Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

The truth is America's most potent weapon. We cannot enlarge upon the truth. But we can and must intensify our efforts to make the truth more shining. The American people have a right to the truth as they have a right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. It is not right that they be exploited and deceived with false views of life, false characters, false sentiment, false morality, false history, false philosophy, false emotions, false heroism, false notions of self-sacrifice, false views of religion, of duty, of conduct and manners. The truth about police officers is not so much about their guns, tasers and the handcuffs they carry. It is about the uniform they wear and those police badges that are humbly pinned to their chests by their family members upon completing the police academy and now they are ready, willing and able to patrol the streets of their communities with dignity, integrity, boldness and alacrity. All the necessary ingredients that composed your makeup, Officer Cook and you never left home, that of your loving parents nor that of your home with Karen, your beloved wife. Never any showmanship or false bravado, only the highest standards of police work and heroic bravery above and beyond the calls of duty and of reproach. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

March 17, 2014

Get but the truth once uttered and it's like a newborn star that drops into its place and which once circling in its placid round, not all the tumult of the earth can shake. Truth after all wears a different face to everybody and it would be too tedious to wait until all were agreed. Style will find readers and shape convictions, while mere truth only gathers dust on the shelf. I do not fear to follow out the truth, albeit along the precipice's edge. You only worked, ate, slept and lived your life and wonderful police career, Officer Cook, with honor and the truth dripping from your lips like honey. What emanated from your lips was like polished diamonds, it spoke volumes. Police officers, all officers do not work on style points, it's not the flash and eccentricity that works for both you and those you protect, rather it is the manner by which you utilize safety and proper techniques to secure the results, solutions to the problems in your community that need solving and this is why you were well respected and were the humble leader who easily took to having men and women work not just with you, but under command. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

March 17, 2014

We cannot sever right from wrong; some falsehood mingles with all truth. Who dares to say that he alone has found the truth? One who speaks the truth stabs falsehood in the heart. The nimble lie is like the second-hand upon a clock; we see it fly, while the hour-hand of truth seems to stand still and yet it moves unseen and wins at last, for the clock will not strike until it has reached the goal. You enabled people to separate right from wrong, Officer Cook. Your valor helped people make correct choices based upon their needs. Time unfortunately cannot stand still, it keeps marching on as your very wonderful soul marches to its very unique beat above us in God's golden arches, the gates where you and your fellow comrades who committed their lives in bravery await others so bold and courageous who risk their lives to make peace a priority in this world. Our hearts were torn out by your loss, your loving family, comrades and friends, but they realize how beloved and treasured you were. They know a hero when they see one. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

March 16, 2014

The truth is sometimes a poor competitor in the market place of ideas-complicated, unsatisfying, full of dilemmas, always vulnerable to misinterpretation and abuse. Truth is usually the best vindication against slander. I believe it is an established maxim in morals that he who makes an assertion without knowing whether it is true or false is guilty of falsehood and the accidental truth of the assertion does not justify or excuse him. A young man's poor judgment, any person's poor judgment does not ever excuse wanton mayhem that is exhibited on any duly sworn police officer. And what transpired on May 16, 1979, was the reason, Officer Cook, that you truly were one inspirational hero. The morals you were raised with stayed with you until your last breath. They never left your sight. Problem with some police officers today is that they are blinded by the scent of a wrong that they are supposed to refrain from and then things from there seem to snowball upon them. The truth lies within the playing field, the community that you are supposed to serve and protect suddenly becomes completely unbalanced and the citizens don't know who to turn to in signs of trouble. Dade County knew exactly who to count on when the going got tough and the heat was turned up a notch. Officer William C. Cook, Badge#1664 was just the person who swiftly and unselfishly went to bat for the residents. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

March 16, 2014

Ignorance is preferable to error; and he is less remote from the truth who believes nothing, than he who believes what is wrong. We are not afraid to follow truth wherever it may lead, nor to tolerate any error so long as reason is left free to combat it. On the day you lost your life in the line of duty, Officer Cook, we still can not say why things happened the way they did, but the truth of the matter is that you voluntarily answered a call that you went to many times, you performed supremely well, a young man who had troubles that needed help just wanted to go out of this world not the way one would leave it. Truth be said if the police could have investigated this man a little further things might not have turned out the way they did. But, you, Officer Cook, were sure of what you had to do to save your comrades and those civilians and heroically went over and beyond the call of duty to secure peace in that area. You'll never be forgotten, ignorance illustrates our need to further educate the public and this is exactly why police officers receive the special basic training that assists them when out on patrol. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

March 16, 2014

There is no worse lie than a truth misunderstood by those who hear it. It is error alone which needs the support of government. Truth can stand by itself. The truth to put it very briefly, is only the expedient in the way of our thinking, just as the right is only the expedient in the way of our behaving. The truth is character and perception in daily police work do go hand in hand. Quality and honor represent the makeup our sworn law enforcement officers who stand ready and willing to do whatever is necessary to protect and to serve our not only best interests, but our vital ones too. You were among forty-two Metro-Dade Police Officers, who made the ultimate sacrifice Officer Cook, your assertiveness and astuteness is our way to ascertain your bravery and boldness in reacting to our calls for help. For this you surely will forever be remembered. You stood for right, it took all your might to fight the fight against evil and you prevailed. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

March 16, 2014

Truth in its struggles for recognition, passes through four distinct stages. First, we say it is damable, dangerous, disorderly and will surely disrupt society. Second, we declare it is heretical, infidellic and contrary to which ever Bible you believe in, either the Old or the New Testament. Third, we say it is really a matter of no importance either one way or the other. Fourth, it is whatever we have upheld and believed in. You believed, Officer Cook, in the truth and this never steered you down the wrong road. That day of May 16, 1979, you and your partner that day, Reserve Officer Scott Lincoln were driving on patrol near the end of your watch you heard two numbers called out on your radio and responded in the best way possible. Your heroic measures, Officer Cook, saved your colleague sand the citizens involved in that dispute, but you were the hero that we've all known to respect and to honor your memory. Truth lies at the end of the circle, well it lies forever etched in all of Dade County's memories at NW 12th Ct. and NW 77th Terrace. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. The truth regarding honest men and women like yourself, Officer Cook, is that you lit the torch of truth, justice and freedom the American way.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

March 16, 2014

Truth is tough. It will not break, like a bubble, at a touch; you may kick it about all day, like a football and it will be round and full at evening. The best test of truth is the power of the thought to get itself accepted in the competition of the market. An untruth sometimes travels at the speed of light, while truth goes slowly at times and gets ditched at the first stop. The trouble with the truth is that one must sometimes untangle it like a spider's web. Yet our society lives by this creed and how else can its citizens thrive and only prosper when the truth sets one free in the sense they we may pursue our pleasures only when a sense of fair play exists. Officer Cook, our spirits may be down because you were unwilling to ever deal with others in dishonesty, God forbid. You were a man, an officer whose life and career were only centered around truth and justice, stirred by your passion, compassion, and a both calming and soothing tone of voice. I think like my dad, who was a New York City police officer, he only used his weapon just once from what I was told, you too probably did not use your weapon that much. Matter of fact, I was told that my dad had a colleague who could not hit the targets, don't know how they could patrol the streets. This is all part of your basic training. You had no choice, Officer Cook, on May 16, 1979, you had to use your weapon to defend yourself, your partner and your colleagues from this young man and you performed beyond the call of duty. Life has its moments, we may never know why or what precipitated this man to act the way he did. You would think living with three generations of his family might have helped him get his life straightened out. At least I got to kick a soccerball with your great-nephew, Legend in your mother's backyard. It would have certainly been a moment to treasure to see you throw footballs to your great-nieces and to your great-nephew. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

March 13, 2014

Most of the change we think we see in life is due to truths being in and out of favor. It is astonishing what force, purity and wisdom it requires for a human being to keep clear of falsehood. he who sees the truth, let him proclaim it, without asking who is for it or who is against it. In fact, there's nothing that keeps its youth, so far as I know, but a tree and truth. You only served the citizens of Dade County with hope and with honesty, Officer Cook and you took the time to explain to the citizens your reasons for why you did something that would only serve to benefit them. Your youth was one founded only on the truth, you took a look, but always went by the book with dignity and with integrity. Sturdy as the tall tree next to your grave, all the days of your your young life were spent enhancing our society of which you were so vital a cog. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Change in a community can only be brought about through the duly honorable officers such as yourself, Officer Cook, who were unshaken in their pledge to serve and to protect.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

March 13, 2014

In a contempt for the gabble of today's opinions the secret of the world is to be learned. The highest compact we can make with our fellow is-"Let there be truth between us two forevermore." Every truth leads in another. The bud extrudes the old leaf and every truth brings that which will supplant it. The sting of reproach, is the truth of it. Half the truth is often a great lie. Police officers have to use their training and basic instincts to decide a situation and who may telling a truth or not. I'm sure you had many of these moments, Officer Cook and you had to use your intelligence and calming matter to endeavor to solve a dilemma. Police sometimes use reproach as a lesson to get a point across without employing harsher methods. Firm and unwavering could sum up the reasons as to why you were among the finest patrolling Dade County streets. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

March 12, 2014

God offers to every mind its choice between truth and repose. Take which you please-you can never have both. Every violation of truth is not only a sort of suicide in the liar, but is a stab at the health of human society. Truth is such a fly-away, such a sly-boots, so not transportable and non-barrelable a commodity, that it is as bad to catch as light.The truth sets someone free in the sense that we should have no fears or anxieties if we speak properly and honestly. This is why your life and career, Officer Cook, blossomed in one that now history will look back on as will police historians when speaking of your stellar character and outstanding reputation in Dade County. Heroes are born from their parents and the truth of the matter is how they lived their lives in an exemplary manner. You only will be thought of in a most honorable way forevermore. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. I wished the police that day could have "outfoxed" that young man, all he had to do was to comply with you and your colleagues, surrender and I'm sure he could have gotten the help he most surely and sorely needed.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

March 12, 2014

The most casual student of history knows that, as a matter of fact, truth does not necessarily vanquish. What is more, truth can never win unless it is promulgated. Truth does not carry within itself an antitoxin to falsehood. The cause of truth must be championed and it must be championed dynamically. You were our super champion police officer, Officer Cook, not only a champion in both class and in dignity, but, in challenging us all to work for the common cause. And it was and still remains this cause that exists here in Dade County today. You sacrificed for us and how can we but sacrifice a little extra something special for a real gentleman of your appeal. You represented everybody and attempted to bridge any gaps that may have existed back in your day with Metro-Dade and its fine police department. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Your giving up your life will never extinguish that flame and passion you maintained in vigilance to all. History will record your superior effort and that of those who went before you to keep justice churning properly.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

March 11, 2014

Truth, crushed to earth, shall rise again; the eternal years of God are Hers; but error, wounded, writhes in pain and dies among His worshipers. As previously stated, Officer Cook, your soul will forever hover above us because you were a practical man, a humble and loyal servant who only spoke the truth. If only some of today's police officers could act the part, it sure would go a long way in making important inroads and strides which need to be further brought together in a fraternity that sorely demands it. Your untimely line of duty passing serves to inspire the multitudes of the many fine women and men whose bravery is always counted upon to shore up the freedom and pursuits of its residents. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

March 11, 2014

As scarce as truth is, the supply has always been in excess of the demand, for truth there is no deadline. Sometimes in life, Officer Cook, it has been said that the truth is stranger than fiction. If the truth about our society is that it's perfectly safe, than we wouldn't need dedicated police officers such as yourself to serve and protect us. You and your fellow comrades who have made the ultimate sacrifices would still be here alive and well and living prosperous lives. But, sadly you and twenty-one thousand other terrifically marvelous heroes and heroines saved us through your devotions and determination. You were a saintly man and your cherished soul deserves to hover above us forever. You meant the world to your family, friends and colleagues all over this great land. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

March 11, 2014

Calamity is a more commonly plain and unmistakable reminder that the affairs of this life are not of our own ordering. Calamities are of two kinds: misfortune to ourselves and good fortune to others. It is a matter of much satisfaction and gratitude with me to observe how heroically most of us endure the misfortune of other people. When any police officer lays their life down for our benefit it is up to not only their department, but to their community and the nation as a whole to come to together and bond like no our time before. We share in a family's sorrow as the life and career of their loved one is remembered. You were eulogized by Auxiliary Bishop John Joseph Nevins, as a man of faith, a person of principle and resolute character, unbending and unwavering in all your pursuits including your professional mannerisms in keeping peace and unity as a framework for all citizens of Dade County, Officer Cook, I wished I could have attended your services, no dry eyes among the persons who gathered to pay their fond respects to a gentleman, literally who would go out of his way to assist others. Tragedies and sad events for the most part serve to unite those who have ever lived. It's a part of our lifecycle with whoever lives will at some point have to experience this. We just try to uplift those with heavy hearts. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

March 11, 2014

Look not mournfully into the past. It does not come back again. Wisely improve the present. It is yours. Go forth to meet the shadowy future, without fear and with a manly heart. What is time? The shadow on the dial, the striking of the clock, the running of the sand, day and night, summer and winter, months, years, centuries-these are but arbitrary and outward signs, the measure of time, not time itself. Time is the life of the soul. It is not till time, with reckless hand, has torn out half the leaves from the Book of Human Life, to light the fires of passion with, from day to day, that man begins to see that the leaves which remain are few to number. Time softly there laughs through the abyss of radiance with the Gods. The small intolerable drums of time are like the slow drops descending. The future is no more uncertain than the present. All most of us can say with certainty, Officer Cook, is that you performed admirably in a timely manner to save the lives of your fellow officers and the civilians involved in that domestic dispute in which you gave your life and career to make the lives of Dade County citizens much more vibrant. The bagpipes that were played at your Inspector's Funeral, the taps played and the gun salute afforded you because of how you utilized time in a most precise and wisely fashion. All that we have today could be directly linked to your dignity, integrity, compassion and determined passion to become the finest police officer that Metro-Dade has ever come to know and to respect. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Time marches on and as it does so too do the memories of a wonderful man, a loving son, cherished brother and a marvelous husband who worked enthusiastically to provide for his beloved wife and their home.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

March 10, 2014

The days are ever divine as to the first Aryans. They are of the least pretension and of the greatest capacity of anything that exists. They come and go like muffled and veiled figures sent from a distant friendly party; but they say nothing and if we do not use the gifts they bring, they carry them as silently away. Lost time is never found again. You may delay, but time will not. But do you love life, then do not squander time, for that's the stuff life is made of. Time flies over us, but leaves its shadow behind. You certainly brought a charming character and a compassionate charisma to life, that which you led by example in honesty, dignity and in integrity, Officer Cook. Thirty-five years from the time you made the ultimate sacrifice is nearly upon us, but one sure thing, your soul flies over us every moment of the day, afternoon and evening. The shadow of your goodness permeates over this community that you served so well with respect to all its citizens who are forever grateful for having you in their midst. You lived each moment as one should live and are now being rewarded for all your endeavors. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Today I visited your grave, but I found two small pinwheels broken on the ground and the stick of a larger one on the ground. I went to the office taped it back up and placed it in the ground. People who visit the grave of anyone, not to mention a heroic police officer should respect the site and what that individual represented to and in society.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

March 9, 2014

Honesty was essential for your growth, Officer Cook and you heroically risked your life to save your comrades and those civilians. Time is a test of trouble, but not a remedy, if such it proves, it proves too there was no malady. Obviously, if there is no evil in any society, we probably would not have the need for the many honorable and courageous women and men of law enforcement. But you were one of the finest officers in all of these United States of America. It's quite evident by the sacrifice you made on behalf of the citizens of Dade County. I still wish you were here, but we all recognize you are in a place now watching over the streets where you garnered many friends and people who knew you had their backs. Police officers cannot handle every single thing they just attempt to get a handle on most dilemmas that ordinary people would not dare involve themselves with. Sturdy as a rock, a solid personality to match, rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Officer William C. Cook, an honest and cool calm and collected gentleman.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

March 5, 2014

Time does not become sacred to us until we have lived it, until it has passed over us and taken with it part of ourselves. Softened by time's consummate plush, how sleek the woe appears that threatened childhood's citadel and undermined the years! I meant to say in the last reflection, Officer Cook, what you achieved in life as a police officer and as an individual. Your time on this earth though it was twenty-five years sure contained plenty of positive and everlasting accomplishments. You personality, your smile, your upbeat nature, your maturity and wisdom that is all sorely missed today. I'm sure growing up you and your devoted sister, Nancy, both had terrific upbringings and honesty with essential for your development as well as your continued successes in life and during your career with the Metro-Dade Police Department. A tragedy when a young man bent on evil commits an atrocity that not only undermined your family, but your friends and colleagues within your division and in the department. One thing he did not undermine is your ferocity in solving crimes, calming citizens down with your penchant for compassion and heroic risking your life as part of your official duties saving seven lives in a short time frame. You'll always be fondly remembered and thought of in the highest esteem. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. This is why we as citizens cannot waste one moment, we must persevere and carry on with the goals and aspirations of which you stood solemnly by.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

March 5, 2014

Backward, flow backward. O tide of the years! I am so weary of toil and of tears-toil without recompense, tears all in vain-take them and give me my childhood again! I have grown weary of dust and decay, weary of flinging my soul-wreath away, weary of sowing for others to reap; rock me to sleep, mother-rock me to sleep! However we look at one's life from whatever direction, it still takes the route of your vigilance and duly noted bravery, Officer Cook, making the sacrifice so others can reap what they sow, what they can achievement in honesty as you did as a dedicated and quintessential Metro-Dade Police Officer. Nothing in vain all the tears shed for you when Dade County Police Officers laid you to rest, to sleep under God's brightest of skies and in the darkness of His multitude of constellations. If you read this reflection, Mrs. Cook, I hope this finds you still in the best of good health, for you and your loving family realize that your loving son, William, "Billy" deserves to sleep peacefully among all the other heroines and heroes who fought valiantly in this world to vanquish evil. As my neighbor, friend and your heroic son you have many pleasant thoughts of your devoted son's life to cherish forever. Stay well and rest in peace Officer Cook, I'm going to remember his fine and wonderful life and career always.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

March 4, 2014

See childhood, youth and manhood pass and age with furrowed brow; time was-time shall be-drain the glass-but where in time is now? A person is born, with the good Lord's help they grow up to become something in this society and make a contribution which assists in its growth. brave women and men, police officers who stand ready to take on all of the tall and dangerous challenges which help us the citizens stay safe and sound. Time is one's best friend, teaching best of all the wisdom of silence. We are called to look no further than back that day of May 16, 1979, when one proud, yet humble public servant, Officer William C. Cook, thrust himself into action responding to a call in which the lives of at least seven people were in danger. You performed your job my neighbor, friend and hero beyond the call of duty without complaint and saved those persons, four of whom were your fellow officers. Dade County owed you a big debt of thanks for your sacrifice. The wisdom you possessed will never again be matched nor replicated, it was and is God's infinite wisdom that ultimately determines our fate and divine destinies. You will not ever be forgotten! Rest in peace.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

March 4, 2014

Heap high the board with plenteous cheer and gather to the feast and toast that sturdy pilgrim band whose courage never ceased. Give praise to that All Gracious One by whom their steps were led and thanks unto the harvest's Lord who sends our "daily bread." You worked extremely hard, Officer Cook, to provide for your family's daily bread and whatever was part of your table's spread. We can give thanks to the Lord for you being an integral part of us for twenty-five years and forever more as you rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

March 4, 2014

O summer day beside the joyous sea! O summer day so wonderful and white. So full of gladness and so full of pain! Forever and forever shall thou be to some gravestone of someone who passed and made us proud of him, to some landmark of a new domain. Summers are never quite the same as are all the seasons as long as our loved ones are no there to share them with us. The memories still remain fresh and vivid as though it were still yesterday. Somewhere, Officer Cook, in the glistening shadows of the next world where you lie, just cannot get the feeling of you and your loss out of my mind. You are always in my mind, heart and within this community of North Miami Beach, Florida where you were raised. You were the everlasting public servant who prided himself on honesty and dignity with the scent of integrity always following your pursuits in life and during your wonderful career. If May showers bring flowers, then what is so rare as a day in June? Then, if ever, come perfect days; then heaven tries earth if it be in tune and over it softly her warm ear lays. Your ears and eyes and bright smile still reach us, it is we who have to reach out to you, for they too represent a handsome and heavenly man who served his people, both professionally and spiritually with all of God's good graces. I like to keep your gravestone clean when I visit as I do when I visit that of my parents. You served with honor in life, comported yourself with distinction, so too in passing may you be given these same fine attributes. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

March 3, 2014

Often, when the wine in his glass were red, he longed for the wayside well instead; and closed his eyes on his garnished rooms to dream of meadows and clover-blooms. And the proud man sighed, with a secret pain, "Ah, that I was free again!" If you were only here today, Officer Cook, hoisted and toasted to your good health and retirement from a career and profession that you pursued with all the passion that God instills in each and everyone of His creatures. But the vision from far beyond of His lush green meadows is proof enough that He does know each of our destinies, your destiny, though short-lived and we are all mournful of your loss, as untimely as it was, was in the name of heaven and in the line of duty to enable us to carry on and to fulfill your dreams. You did get to witness nature as a photographer, I'm sure you would have become a very talented crime scene technician while carrying Badge#1664 with all the honor due to the position. You surely too would have risen through the ranks, your dignity and valor would have steered you there. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero, when your colleagues gather together, you are never far from their thoughts and prayers.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

March 3, 2014

I must admit that I measure success in terms of the contributions an individual makes to her or his fellow human beings. The man who never tells an unpalatable truth "at the wrong time" (the right time has yet to be discovered) is the man whose success in life is fairly well assured. A man is never so on trial as in the moment of excessive good fortune. The success that you delivered in high quality to the Dade County community, Officer Cook, will never again be replicated. You stood for sturdiness, honesty and integrity that was ingrained in you since you were a young man. A lot goes into the making of a fine individual and your parents who loved you, Mr. and Mrs. Charles and Julia Cook, have a lot to be thankful and very proud of, as does your loving sister, Nancy and your beloved wife, Karen. At least we've all come to understand that the badge that was pinned on your chest, your uniform when you graduated from the police academy spoke volumes of the very fine gentleman who would go on for the next years and would have been more to become one of the finest in the Metro-Dade Police Department to provide top service and protection to all who sought you out for advice on any situation that may have arisen during your watch. You didn't run from danger, you ran toward it top protect your fellow police comrades and civilians and you were one who shunned honors, they were awarded to you in a humble and in a humane fashion for your excellent work. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Your dad should rest in peace and I'll continue to pray for your mother at ninety-eight, Mrs. Julia Cook, a humble woman who went out of her way to write a letter to myself, even though we too never had the joyful pleasure to ever meet. I also received a letter from Mr. Scott Oliphant, a neighbor, your mom's letter meant a lot sentimentally to me and my family Officer Cook. Keep smiling and looking down on us, God surely has a really golden angel among His servants surveying the coming and going here in this world.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

March 3, 2014