Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

The beleaguered might endeavor in futile things, but wars with the heart are those that dare and sing. I care not who writes the laws of a country so long as I may listen to its songs. That is why it is up to the finest and most courageous women and men of our law enforcement communities to give us an adjustment into how we might better lead a charge of cheer and goodwill to make certain that peace and unity never leave our midst. We can sing and be joyful because of your unending amount of energy, Officer Cook, that you brought to your job on a daily basis. I'm sure at your Inspector's Funeral there was some singing, Officer Cook, along the wailing of the bagpipes and the sobs of the throngs of people and fellow officers who came locally and from all over the country to pay homage to a true and humble beacon of hope, an optimist who never let despair keep him down for long. The rays of opportunity for all Dade County citizens shine even brighter because of your bravery, unselfish commitment to sacrifice and courageous heart, my neighbor, friend and hero, Officer Cook. Rest in peace.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 3, 2014

When he sang, the village listened; all the warriors gathered around him, all the women came to hear him: now he stirred their souls to passion, now he melted them to pity. When you were out on patrol, Officer Cook, day or night the citizens knew it was yourself who had their backs and looked after all people with the same professionalism that allowed you the opportunity to take others under your wing or command. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Your actions have stirred our passions into how one should primarily conduct both their private and professional lives.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 3, 2014

I breathed a song into the air, it fell to earth, I knew not where; for who has sight so keen and strong, that it can follow the flight of Song? As long as you were alive and well, Officer Cook, every breath and ounce of strength in your body was utilized only for the good of this world and in making those people who you served and protected diligently and faithfully confident in their abilities and capabilities to prosper in all their endeavors. You were a very observant, strong and resourceful officer who as was stated by your close friend, Chief Geoff Jacobs was way ahead of the crowd in maturity and in leadership. Your loving spirit now flies as high as those songs you sung as a young man and will forever fly high. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 3, 2014

What is the taste of song, when the world lacks the ear of taste? Blues are the songs of despair, but songs sung in a house of worship are the songs of hope. Amazing Grace is surely the proper song to play at the Inspector's Funeral of an officer who gives their life so others can live. Your acceptance into God's golden streets, Officer Cook, is and will always be because you were unafraid in meeting the daily challenges that lie in front of each officer. The hope of realization is one day all will be reunited with you once again. You were a master of compassion and a prince of passion who never met an exploit to big to travel through. You more than carried you weight during your battles with evil and brought forth an everlasting change within your community that can still be felt today. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 2, 2014

Many a heart is aching, if you could read them all, many the hopes that have vanished after the ball. Our hopes have not left us, Officer Cook. One thing for certain, your beautiful spirit still flies gently in each day and nights breeze up in God's heavenly skies. So long as you are looking down, we feel a great sense of calmness in the air we take in our lungs. lead us to keep expanding our horizons and the special intrinsic gifts we have been given by Our Creator. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Our hearts will always ache over your loss, we can shed a tear or two, but we know you would want us to carry on with the same degree of grace and dignity you so faithfully exhibited while loyally serving all Dade County.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 2, 2014

In some aspects a trailer park is a Utopian society, for it consists of persons each of whom is occupying the same amount of space in the community and none of whom is working very hard at anything in particular and all of whom are engaged in perfecting the art of living; and although trailer society, like every other society I have ever examined, has its little caste system, economically it is rather a success: everyday is a holiday and every night is bingo. People can live how ever they choose to. Matter of fact, I have known some fine people who lived in a trailer park and worked their tails off to do so. They hook up their boats to their RVs and travel around the country wherever and whenever they choose to. You might have done this with Karen, Officer Cook, taken an RV and traveled a bit while on a vacation with her. It can be very relaxing, no hustle and bustle of waiting in a security line at the airport to board a jet, just yourselves and nature, since you were a photographer and an outdoor person. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 2, 2014

It is the tendency of all social burdens to crush out the middle class and to force society into an organization of only two classes, one at each social extreme. Of all the burdens that rest squarely on the shoulders of all police officers, honesty and integrity would seem to go hand in hand. You cannot have a force, Officer Cook, in which the majority of its officers acts in a reckless and callous manner. You can't. Society may suffer from affliction and strife, it's up to its heroes and heroines to stay the course and to do the very best job possible to keep freedom's ship a float. Your division and department I want to think does this twenty-four hours a day, year round in order for the residents to in peace and without the fears of something sinister happening. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 2, 2014

Society is like the air, necessary to breathe, but not enough to live on. your body and soul, Officer Cook, was exposed to evil that awful day, but you gave your very last ounce of breathe to procure the rights of everyone in order for them to continue living their lives. A grand hero to be sure, who worked his existence so we could all survive and thrive. High society may be for those who have stopped working and no longer have anything important to do. You had your whole life in front of you with Karen, she knew and understood the risks you and the many fine and talented police officers make each day to secure our liberties. A friend until the end, whose unwavering spirit complimented your colleagues in their daily challenges. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. God is surely making certain all those zeroes have a number next to them indicating the challenges that lie ahead for those of us in this world.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 2, 2014

I doubt very much if civilization-so called has helped generosity. I bet the old caveman would divide his food with you as quick as one of us will ask a down-and-out to go in and have a meal with us. Those old boys and girls would tear off a wolf skin breech-clout and give you half of it, quicker than a Ph.D. would slip you his umbrella. Civilization has taught us how to use utensils, but there are those who think it is easier to use one's fingers if nobody is watching. I know, Officer Cook, you were raised along with Nancy, your sister with proper manners. All officers are expected to act properly as much as the citizens they serve and protect. May 16, 1979 bears out this fact in a most vivid and memorable fashion. Tragically, we still have one too many uncivilized persons who think bedlam, kayos and mayhem is deemed proper behavior. You were a very brave soul to answer a call you had answered many times during your six years of serving Metro-Dade County residents and won't be forgotten for doing so. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 2, 2014

I doubt very much if civilization{so called} has helped generosity. I'd bet the old caveman called divide his food with you as quick as one of us will ask a down and out person to go in and have a meal with us. Those old boys and girls would rip off a wolf skin breech-clout and give you half of it, quicker than a PH.D. would slip you their umbrella. Civilization has taught us to eat with a fork, but even now if nobody is around we use our fingers. I know, Officer Cook, you and your loving and devoted sister, Nancy, were raised with manners. My wife, Holly, is a childcare provider and must train and show her kids how to wash their hands with soap and water. I believe most civilized individuals realize this. Police officers need to be civilized just as much as those citizens of which they took a solemn oath to serve and to protect. I can imagine just by what I've heard and read about you, your life and career, that you would go to great lengths for anybody. May 16, 1979 bears this very fact out most vividly. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 2, 2014

No one man is capable, without the aid of society, of supplying his own wants; and those wants acting upon every person, impel the whole of them into society, as naturally as gravitation acts to a center. You were in the center of a terrible domestic dispute, Officer Cook and your heroic act propelled you to the head of the Metro-Dade Police department's Honor Roll of heroes and heroines who like you took action and charge in bravery and courage to make its citizens safer. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 1, 2014

A town that boasts inhabitants like me can have no lack of good society! Solitude is as needful to the imagination as society is wholesome for the character. What is wrong with the old Adam Smith philosophy and what should be completely unacceptable to any American and I would say this particularly to either democrats or republicans is the idea of the survival of the fittest. Let's put it this way: The fittest should survive and the fit shall also survive. Those who are "unfit" you have to have a social consciousness about, to take care of them. The "survival of the fittest" assumes the heck with the rest of them. This is wrong, morally and socially, apart from being completely wrong politically. The officers who can endure the police academy and its rigorous basic training routine both mentally and physically are the ones who will have the greatest impact in making a dent in their communities and taking a huge bite out of crime. Officer Cook, you were one of the many fine police officers in your day succeeding where other officers may have failed in their endeavors to curb violence and unite peace and justice under one canopy as we do with a man and woman on their wedding day. Everything needs to be running in sync. Otherwise, look at the results awaiting an officer at the end. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. This town, actually this city of North Miami Beach, Florida where you spent much of your life has been bereft of someone so humble and personable since your passing. One day I'll try and explain to the kids in this area who you were and what your life, career and sacrifice means to us all.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

January 30, 2014

Those who wallow in the imperfections of their society or turn them into an excuse for something other than the normal routine usually end up by eroding all social and moral restraints; eventually in their pitiless assault on all beliefs they multiply suffering. I know you would not want for those who knew and loved you, Officer Cook, to wallow in self-pity and forever be suffering over your tragic loss. But it's hard for someone like myself, who did not know you personally to get over your loss. It has had a profound affect on my life, since I met some of your family members. I do hope your mother, Mrs. Julia Cook, is doing well out in San Diego, California. You'll always be in my prayers Mrs. Cook. Your beloved son, William, Bill or Billy to his close personal friends and former colleagues was a truly humble, great and fine human being. To save seven lives risking his own in one day, actually in less than ten minutes, basically saving seven worlds, you cannot even begin to fathom the ramifications of his heroic actions. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

January 30, 2014

Without society and a society to our taste, men and women are never contented. And it is up to the residents and the many fine and upstanding police officers working in unison as a well-oiled machine to keep peace and unity on the same track. It's only to the benefit of those involved to keep evil from rearing its ugliness. Your character, Officer Cook, was one of the many reasons why Dade County is much better off, because of your love and desire to make that commitment and to honor you and other officers who were unafraid in making the ultimate sacrifice. The challenges you accepted upon yourselves will never be forgotten as long as there are the many honorable and law abiding citizens to stop, pause and reflect upon the lives of their dedicated personnel. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

January 30, 2014

Life is of no value but a sit brings us gratifications. Among the most valuable of these is rational society. It informs the mind, sweetens the temper, cheers our spirits and promotes health. You cheered us up, Officer Cook, whenever people or your colleagues were downtrodden. That spirit is surely missed this day, but we know you are up in heaven shining down that million dollar smile. The gratifying way you worked and made this world a better place can only mean that those officers who follow in your footsteps have to step up in their devotion, determination and dedication as you did. It's a department effort that allows citizens to rest a bit easier at night. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

January 30, 2014

There are things that should never be mentioned in polite society-for instance, the doings of a polite society. Good manners are necessary in any circle of life. But especially in a position where the utmost care needs to be exerted when dealing with the public interest. Your politeness and courtesies, Officer Cook, will never leave our hearts and thoughts. Certainly, some officers could use refresher courses in proper etiquette. The true civilization is where every man gives to every other every right that he claims for himself. Because of your dignity, Officer Cook, all citizens can participate in the allowance of courtesies that can be granted to one another. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

January 30, 2014

It is still in the lap of the Gods whether a society can succeed which is based on "civil liberties and human rights" conceived as I have tried to describe them; but of one thing at least we may be sure: the alternatives that have so far appeared have been immeasurably worse. God is the sole driving force beyond all of our every movements. God surely drove your life with Karen, Officer Cook. We ponder our movements and God is the factor behind all of our decisions we make. God has watched over you all these years and you are still involved in your family's vital decisions. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

January 30, 2014

The law of society is, each for all, as well as all for each. No one can keep to himself the good he may do, any more than he can keep the bad. It is not from the top to bottom that societies die; it is from bottom to top. If all law abiding people would just obey the laws of the land, it would not alleviate the need for police officers, but it sure would make their positions a bit easier. From top to bottom, Officer Cook, you certainly excelled in all your endeavors. Bravery beyond reproach. Courage and courtesy beyond reproach. Honor, integrity and dignity beyond ones imagination. Simply put: a cut above the rest. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

January 30, 2014

The ideal of socialism is grand and noble...but such a state of society cannot be manufactured-it must grow. Society is an organism, not a machine. All police departments are supposed to be well-oiled machines run by men and women of character. You were an officer, Officer Cook, who worked tirelessly to preserve our rights and freedoms. Police officers have a learning curve and yet as they go out on patrol daily due have to adjust to the different sets of circumstances that present themselves, in order to serve the residents of their communities of which they took a sacred affirmation to protect. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

January 30, 2014

The cocktail party or dinner party is, essentially, a fair, more refined and complex than those at which embroidery or livestock are entered in competition but for the same ultimate purpose of displaying and improving the craftsmanship or breed. The cleanliness of the house, the excellence of the garden, the taste, quality and imagination of the food and drinks and the deftness of their service are put on display before the critical eye of those invited to appraise them. Comparisons are made with other exhibitors. Ribbons are not awarded, but the competent administrator is duly proclaimed a good housekeeper, a gracious hostess, a clever manager or, more simply, a really good wife. Your beloved wife, Karen, was indeed a gracious hostess, and you, Officer Cook, were equally a gracious host who allowed many a fine person into your home and life as you were the consummate police officer. You shied away from accolades, you let your cunning vision and skillful mannerisms do your talking and that is why you were admired and respected by so many in your profession. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero, God has forever stamped His golden ribbon upon your entrance in His pearly gates. Just keep on watching and looking down on all of us.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

January 29, 2014

The highest civility has never loved the hot zones. Wherever snow falls there is usually civil freedom. Where the banana grows the animal system is indolent and pampered at the cost of higher qualities; man is sensual and cruel. Women can be this way as well. You did your job with the highest quality of concern and compassion, Officer Cook and did it no matter the matter the time, place or temperature. Of all the cordials known to us, the best, safest and most exhilarating, with the least harm, is society. We have each and everyday, brave people who are not afraid to dig down and do whatever it entails to promote safety and security. You can't say anything better than that. Doing a stressful job, doing it properly with tact and dignity sure states an awful lot about the stellar character of the many fine individuals in the law enforcement profession. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

January 29, 2014

Solitude is impracticable and society fatal. We must keep our head in the one and our hands in the other. The conditions are met, if we keep our independence, yet do not lose our sympathy. Sadly though, all police officers have to deal with different issues daily that could have far reaching consequences for their families and departments. You helped us, Officer Cook, develop and mesh our independence with all other citizens in Dade County regardless of who they were. You kept a cool head as you went about your daily duties and now for showing your true mettle, you are forever being honored accordingly. The true test of civilization is not the census, nor the size of cities, nor the crops-no, but the kind of man the country turns out. This land as sure as I am reflecting, turned out one marvelously fine individual as yourself, humble, lovable and mighty resourceful as you. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

January 29, 2014

'T' is the fine souls who serve us and not what is called fine society. Fine society is only a self-protection against the vulgarities of the street and the tavern. Fine society, in the common acceptance, has neither ideas or aims....it is an unprincipled decorum; an affair of clean linen and coaches of gloves, cards and elegance in trifles. There are other measures of self-respect for a man than the number of clean shirts he puts on everyday. First and most of all, Officer Cook, you were an honest gentleman, a fine and brave soul who defended your fellow brother and sister equality and with the same decorum that is at least expected from all police officers. Your elegance and Karen's elegance was only the tip of the iceberg. You wore your uniform very proudly each day. Cleaned and pressed, starched to the max if you liked them that way, you were not afraid to get dirty or soiled if that was going to keep peace and unity as an everlasting foundation in Dade County. Your last watch, you gave your very best effort and exerted yourself to save others not worrying about blood or whatever stained your uniform if that was going to keep freedom and its cogs on that wheel moving forward. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

January 29, 2014

The worthless and offensive members of society, whose existence is a social pest, invariably think themselves the most ill-used people alive and never get over the astonishment at the ingratitude and selfishness of their contemporaries. Hopefully, there were not too many of your colleagues, Officer Cook, who resented the way you performed your position in a most honorable manner. The officers who tarnish their badges, soil the good names of other fine men and women, should be weeded out, disciplined and removed from their forces. Honor and discipline need not be mixed with crime and dishonor. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

January 28, 2014

Society is frivolous and shreds its day into scraps, its conversation into ceremonies and escapes. Nothing frivolous about honoring a police officer so driven to succeed because he did all the proper things. You went over and beyond the call of duty many times before, Officer Cook. And every time you performed with the utmost grace, determination, devotion and dedication, you helped to take a large bite of crime off the streets of Dade County. If those officers who do not perform their jobs up to snuff are still allowed to patrol the streets, what then can be uttered about the fine brave men and women who risk their lives for our lives to be free of worry? There is nothing happy about laying an officer to rest with honors for what they have meant to our society to keep it free from harm. You did your part my neighbor, friend and hero, it's high time we did ours. Rest in peace.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

January 28, 2014