's passions are determined by their physical actions and how they can deal with any circumstance placed before them. Domestic disagreements were one of your specialties and how you went about your professional business of handling or defusing them. One truly sad day, you went out to a call you had gone to many times and tried your utmost to diligently make peace between a young man, his girlfriend and your colleagues. Who knew what the outcome would be? You are very much missed by all and your heroic actions, fueled by your passion and compassion towards others resulted in you being taken home to God to help Him watch over other officers who like yourself, try valiantly to keep the peace while attempting to bring unity and freedom to their communities. The bridge is still there for others to cross and it is because of you, Officer Cook, the police officer who loved helping those in need. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 3, 2014

Private character, always dear, always to be respected, seems almost to be canonized by the grave. When men go hence, their evil deeds should follow them and for me might sleep oblivious in their tomb. But if the smoldering ashes of the non-living are to be raked up, let it not be for the furtherance of injustice. Whether at work or in your private moments with your beloved wife, Karen, Officer Cook, there was no doubt as to your stellar character, which can never be maligned. You sleep soundly now and forevermore in eternity knowing you came into this world a humble man and left it as an even greater hero whose humility dictated your every move, tactical or otherwise. When the caretakers at the cemetery rake and mow the grass by your grave let it be known that here rests a truly humble, courteous and totally loyal gentleman. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 3, 2014

You must believe in yourself or no one else will believe in you. Be self-confident, self-reliant and even if you do not make it, you will know you have done your best. Now go to it. It may seem simple, go to the academy, graduate, pass all the required mental and physical tests and get in a patrol car and start policing. As a famous sports commentator said, not so fast my friend. Obviously, you must believe in yourself, yes you can have a certain level of apprehension, but most of all, you must show a coolness under pressure and duress. You cannot let the stress of the profession eat away at your insides. You handled most dilemmas, Officer Cook, not only passionately and with a calming voice of compassion, you handled things the absolutely correct way, by the book, with honesty, dignity and integrity. This is what made you so very much respected and very well liked in the Dade county community that you so enjoyed patrolling. You won a huge victory for the citizens with your valor and with your humility. Humanity will forever be grateful to men and women so brave as you were. It's a shame you had your life taken while you were such a young and vivacious gentleman with an even bigger heart that no one can match. Your intestinal fortitude will shine as brightly as your caring soul. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 3, 2014

It is by presence of mind in untried emergencies that the native mettle of a man is tested. No beggar ever felt him condescend, no prince presume; for still himself he bare at manhood's simple level and wherever he met a stranger, there he left a friend. Long before your sacrifice, Officer Cook, you became an instant friend to everyone, so personable, so congenial, no hidden agendas, a citizen could walk up to you on duty and start a conversation with you and they knew you were concerned for their well being. You'd give your last dollar to a stranger t help them in need find food or something necessary. This was the essence of your beloved son, William's life, Mrs. Cook and I do hope you and your family enjoy the healthiest and joyful of Easter holidays. I can see he received his fine mannerisms from both you and his father, Mr. Charles Cook, may he too rest in peace. Watch over us my neighbor, friend and hero. Your character speaks volumes all of these many years later and it's still hard to imagine almost thirty-five years later. Time does not ever stand still. We must keep the faith and continue to march on in all of our pursuits. Do not abandon our plans.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 2, 2014

They are slaves who fear to speak for the fallen and the weak. A merciful providence fashioned us to holler, O' purpose that we may let our principles swallow. Your voice, Officer Cook, continues to boom down from heaven loud and clear. Some of us have to swallow our pride, but you, my neighbor, friend and hero never had to do this because of how you acted with humility and hope. This does spring eternal. It gives us the second chances to make the most of the opportunities that are placed beside us. You paid a very dear price to ensure this element prevails in all of our days and years that lie ahead. Rest in peace.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 2, 2014

Not in the clamor of the crowded street, not in the shouts and plaudits of the strong, but in ourselves, our triumph and defeat. No matter the day or time, Officer Cook, you were there to defend us. The mighty, the downtrodden, all of them deserve the same treatment and it was from the many fine and upstanding police officers such as yourself, Officer Cook, that their voices continue to be heard loud and clear. Make no bones about it you were their savior and hero. Not only were you capable of serving and protecting, but your many fine attributes allowed to be deserving of any honors that may come your way. Not may, but should come your way, a top flight police officer whose zest for truth and justice and whose passion to persevere led you to many different situations of which you could handle with a calming and soothing voice. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. We should clamor to read about your life, humbly led and career, compassionately carried out and then we shall see what a true hero is all about.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 2, 2014

You did have a first-rate mind, Officer Cook, but there was a keen sense of pride when you first went out on patrol with your field training officer. Intelligent people are a dime a dozen. But you had class and character which allowed you the privilege to humbly achieve your goals and dreams. When it came time to put your foot to the pedal, it was your wisdom, maturity and leadership that made you stand out among your colleagues and superiors. They have all taken notice and continue to reflect and remember your life and career as one of Dade County's police heroines and heroes. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 1, 2014

If in my high moments, I have done some good, offered some service, shed some light, healed some wounds, rekindled some hope, or stirring someone from apathy and indifference, or in any way along the way helped somebody, then this campaign ha snot been in vain....If in my low moments, in word, deed or attitude, through some error of temp, temper, taste or tone, I have caused anyone discomfort, created pain or revived someone's fears, that was not my truest self....I am not a perfect servant, i am a public servant doing my best against the odds. As I develop and serve, be patient. God is not finished with me yet. All of your life and the length of your days, Officer Cook, you only did and gave one hundred percent of an honest effort. You were one of Our Creator's most trusted.loyal and very faithful servant. The virtue and talents that you took with you to go out and patrol your community where you were well liked and respected stands for your legacy. Some of your most heated battles were only for the sake of heaven and in establishing peace, freedom and unity where it was needed the most. Your physical life and watch has ended, but God is not finished with His special job of leading you through His Kingdom in helping to look down on those who have continued your watch. Those traits which your parents possessed, an innate sense of justice, wisdom and virtues wrapped in honesty have never left you. You have been dispensing these characteristics from above all these years. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 1, 2014

Forgive me Officer Cook, in one reflection, one of the last ones I mistakenly said you were afraid to endeavor. You were not afraid to endeavor, it was through your courage, hope, honesty and goodwill that Dade County and its citizens have a lot to be grateful for. Wounded vanity knows when it is mortally hurt; and limps off the field, piteous, all disguises thrown away. But pride carries its banner to the last; and fast as it is driven from one field unfurls it in another. Police officers have to adapt in order to stay the course and to stay safe. You did this, Officer Cook and were driven to succeed without much fanfare. You let your work ethic speak for itself. The one thing in Dade County that is green and white that speaks of your heroic value is the new street sign at NW 17th Avenue and NW 75th Street. You deserve the salutes and accolades that come your way. Truly an amazing and special human being. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 1, 2014

There is a healthful hardiness about real dignity, that never dreads contact and communion with others, however humble. Go on deserving applause and you will be sure to meet with it; and the way to deserve it is to be good and to be industrious. Real humility can humble the most sophisticated person. But as far as your abilities, Officer Cook, that was a byproduct of your terrific upbringing. The dedication, determination and devotion that you brought to work each day, well it's a measurement that some of today's police officers wish they had. From the top officers to the regular patrol officers, it is what can make or break a career. Your outstanding leadership, legendary as it was, was molded from those three D's above. The life you led, the career you followed, all are valid reasons why Dade County has seen several lasting changes within its residents and in its reforms. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. The sacrifices that police officers may be called on to make should be a springboard to only positive achievements, nothing should ever be taken for granted.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

March 31, 2014

The prouder a man is, the more he thinks he deserves; and the more he deserves, the less he really deserves. There is no end to the sufficiency of character. It can afford to wait; it can do without what is called success. Pride, plenty of it and poverty along with infamy, when they join together to form a proper chain, this cannot be severed. A very proud and humble man, Officer Cook, you took those talents and when they were meshed together formed a bond that was truly unbreakable. You are to be saluted for dispensing justice in a truly loyal and forthright fashion. God has not looked you over for medals, degrees or diplomas, but the scars you received for putting yourself ahead of anything else to make certain that people could function properly and continue along these paths all these years after your untimely passing. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

March 31, 2014

No nation is free from the terrible burdens of historic evils; no nation is composed of angels, free from human frailty. The relevant question is not-are these people perfect? but-what are they doing about their imperfections? In what direction are they moving-and how fast? Most anyone I know has character flaws, it is the one who can truly mend their ways and make a positive contribution to society that enables those of us to live our lives more freely, that is what really makes all the difference in the world. Officer Cook, you were that consummate difference maker. Your valor helped shape the community where not only you lived but where others can reside in peace and in unity. All change is a miracle to contemplate; but it is a miracle which is taking place every instant. Habit is habit and not to be flung out of the window by any man, but coaxed downstairs a step at a time. You did as much coaxing that day my neighbor, friend and hero, it was up to that young man to take the next step and surrender. Your professional stance was well within the bounds of your police training, somewhere in this equation we needed God to step in and in doing so He determined where your destiny lied. He certainly has a very loyal and respectable guardian angel helping Him now and forever patrol His golden streets. Nothing can ever harm you, Officer Cook. The love you had for all people is the gospel by which all of us carry this tremendous onus to faithfully follow. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

March 31, 2014

Familiarity may breed contempt in some areas of human behavior, but in the field of social ideas it is the touchstone of acceptability. Those of us who were fortunately enough to have known you, Officer Cook, I sadly was not one of the them, knew you could size up and take charge of a situation without anyone getting hurt. it was your modesty that kicked in, your politeness and general mannerism that included your calming voice of logic and reason. So if other officers envied your way of doing things right and by the book, well to tell you the truth, all officers should strive to emulate your humble ways. Your God given abilities spoke for themselves. You made your mark as a stabilizing influence within your division and department that nothing can ever take that away. The cornerstone of your life and career can be characterized by all the positive changes that have occurred in Dade County because of your bravery and courage. You were the unsung hero that Dade County residents will always come to know and revere. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. The conduct of some of today's officers could be labeled as contemptuous at best and has no place in any department, much less them being out on patrol.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

March 31, 2014

To ask for overt renunciation of a cherished doctrine is to expect too much of human nature. Men and women do not repudiate the doctrines and dogmas to which they have sworn their loyalty. Instead they rationalize, revise and re-interpret them to meet new needs and new circumstances, all the while protesting that their heresy is the purest orthodoxy. I know, most rational and lucid thinking individuals hope that their sworn police officers act in a professional manner that is most reflective of their department's standards. Situations at least some of the time dictate how an officer is going to go about their business of solve a problem. You were this type of officer, Officer Cook, who was able to adapt to change. You were afraid to endeavor, all you can really do is your best and be honest and show class and some integrity. You were a modern day thinker in your day and surely some of that we hope has rubbed off on other officers. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

March 31, 2014

A little integrity is better than any career. Gross and obscure natures, however decorated, seem impure shambles; but character gives splendor to youth and awe to wrinkled skin and gray hairs. We all know your conduct both privately and professionally was above and beyond reproach, Officer Cook. Your sincerity and honesty spoke as loudly as the methods you employed in resolving situations between the citizens you were charged with serving and protecting. A bit of dignity and integrity can travel a long distance in determining whether a police officer has what it takes to make a long and prosperous career in law enforcement. You should have been given the opportunity to grow older, as I told your niece, Gina and her loving children, you would probably still have a full head of hair, no gray, even though, gray is a sign of wisdom and maturity which you had plenty of. You took direction excellently and were able to transfer this to other colleagues in your charge. Just ask Officers DeGenova and Reserve Officer Lincoln, who was with you when you made the ultimate sacrifice protecting him and your other comrades that fateful day. Your fine mannerisms still stand today my neighbor, friend and hero. Nothing contradictory about anything your stellar life and career which unfortunately ended way too soon. Your rewards for exceptional police work came about through your humbleness and humanity toward others. Your family would and remains extremely proud of you. I always say, I will never forget you. Rest in peace.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

March 30, 2014

When it comes time to do your own life, you either perpetrate your childhood or you stand on it and finally kick it out from under. A little silliness, but you grow up make amends, forgive and move on. You had a wonderful support system of loving parents, a devoted sister in Nancy, who looked after you and watched her darling younger brother grow up to become the devoted and treasured hero that Dade County has known to love and cherish. Officer Cook, this reflection, paraphrased, comes from a book called, "Meditations For Men Who Do Too Much." Believe me, you could never have ever done as much, your heroic action on May 16, 1979, not only saved lives, but demonstrated to all who knew you both personally and professionally what it takes to not only live a life as a hero, but to humbly act as one in the line of duty. The additions. enhancements and dramatic changes in the community were all a harbinger of your determination, dedication, dignity, desire, integrity and total honesty. You will forever live on not only in your family's pursuits of happiness, but in those whose hearts you touched with your congeniality and warm smile. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

March 29, 2014

Some of us just look at the clock and decide it's too early to start a new task or to finish some unfinished assignment. Workaholics are all around us and you, Officer Cook, were one of them. Instead of going back to finish your shift which you could have done, you went to answer a call and made the ultimate sacrifice to save your colleagues and the civilians involved. Structure may be seen as a bandage, but if it helps whatever works is fine. You were charged that day, Officer Cook, with a daunting challenge and your dedication and sheer determination proved mighty helpful. Your community will never forget you. You stayed the course and your vigilance was just what was necessary for peace and unity to occur in Dade County. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

March 28, 2014

Who is...the forgotten man? He is the clean, quiet, virtuous domestic citizen, who pays his debts and his taxes and is never heard out of his little circle. You lived a very humble and taciturn life, Officer Cook, paid your taxes, and you paid the greatest sacrifice, a bigger debt we the people of Dade County can never truly pay you back for your actions. It was not just reaction, it was all police academy trained action. It's what stimulates the consummate police officer to be on the alert to serve, defend and protect. You did your job well and now you can rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. A clean-cut no non-sense officer with a true sense of fair play, putting calmness and a soothing voice of reason into your everyday routine of patrolling the streets where you now have become a legend.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

March 27, 2014

Between the dark and the daylight, when the night is beginning to lower, comes a pause in the day's occupations that is known as the children's hour. I'm sure at night your family, niece and nephews, great-nieces and great-nephew say a little prayer for their "Uncle Bo." They pray for your soul, Officer Cook as this keeps alive all of their dreams, hopes and aspirations. You were their loved one, their inspiration and nothing should deter them from accomplishing anything. You paid the ultimate price so they too and all of us can contribute to meeting the challenges that lie ahead of us. You are our biggest uplifter, so why can't we just try as you did. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

March 27, 2014

Over the trackless past, somewhere, lie the lost days of our tragic youth, only regained by faith and prayer, only recalled by prayer and plaint: Each lost day has its patron saint. How beautiful is youth! How bright it gleams with its illusions, aspirations, dreams! Book of beginnings, story without end, each maid a heroine and each man a friend. Childhood knows the human heart and as we lay upon our couches, as those who sacrificed rest in peace, we sleep away the time that won't return. Your youth and growing up, Officer Cook was probably a terrific time for both you and your family. To see you grow up and become a man and to become a shining star in Dade County police history for all time sake, what a proud beginning, the ending wasn't what we expected, but the life of your soul, will never end, the light it gives off will always shine brightly. Your physical presence only left us for a short while and one day those closest to you will see your smiling face again. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

March 27, 2014