Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Our life is frittered away by detail... simplify, simplify. If only the lives of police officers were really just that simple. They try to lead not only quietly, but by the examples and morals that endeavor to make them safe and protected when out on patrol. We should all be proponents, as you were of this Officer Cook. You did your job with the utmost caution and use of common sense. We should not waste our times with trivial matters, just stay happy, healthy and at peace. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

December 3, 2013

Waves of serener life pass over us from time to time, like flakes of sunlight over the fields in cloudy weather. No matter the day, no matter the time, no matter the atmospheric conditions that exist outdoors, you'll truly be remembered, Officer Cook, as an inspiration to all. You truly imbued the values of living a serene and humble life, even with your engaging sense of humor. An adventurous individual, you enjoyed the quieter times when you could be alone or with a relative or friend snapping off the most transparent pictures of God's green fields or hunting for something in the wilderness. Let us hope as we pray each day that peace and true serenity come to this world because of your exploits in making the ultimate sacrifice so we can view both clouds and the brightness of a sun splashed day that assist in dispelling the darkness that still rears its ugliness in our society. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

December 3, 2013

There are two things to aim at in life; first to get what you want; and after that, to enjoy it. Only the wisest of mankind achieve the second. You only and always set your goals high, Officer Cook, as should all mankind. You can't be frightened away if you fail the first time out of the box. As the saying goes most diplomatically, if at first you don't succeed, try, try again! Your dreams were reached through inspiration, perseverance and more often than not, hard work, both grueling and grinding. Physically and mentally taxing, but you stayed the course and success paid off and you reaped the dividends at day's end. We are all proud of you, now just keep shining your loving spirit down upon us as we all endeavor to be half as good as you were. Saving those seven people on May 16, 1979, you'll be forever endeared to your comrades and to those citizens whose lives you saved by your unselfishness never to be replicated. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

December 1, 2013

I gloated on existence, no you did not. Earth to me, seemed all-sufficient and my sojourn there one trembling opportunity for joy. Officer Cook, you made people, your family members laugh with your sense of humor. But it was no coincidence that you did your job and carried yourself with grace and humility personified. Your twenty-five years were well crafted and most meaningful in a most dignified and sanctified fashion. Mother Earth truly had one of its very special brothers carryout a dangerous task that most would not dare come near. You dared to explore, you risked so we could reap the rewards that safety and unity bring with them to a community. God has indeed rewarded you my neighbor, friend and hero as He has you forever close to Him for everlasting care. Rest in peace. No one takes a beating like a boaster, you will humbly be remembered as a compassionate and caring human being.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

December 1, 2013

There is no cure for birth and for death save to enjoy the interval. You treasured life, Officer Cook and cherished the proud moments of which you presented to your whole family. Your faith and the spirit by which you supported yourself and Karen, was one of genuine honesty, fostered by a passion you had to assist all people regardless of who they were or where they resided. This giving continues and will forever, your tragic passing has not derailed the hopes, dreams and inspirations of your family and friends who all carry your engaging spirit close to their hearts and minds. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero, as I look at your photo of you proudly wearing your uniform on The Officer Down memorial Page, some forty years ago, I am reminded that truly nice people, honest men and women of devout faith and in character really do make a difference. "Only The Good Die Young" this phrase still perplexes most if not all people, but Our Creator has already mapped out our lives and those of His heavenly bound police angels such as yourself. When destiny comes calling, let us be solemn in our resolve to answer that call as you lived your life in a most humbly and profound manner.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

December 1, 2013

Nothing can be meaner than the anxiety to live on, to live on anyhow and in any shape; a spirit with any honor is not willing to live except in its own way and a spirit with any wisdom is not over-eager to live at all. Your loving family, your wife, Karen and all your comrades and friends outside of the police department wanted you to stay safe and worried as did your loving parents that you would return home safely. from what I've heard, Officer Cook, you always stopped by your parents home to check on your mother, Mrs. Julia Cook and how can you be any greater a loving child to look after their welfare. I do hope you are doing well out in San Diego, California. Your beloved son, will always occupy a very special place in the hearts of my loving family and "Bill," your "Billy," Officer William C. Cook will always be saluted as a hero and celebrated for the life and career he cherished and pursued in dignity, integrity and with an honor that humbly speaking made him a cut above the others. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

December 1, 2013

That life is worth living is the most necessary of assumptions and were it not assumed, it would be the most impossible of conclusions. All lives are valuable and those of our duly sworn and trained law enforcement personnel bear much meaning in that they strive to achieve commitment while policing their streets in their communities in an effort to gain peace, unity and freedom for the citizens to pursue whatever their hearts desire. Officer Cook, you were a mainstay of your department and its division, whose maturity and talents enabled your wisdom to shine through to your comrades in times of stress and duress. Your wit and sagely advice mattered the most when it was called for. This wit and advice surely is and has been felt throughout the ranks of future officers for all these years after you made the ultimate sacrifice on behalf of Dade County citizens. It has been embedded in their hearts and minds and has stayed attached to the uniforms they wear and the badges they carry solemnly with them while out on patrol. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

December 1, 2013

Life is too strong for you-it takes life to love life. You embraced this motto, Officer Cook, to the zenith. Police officers make sacrifices to preserve both the sanctity and the dignity of life that Our Creator gives to all men and women He creates. For all your life of twenty-five wonderful years- engaging, smiling, working day and night to secure freedom, liberty and unity in a community that was so dear to your heart, You sacrificed for the betterment of each person and I can't think of a better way to submit these words. As a top-notch and very talented Metro-Dade Police Officer, you were able to make a happy moment out of the darkest moment. To smile, keep a sense of humor and yet maintain a straight face when approaching a dilemma, this states it quite well. The people of Dade County have a lot to be thankful for while participating in their Thanksgiving holiday. It was brave women and men with your fortitude that enables us and our children to play in our streets and be safe at their schools where they laugh, learn and play in the school yards. It is heroes and heroines of your pedigree who make things happen. The real movers who get it done with grace, integrity and a keen sense of vision are those we don't forget! Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

November 30, 2013

A little while the tears and laughter, the willow and the rose; a little while and what comes after no man knows. An hour to sing, to love and linger, then lutanist and lute will fall on silence, song and singer both be mute. Today, sixty years ago you were born in California, Officer Cook, today was supposed to be a happy day for your family, I'm sure it will be for some, though today is tinged with sadness because you are not here to celebrate your birthday. You were a mover and shaker who did not hesitate to achieve in getting things accomplished, both in your private life with Karen, who loved you so dearly. Your sister, Nancy, who adored you, your loving parents, Mr. Charles Cook and your mother, Mrs. Julia Cook. Your nephew, Mr. Josh Hyatt, your niece, Mrs. Gina Wilkerson, whom I had the privilege to meet and her husband, Trevor and their children, who I met. I met your other nephew, Justin Miller and gave him a letter to take to his grandmother, your loving mother and she answered with a very moving and poignant letter. When I first received the letter, I cried like a baby. We can cry today, as those who mourned you thirty-four years ago cried as you were being honored and hailed as our Dade County Police Department hero for both your outstanding performance in the line of duty, coupled with your bravery, courage and a renewed sense of fighting spirit. You are missed tremendously by every person who came into contact with you both professionally and personally. You will never be forgotten! You will always be admired by all citizens and your entire department and the Central Department where you shared some wonderfully loving and humble years. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. The good name of Officer William C. "Billy" Cook will live on in the city of North Miami Beach where you grew up and shared a richly charitable and honorable life and police career. Your name will be honored here one day and I for one will God willing see this come to fruition.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

November 30, 2013

Most men and women make the voyages of life as if they carried sealed orders which they were not to open until they were fairly in mid-ocean. Police officers receive their orders each and everyday at roll call. Once they go out on the streets to patrol in their venue, the utmost caution must be taken. You proudly walked your beat, Officer Cook, with the valor and a sense of urgency that your position called for. And you were very deliberating and diligent in all your efforts. Your six years of loyal service to Dade County residents has been better than some officers who thought straying from righteous was the answer in solving the problems that ail our society. You were a top police officer who now sits atop God's loftiest throne with other officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Keep observing and watching over those diligent officers who dare to risk their lives in search of peace and unity sorely necessary to help this world stay balanced.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

November 28, 2013

Ships that pass in the night and speak of each other in passing, only a signal shown and a distant voice in the darkness; so on the ocean of life, we pass and speak one another, only a look and a voice, then darkness again and a silence. Police officers come and go, they fulfill their commitments with honor and pride, it's when they give up their lives, making the ultimate sacrifice, do we really stop, pause and reflect upon the prestigious role they played in our society in keeping us safe and secure. You were a marvelous officer, Officer Cook, your voice somehow today can still be felt reverberating around Dade County where you exhibited the utmost class, dignity and passion you brought to the daily rigors that police work requires. Your enlightening soul brings this world the light it sorely needs to dispel the darkness of evil. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. The photos you took of the waves bouncing off the shore by the ocean will one day be brought back to life. A good man who won't be forgotten

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

November 28, 2013

Today, I visited your grave as this coming Saturday, November 30th would have been your birthday. A man of valor, courage, compassion who gave this world all that you had. You were a great man, Officer Cook, but even a humbly and arored police hero. I told your great-nephew, Legend, when I last saw him at you rmother and father's house, I'll bet your great-uncle would still have a full head of hair and even a greater smile. You and your sisters, Skyler and Alexis, Legend would have cherished your great-uncle and you all would have been given the world by him. He will never be forgotten by myself or my family and one day, we want you and you rfamily to dine with us. We have two pretty special young ladies staying with us who would enjoy your company. Do you remember when I played soccer in your great-grandparents yard? You can play basketball in our backyard. Your family, your mother and father are always going to be special as will your great-uncle looking down on all of you and smiling. He was the greatest! Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Hopefully, I can put those pinwheels down by your grave Officer Cook real soon. You deserved to still be with us and your valor and commitment will remain legendary.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

November 26, 2013

I don't think you can lead from a position of vacillation. If you are going to lead, you have got to decide to advance whether the issue is one you feel is worth fighting about. If it is not, then you take no position at all. But if it is worth fighting about, you have got to take a clear-cut position and get all of the advantage that comes from being out in front. That fateful day of May 16, 1979, I believe there were five police officers who were involved in trying to stop an out of control young man from harming these brave officers, the civilians who were involved in this domestic dispute. When the situation was finally stopped one of those brave officers, yourself, Officer Cook, had your life taken in the line of duty. When police officers seem to have an upper hand, this is not always so clear-cut. You were brave and courageous in coming to the aid to help protect your comrades who were wounded by his gunfire and you saved the lives of those three civilians including this young man's girlfriend all along while sacrificing on behalf of all citizens of Dade County. You will never be forgotten. Your moral and professional foundation will always stand tall forever throughout our great land of these United States of America. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

November 25, 2013

I have sacrificed everything in my life that I consider precious in order to advance the law enforcement career of my husband. You sure did, Karen. Your loving young husband, Officer William C. Cook never wavered in all his responsibilities to keep Dade County residents safe and sound. His life and the legacy which he left behind for those officers and his caring and cherished family members will be always looked back upon with the highest regard. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. mIf you ever come back to the State of Florida I would love to meet you, I've admired your husband's grit and grace which characterized his very distinguished life and profession.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

November 24, 2013

Only a life lived for others is the life worthwhile. As an addendum to the last reflection, Officer Cook, the life you lead by doing exemplary service on behalf of all Dade County residents was just the beginning. Your career has evoked memories of such an engaging person with a warm personality and vivacious sense of humor. I'll always remember you my neighbor, friend and hero, even if we never had the good fortune to ever meet and break bread together. We the people should be exceedingly grateful for men and women as brave as ever who place their lives in harm's way to keep us secure. Rest in peace. When I walk or drive by your home, I'll pause and tip my cap or give you a salute.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

November 22, 2013

There are only two or three human stories and they go on repeating themselves as fiercely as if they had never happened before. And these stories, Officer Cook, bare repetition as a lesson that needs to be constantly reinforced concerning your remarkable achievements as well as those of your comrades of past generations who sacrificed on behalf of all Dade County citizens. These stories never grow old, it is these finely brave men and women who were denied the opportunity to grow old and be with their loved ones sharing their individual accounts of their stellar careers. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

November 21, 2013

I have long believed there was a divine plan that placed this land here to be found by people of a special kind, that we have a rendezvous with destiny. Yes, there is a spirit moving in this land and a hunger in the people for a spiritual revival. If the task I seek should be given to me, I would pray only that I perform it in a way that would serve God. Yes, my neighbor, friend and hero, Officer Cook, you so faithfully along with your beloved wife, Karen served God. Two birds flying high as one sharing and giving couple. Your faith, Officer Cook, steadily enabled you to carry out your duties with grace and the efficiency that was required from you. Your star, your soul always has and always will continue to shine brightly as you watch over us. We all pray that one day when destiny comes calling, we will reunite with you and your father, Charles. Rest in peace.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

November 19, 2013

The quality of your being one with the people, Officer Cook, of having no artificial or natural barriers or hidden agendas between you and the citizens of whom you served, made it all possible for you to become a leader without ever being, or thinking of being, a dictator. Police officers are not supposed to be dictators, a Benedict Arnold, if you will. You were one highly superb Metro-Dade Police Officer whose badge shined brightly while on duty and whose work ethic and soothing voice of reason was a constant source of relief to the citizens and to your fellow comrades. This is truly missed today and has been for the last thirty-four years. Forever, may you rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero and your loving, caring and giving soul, may it radiate all around those who truly loved and revered your name and personality.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

November 19, 2013

Some people yearn for the spotlight, they would results. Officer Cook, you shied away from publicity, instead focusing on what mattered the most, and that was to be as honest and as dignified a police officer as one could become garnering results from your humbleness in accepting whatever assignments were placed within your official responsibilities. Whatever the job called for, you were ready to act and to react smoothly and with a calming approach. This is the officially proper path in which one gains recognition from their department, division and peers. We should salute your courage, bemoan the callousness that took your young life and career away from you and your loved ones. The insatiable demands that your profession requires from all its officers who stand ready to act and to maintain the peace, freedom and unity that all communities and its residents come to expect from all its sworn law enforcement personnel. All of you accepted this yolk, this onus to serve, defend and to protect public property and the private properties where law abiding citizens reside. You accepted willingly and without any reservations what so ever. You stand out as honest men and women of integrity and are to be hailed for your resolve. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. I hope you are doing well as I leave this reflection for your darling son, Officer William C. "Billy" Cook, Mrs. Cook.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

November 19, 2013

The profession of law enforcement is one that certainly revolves and steadily maintains is officers by a sacred trust and its officers are completely governed by this trust. You were, Officer Cook, one of the many officers who humbly kept your dignity and grace intact and stayed away from hypocrisy, arrogance and contempt. This allowed you to perform your assignments at all times properly and professionally while keeping a balance between fairness and impartiality in trying to rein in trouble that might breakout on Dade County streets. Ever so cool, calm and calculating in your boldness and swiftness in reacting to the dilemmas that came your way on a daily basis. You policed and we noticed and were standing ready to call you for help when needed. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

November 18, 2013

Now there are many, many people who can recommend and advise and a few of them consent, but there is only one of a few who has been chosen by his department to go out into the streets on patrol in an effort to make them safer. You were chosen from hundreds of police recruits, Officer Cook, to go out and see to it that justice and unity are served together in an equal an unbiased manner. And you faithfully, so excelled in all of your endeavors. The citizens have a big stake in matters of safety and security and you were one of the most revered, loyal and consistent officers of your time. The braveness you displayed to your division and department on May 16, 1979 will never go unforgotten and until this day you will always continue my neighbor, friend and hero to be held in high honor and humble esteem for sacrificing on our behalf. Dade County and Liberty City where you waged some of your battles has been rebuilt thanks in large part because of your skills and uniquely positive exploits. Rest in peace. Watch over your comrades as they attempt to rein in wickedness and promptly deliver peace and freedom. You were the go to to officer for giving sage advice and sound logic to back up your wonderfully honorable career.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

November 18, 2013

The police officer...is rightly described as a man or woman of extraordinary powers. Yet it is also true that they must wield those powers under extraordinary limitations-and it is these limitations which so often give the problem of choice its complexity and even poignancy. Sometimes police officers try to comprehend their strengths and weaknesses in an attempt to draw a proper balance between the two. You knew what lied ahead in your position, Officer cook, and utilized your dignity and integrity in a most remarkable approach in solving crimes and keeping Dade County residents safe and sound. You'll never be forgotten for your heroic act on May 16, 1979 nor will your comrades before you who were bold and swift in acting to save people from certain danger. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. There are always going to be circumstances that officers may or may not be able or available to rectify.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

November 17, 2013

I have tried to make the whole tone and thrust of my job and this department and division one that will demand a higher standard of excellence from every individual. And you made this boyhood dream a reality, Officer Cook, with a humbly brilliant and outstandingly brave career doing a job, carrying out a gift of which the good Lord instilled within your cherished being. The flag has been lifted high for all to witness as to how one can be both heroic and honorable in both service and in protection. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

November 17, 2013

Let the word go forth from this time and place, to friend and foe alike, that the torch has been passed to a new generation of Americans-born in this century, tempered by war, disciplined by a hard and bitter peace, proud of our ancient heritage-and unwilling to witness or permit the slow undoing of those human rights to which this nation has always been committed and to which we are committed today at home and around the world. let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe to assure the survival and the success of liberty. Everyone knows, Officer Cook, you lived by these creeds and supported vigilance with all your heart and soul in sacrificing your life and career leaving those behind to cherish your memory in support of the foundations of peace and unity in the community where you served with honor and distinction. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

November 16, 2013

The good Lord endowed you, Officer Cook, with a wonderful constitution, as many hours a day as your assigned shift called for. You were plenty sturdy enough. You possessed a reasonable perception and astuteness. You were a fountain of humble wisdom who could comprehend most assignments that came your way. The sense of humor and your million dollar smile said it all for all generations of police officers to rely upon when the going gets a little difficult. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

November 16, 2013