Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

He started to sing as he tackled the thing that couldn't be done and he did it. Of course everybody likes and respects self-made men. It's a great deal better to be made in that way than not to be made at all. In order to stand success you must be of a very stern fiber, with all of Our Creator on your side. There wasn't too much in your life growing up as a young boy that you could not handle, Officer Cook. Not knowing you personally, but from speaking with your niece, Gina and your nephew, Justin, you seemed to be an optimist by heart and yours was in the right place the day you decided to join the Police Academy at Miami-Dade North Community College on the pathway to becoming a very talented officer with the Metro-Dade Police Department who was confident in all his endeavors. Success can sometimes blind a person and lead them astray, it did not however do this to you. Superior, unique, confident, compassionate, energetic, serious and soothing-success. Let's hope all officers can continue to operate officially under this mantra and be safe in their efforts. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Sometimes in life you might have to take a step back in order to achieve your goals.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

March 2, 2014

He started to sing as he tackled the thing that couldn't be done and he did it. Of course everybody likes and respects self-made men. It's a great deal better to be made in that way than not to be made at all. In order to stand success you must be of a very stern fiber, with all of Our Creator on your side. There wasn't too much in your life growing up as a young boy that you could not handle, Officer Cook. Not knowing you personally, but from speaking with your niece, Gina and your nephew, Justin, you seemed to be an optimist by heart and yours was in the right place the day you decided to join the Police Academy at Miami-Dade North Community College on the pathway to becoming a very talented officer with the Metro-Dade Police Department who was confident in all his endeavors. Success can sometimes blind a person and lead them astray, it did not however do this to you. Superior, unique, confident, compassionate, energetic, serious and soothing-success. Let's hope all officers can continue to operate officially under this mantra and be safe in their efforts. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

March 2, 2014

Structure may be seen as a bandage, for some of us, but if it helps just a little, we need to apportion our time to fit the task, not to see everything before us on the same scale. Some people view their work as mountains; there is very little differential in the size of any job. It is daunting, distressing and you never seem to know a good time to start or to end any of them. You knew how to apportion your assignments, Officer Cook, you were the all purpose police officer who could be relied upon in a pinch or a tough bind. You responded on May 16, 1979, to a call which you answered many other times and responded beyond any one's imagination to endeavor which you did to save the lives of your comrades and the civilians involved. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. You observed and performed by the rules at all times. The consummate professional!

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

March 2, 2014

All success consists in this: You are doing something for somebody-benefiting humanity-and the feeling of success comes from the consciousness of this. Our self-made men are the glory of our institutions. You performed greatly, Officer Cook, in all kinds of situations and I believe your stellar career can be characterized as such. An asset to his department and to your division, you made the term common sense a household statement as one of Dade County's finest police officers of your day. When one sacrifices their life for the betterment of an entire community you can't say anything finer than those achievements that now and forever have changed the landscape here in South Florida. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. All the salutes for courage, bravery and valor that come your way should be joined with a doff of the cap. The numbers of your badge and that of my father's when added together equal twenty-eight the geometry for the word strength in the Hebrew language, which you had plenty of, as this was the pillar of you makeup. God should grant your loved ones the strength to persevere each and everyday.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

March 1, 2014

All successful men have agreed in one thing-they were causationists. They believed that things went not by luck, but by law; that there was not a weak or a cracked link in the chain that joins the first and last of things. Often a certain abdication of prudence and foresight is an element of success. Success in police work depends not only in departments and their divisions working for a common cause, but the work ethics of its finely and highly trained officers coming together each with their brand of dignity and integrity. You brought this trait to your position, Officer Cook and it served you well and for the most part it never let you down. When one officer falls, it's as if any entire nation has fallen. You would want for us to pursue our hopes and dreams as so vigorously did, appeal to the common good of people and be there to uplift their spirits, something I'm sure you did countless times. You are being honored countless times for bravery above and beyond the call of duty. You made the moments matter. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 27, 2014

Police officers create; ordinary leaders consume. The ordinary leader is satisfied with ameliorating the environment, not transforming it; an officer must be not only be a visionary, but an educator. The true professional does not despise any wisdom, howsoever lowly may be its origin. Getting moralities right is as important as is getting the formalities squared away. Police officers are teachers in that they are supposed to shape and mold the diversity of the human culture of which they loyally serve and protect. Back in your day, Officer Cook, the salary was not that much, but you all had a distinctively unique role to carryout in service to your communities. Sometimes you had to work under duress, under stress not knowing who or what you may have been dealing with. Very difficult for the average citizen. You my neighbor, friend and hero personified this profession in a highly humble and humane fashion, never forgetting your roots, nor the terrific upbringing that brought you to your role as a Metro-Dade Police Officer. Your accomplishments have contributed to the present day benefits that we all share and partake in. You flexed your mind and not your muscle in putting together solid plans to help combat crime and bring peace and unity back to the community where you were known and loved. A dove is a bird of peace and for every bird that flies above us if we think of your wonderful soul, it too will forever fly over us for you to gaze down below and witness the beauty in society that we can all share because of your unselfishness. Rest in peace.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 27, 2014

Again the blackbirds sing; the streams wake, laughing, from their winter dreams and tremble in the April showers, the tassels of the maple flowers. Statesmanship: the art of uncompromising devotion to humanity, the alleviation of suffering and the creation of a decent and peaceful environment throughout the world. A good and honorable young man, Officer Cook and this is your identity and this is why you were revered by all Dade County citizens. April showers, May flowers, birds singing, flying through the air, pinwheels that keep turning representing life that springs eternal. You played a large role in seeing a community change through leaps and bounds, we would have preferred if you could have been part of this change, but, none the less, your sacrifice stands for the epitome of this change. The ultimate statesman, a treasured and decent gentleman, literally, you oozed a unique passion and a special compassion that can never again be replicated. We can stand tall, because of your unwavering courage and common sense approach in solving problems most of us would dare not tackle. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 27, 2014

We are confronted with insurmountable opportunities. We all can state with clarity that when you were confronted with a decision, Officer Cook, you tackled any and all challenges with a clear mind and only with the utmost honor and dignity that you position called for. Police officers always have a plethora of situations that they must solve in order to ensure peace and unity in the community. You were the master at making tactical decisions that forever changed your community and going to that call that day saved countless lives of your brother officers and the civilians who depended on you and your firmness and calming manner to bring law and order to a community that yearned for it. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 26, 2014

If Dad's first love was his work, we take our job to be our full-time mistress and wonder if Dad is watching from his grave as we work ourselves into an early one. Of course, Officer Cook, your loving mother, Mrs. Julia Cook, may she live and be well was your beloved father, Charles' love and the focal point of his life. Your father like my father, Owen C. Davis, may he too rest in peace was a very loyal and devoted husband and father who too nurtured, mentored and motivated his children, myself and my sister, Michele, to do the right things to succeed in life. Your dad devoted his life to the military as my dad devoted almost forty years to the New York City Police Department. You were very much in love and very devoted to your wife, Karen as she was to you with her profession as a registered nurse. You and your father, Officer Cook, may you both rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero were devoted to the common cause and the goodwill of all mankind. This world, this society surely misses you free spirit, but we know it constantly hovers overhead watching our every move. It is a tragedy you were forced into an "early retirement, " by the evil perpetrated from a troubled young man. You'll forever be remembered by your loving family, friends, colleagues and this community of Dade County for giving back more than we could ever give back to you for making the ultimate sacrifice. Your dad worked very tirelessly to provide the necessary means for his family as did my father and when he worked as a policeman, bulletproof vests did not exist, I'm sure my mother, may she too rest in peace, Bernice said lots of prayers as did Karen for your safety. Your courage, your moxie will never ever come into question. May 16, 1979, you saved the lives of seven people and possibly countless more because of your unselfishness. All these many years later and you are still thought of in the highest regard.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 24, 2014

The word Armageddon strikes a chord that does indeed conjure up evil lurking within the minds of the criminal element. My candle burns at both ends; it will not last the night; but, ah, my foes and oh, my friends-it gives a lovely light. A most memorable light, but a short-lived glow. The light of your cherished soul, Officer Cook, will never be extinguished and for your wonderfully orchestrated life of twenty-five years, you are surely being reward for the bravery and heroism you solemnly displayed on May 16, 1979. We tend to exhaust ourselves, using up valuable energy. You recognized your limitations, Officer Cook, few and far in between. You took the energy you were created with and used it to serve and protect the citizens of Dade County very faithfully. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 22, 2014

Doubt grows with knowledge. The older we get the more questions we may ask. The intellect of man is forced to choose perfection of life or of work. And if it takes the second, it must refuse a heavenly mansion raging in the dark. The young man that took you from among us, Officer Cook, was bent on rage and did not care who he was bent on harming. Look at your amazing and heroic feat. You took on this young man, I'm not sure if you or your comrades were able to investigate his background before pursuing him. You all actually responded to an officer needs assistance and a domestic call of which you utilized your superior intellect and sheer brilliance to solve and resolve in a calming manner these sometimes extremely tough situations that are difficult at best to get a better handle on. Police officers need the training as rigorous as it can be, they also need a lot of different elements coming together in order to ensure their safety and the public for whom they serve and protect. Historically, we have no models for a hybrid life. As difficult and as demanding a profession as yours was, Officer Cook, your humbleness, love for the work as fine and as excellent as it was for six years this carried you each moment during your watch. God knows the kind of professional you were, the man behind the badge who acquitted himself beyond expectation. Choosing perfection on either path is dangerous, at least it is possible that danger lurks. You hoped and were able to strike a balance between work and family that created a well meaningful spiritual and a very well grounded physical life for your years with us. God rewards those who fear Him and serve Him with their entire beings. My neighbor, friend and hero as you rest in peace, know that you now watch from the heavens above, where only God's divine brilliance now radiates over His servants who serve Him as you did with honor, glory and a sheer will made up only of dignity and integrity personified. I know, we all know that if you were here today, Officer Cook, if there were any doubts, there never were any, that your maturity and wisdom would be of great help to all officers who serve the ranks as wisely and as professionally as you fulfilled your mission.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 21, 2014

I meant to say the bagpipes that were being played at your Inspector's Funeral, Officer Cook, served to remind of your sacrifice and how we can do much better in our daily efforts. Spring, with that nameless pathos in the air which dwells with all things fair. Spring with her golden suns and silver rain, is with us once again. Winter lingered so long in the lap of spring, that it occasioned a great deal of talk. All things being fair, well it's unfair that our police officers who give so much to make our lives that much more safer have theirs snuffed out by people who just don't care about the ramifications of their heinous actions. The heroes and heroines who we honor like yourself, Officer Cook, will remain the face and backbones of their departments and in the hearts and minds of Dade County residents forever. Your love and support that began your careers was fostered by your loving parents who guided you down all the proper pathways of life with Our Creator steering your directional compass every step of the way ensuring your achievements, successes and accomplishments by which you made us all very proud. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. The ring of spring is that very thing that tells us the person, the police officer you were who fought vigorously until the end to spread the message of peace and unity within the community where you humbly served us and were in turn honored for your charisma, passion and dedication.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 20, 2014

Wag the world how it will, leaves must be green in spring. Spring rides no horses down the hill, but comes on foot, a goose-girl still, And all the loveliest things there be come simply so, it seems to me. Everything with your life and career seemed to be going only uphill, Officer Cook. For your family my neighbor, friend and hero, things should only be brighter as you look down from the heavens above and making certain they are putting forth their best effort as you always did. Rest in peace Thinking about what happened to you brings a chill to my spine and goose bumps all over.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 20, 2014

Then seems to come a hitch-things lag behind, until some fine morning spring makes up her mind....Then all the waters bow themselves and come, sudden, in one great slope of shedderin foam, just so our spring gifts everything in tune and gives one leap from April into June: then all comes crowding in; before you think, young oak leaves mist the side hill woods with pink. The one thing that may have lagged behind were the side panels that all Metro-Dade Police Officers should have had as part of their equipment. It took your sacrifice, Officer Cook, tragically speaking to make this a reality. No matter the month, the time or the season, you were there Officer Cook, to serve and to protect Dade County citizens and you exceeded beyond expectations. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 20, 2014

Then came the lovely spring with a rush of blossoms and music, flooding the earth with flowers and the air with melodies vernal. Plenty of roses and many other beautiful flowers in full bloom were displayed at your Inspector's Funeral, Officer Cook, as well as the sound of the bagpipes been played outside of St. Mary's Cathedral, that hot Saturday afternoon of May 19, 1979. It was a clear day just as it was on May 16, 1979, the Wednesday afternoon when you sacrificed your young life so our lives could continue. No one prospers from the death of a police officer, much less from someone so humble and well respected within your department and in the Dade County community as you were Officer Cook. You were the inspiration whose aspiration should serve to challenge us to climb to more greater heights. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 17, 2014

The lovely town was white with apple-blooms and the great elms overhead dark shadows wove on their aerial looms, shot through with golden thread. The Liberty City is certainly different then in your day, Officer Cook and has only been enhanced because of your sacrifice which has benefited everyone. Now we may know why the month of May is a perfumed word. You spread a good scent with your undying spirit to all concerned. It is an illuminated initial. It means youth, love, song and all that is beautiful in life. You indeed my neighbor, friend and hero were exactly that, a beautiful person with a wonderfully giving sense of character and humor that uplifted those whose hearts were down. Rest in peace.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 17, 2014

Came the spring with all its splendor, all its birds and all its blossoms, all its flowers, leaves and grasses. All the splendid service you provided Dade County, Officer Cook, will never go unforgotten like the leaves when they turn brown at the change of the season. The leaves on the big tree near your grave stay green as do the wonderful memories your family, friends and colleagues have of your determination and devoted compassion toward everyone. This will always stay in full bloom. You brought a measure of sanity to the residents and this is the true litmus test of which all future officers must follow to the letter if they are going to succeed and to remain safe. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 17, 2014

The swallow is come! The swallow is come! O, fair are the seasons and light are the days she brings, with her dusky wings and her bosom snowy white! No matter the season, there can never be any reason why innocent police officers should have to sacrifice their lives, but we do realize it is part of their job, their profession, it's their willing to risk everything to keep both external and internal peace and unity in their communities. Officer Cook, this was your mantra to keep vigilance and protection over us. We cannot put into many more words all that you stood for in honesty and in dignity. You were the epitome of bravery when all evil reared its ugliness that awful day of May 16, 1979 and you were Dade County's true Godsend to be at the right place at the right moment, even though you could have gone back to your headquarters, you did all you could do with the powers and training you had to save your comrades and those three civilians. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 16, 2014

Spring's not to be mistaken. When her first far flute-notes blow across the snow, bird, beast and blossom know that she is here. We all recognize one thing, Officer Cook, when the month of May is upon us, bravery and courage is honored in the form of the Dade County Police Memorial which hearkens back to the past law enforcement men and women so unwavering in their efforts in securing peace and unity in their communities while making the ultimate sacrifice. The sounds of bagpipes on a warm spring served to unite this community in remembering one of its finest and humblest of heroes, Officer William C. Cook, Badge#1664. Your name will always inspire us to do the right thing and to transmit the proper message to everyone. That message is to seek peace in the proper manner, by utilizing a passionate, calming and soothing tone. You always acquitted yourself one-hundred percent of the time, as citizens we can expect no less from today's officers. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 15, 2014

Doubt grows with knowledge. The older and wiser a person gets, the less dogmatic they get and are open to more practical thinking. Staying busy covers a multitude of inequities, frustrations, sadness, doubts. When we can take a moment to spend measuring our thoughts, activities and the reasons that lie behind them, this assists us greatly. There can be no doubt, that at age sixty, Officer Cook, the maturity and wisdom that you possessed at age twenty-five would be surpassed now if you with us today. That wisdom you had is certainly and sorely missed as is your wonderfully brilliant sense of humor. I'm sure you and your dad, Charles are sharing some happy stories along with your comrades who like you made the ultimate sacrifice. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 13, 2014

Hear that longtime whipperwill? He sounds too blue to fly. The midnight train is whining low. I'm so lonesome I could cry. Boy, everyone cried that day, your were taken from among our midst, Officer Cook. Sadly, we cannot deny what took place that fateful day of May 16, 1979. Simply put, a very good, decent and a distinguished gentleman and a diligent police officer had his life taken in the performance of his duties. You'll not be forgotten ever. May you rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 13, 2014

Spring in the world! And all things are made new. For surely in the blind deep-buried roots of all men's souls today a secret quiver shoots. We can all just wish that police officers are never ever harmed or have their lives taken no matter the circumstances. Police officers who valiantly and bravely give up their lives to secure peace and freedom are those "fallen stars," whose souls now and forever illuminate God's darkest of skies. When you look up on the Officers Down Memorial Page and you only see thirteen officers laying their lives down on one particular day, that may seem small, but in reality it's still way too many. It should be a big zero next to the day, everyday, but the reality of the job, the profession, the acute dangers that lurk in the faces of every officer is what grabs our attention. Officers such as yourself, Officer Cook, who act properly and respond to calls voluntarily, you ran to danger that awful day, not away from it leaving your comrades exposed to the wanton violence of a very disturbed young man. The fact that he had no criminal record and that he acted in the manner that he acted, denotes the problems that our society faces and the ailments that still exist among ourselves. You went from a dedicated police officer to a humble and unsung hero, saving seven lives that day, like I reflected upon, saving seven worlds. Magnificent and marvelous only begin to describe the kind of gentleman, literally and figuratively. Your excellent upbringing constituted the makeup of your stellar character and honesty that carried you and uplifted the Dade County community to even far greater heights. The good name of Officer William C. Cook, lives on in your family, your friends and all of your colleagues who you went to battle for to keep the peace and justice in all of Dade County's territories. You will always be fondly remembered by my family. A job well done! Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 13, 2014

When the trellised grapes their flowers unmask and the new born tendrils twine, the old wine darkening in the cask feels the bloom on the living vine and bursts the hoops at the hint of spring. No matter the month, everyday, every season, we pause and reflect back on the lives of the many heroines and heroes whose valor transcends anything we could imagine. I'm sure if you were here today, Officer Cook, sipping a glass of wine with your family and friends would conjure up memories of old. The quiet and relaxing times you spent with your beloved Karen, your beloved parents, may your mother, Mrs. Julia Cook, live and be well, would bring back many wonderful times. But, you were a hero to be sure, many men and women serving as police officers in Dade County who were unafraid to make that"ultimate sacrifice," to better their communities. That large oak tree near your grave, so tall and steady is representative of your commitment in caring, firm and as calming as the leaves that blow each moment. You are the example of what is meant by an outstanding police officer and how they should comport themselves. Your humility spoke volumes, your concentration to detail unwavering, Badge#1664 was worn with extreme pride and honor. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 13, 2014

Daughter of heaven and earth, coy spring, with sudden passion languishing, teaching barren moors to smile, painting pictures mile on mile, holds a cup of cowslip-wreaths, where a smokeless incense breathes. As a son of heaven, Officer Cook, God has sheltered you all these years to serve as one of His golden angels after the splendid performance you delivered to Metro-Dade's Police Department and its citizens. Your compassion towards others won't be forgotten or left on the backburner. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 12, 2014

April is the cruelest month, breeding lilacs out of the dead land, mixing memory and desire, stirring dull roots with spring rain. For your niece April is Gina's birthday, when May rolls around police officers gather to remember their fallen comrades Officer Cook, men and women brave and so full of vitality, taken in the prime of their lives with so much more to give. She was a young child when you were taken and her uncle "Bo" as you were called has never been forgotten. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero, twelve months a year we remember your exploits of goodwill.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 12, 2014