Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Law is the crystallization of the habit and thought of society. And you mad this succinctly clear, Officer Cook, in all your ways of dealing with the public. You were the best that Dade County had patrolling its venues. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. All your approaches should only be habit forming.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 7, 2013

Where experience goes above the bounds of logic, it was this experience which you gained from, Officer Cook, by observing other fellow officers in their handling of various issues that cropped up from time to time. Your maturity as reflected upon was many years beyond your youthful appearance. But this only served you as a positive attribute. Many other factors help shape and mold a quality police officer, as you and your comrades who made the ultimate sacrifice all shared and are now sharing this among yourselves in God's golden kingdom. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 7, 2013

Laws too gentle are seldom obeyed; too severe, seldom executed. Whether or not the laws of the land are hard to obey or not, we still need honest and hard working brave men and women like yourself, Officer Cook, to assist citizens in their obedience of these laws. If we could eliminate all crime from this land, we probably would not need as many dedicated and devoted police officers whose affirmations stand, rather represent more than just a bit of lip service. As long as police officers follow the laws and regulation that govern them in their commitment to serve and to protect, it does not matter as long as they don't cross that proverbial line of dishonesty. Your way of solving problems and crimes by using a soothing and calming voice was something all officers could emulate. That emulation is sure missed today. Ignorance of one's responsibility is still no excuse for one to run haywire or to shirk their obligations towards the citizens they are bound to serve. You only performed at a one-hundred percent peak and expected no less from your comrades. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 7, 2013

Laws too gentle are seldom obeyed; too severe, seldom executed. Whether or not the laws of the land are hard to obey or not, we still need honest and hard working brave men and women like yourself, Officer Cook, to assist citizens in their obedience of these laws. If we could eliminate all crime from this land, we probably would not need as many dedicated and devoted police officers whose affirmations stand, rather represent more than just a bit of lip service. As long as police officer follow the laws and regulation that govern them in their commitment to serve and to protect, it does not matter as long as they don't cross that proverbial line of dishonesty. Your way of solving problems and crimes by using a soothing and calming voice was something all officers could emulate. That emulation is sure missed today. Ignorance of one's responsibility is still no excuse for one to run haywire or to shirk their obligations towards the citizens they are bound to serve. You only performed at a one-hundred percent peak and expected no less from your comrades. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 7, 2013

Law is the expression and the perfection of common sense. And it is these laws and institutions that constantly tend to gravitate. Like clocks, they must be occasionally cleansed and wound up, then set to true time. Police officers from time to time need to review their basic police academy training and then revisit their police manuals on proper police conduct when on duty. Like doctors and lawyers who need to attend seminars to keep up with modern advances in their chosen professions, so do officers need to attend these same seminars to update their basic skill sets. I'm certain, Officer Cook, you did this more than a few times during your valued career with the Metro-Dade Police Department and it certainly was an invaluable experience for you to humbly keep up with any latest breakthroughs which helped to serve you well. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero, help keep God's eternal clocks beating constantly and well oiled to serve those in this society protect and serve us in the seemingly never ending battle of wickedness.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 7, 2013

Every person is blessed with tremendous resources, talents and energies. Often these are hidden, even from the awareness of the one who possesses them. The individual and collective accomplishments of your police department and division, Officer Cook, throughout their history and their will to survive the tragedies that have befallen their colleagues past and present has not nor will it ever dampen the spirits of those brave souls who place their lives in harm's way on a daily basis to ensure our freedom and the unity it requires to persevere in all of our endeavors. This is because of the special protection God affords those who serve feverishly and ever so diligently- a living testimony that shines more brilliantly than all the stars in the sky of which you are one of over twenty-one thousand police officers who made the ultimate sacrifice in guaranteeing these privileges and subsequent freedoms of choice when living out our lives with our loved, the same loved ones who miss you so dearly and continue to shed tears over your untimely passing. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 6, 2013

I love smooth words, like gold-enameled fish which circle slowly with a silken swish and tender ones, like downy feathered birds: words shy and dappled, deep-eyed deer in herds. A smooth speaker and a consummate thinker who was always positive in all his motivations. That is one of many reasons why you were so well-liked, Officer Cook. You realized why you were doing what you were supposed to be doing at all times and this message was carried over to your colleagues who partnered with you on occasion. God is like a fish with His eyes open all times to observe our coming and going. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Your beautiful spirit can watch as we try to exemplify your ways upon which you worked so faithfully at the challenges you faced on duty daily. Having humbleness and a sense of humor is great for our minds which at times needs a little lightheartedness.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 6, 2013

There is no more welcome gift to men than a new symbol that satiates, transports, converts them. They assimilate themselves to it, deal with it in all ways and it will last a hundred years. Then comes a new genius and brings another. The gifts you provided to this world, Officer Cook, are assured of lasting forever. It was a pleasure for many brave women and men to have known you both personally and professionally. Your behavior both on and off work spoke volumes and continues to do so today.. Clearly this is the message that most assuredly needs to be imparted to today's officers. Some officers still seem to find trouble outside the lines of their departments, they should read your story and your valiant life and take copious notes. They surely can learn from a model citizen and a top notch police officer that you grew up to become. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 6, 2013

It seems as if the present age of words should naturally be followed by an age of silence, when men and women shall speak only through facts and to regain their health. We die of words. We are hanged, drawn and quartered by dictionaries. The present day police officers could probably glean a lesson or two from officers of the past generation, such as yourself, Officer Cook. Respect is a word that needs to be reinforced upon all officers and to the public of which it is charged with serving and protecting. You were a man of humbleness, whose control of their language and its usage only enabled you to become a much better police officer. That fateful day my neighbor, friend and hero, there was no justification for your senseless death, the words drop your weapon and surrender peacefully should certainly have been heeded. You were a hero in life and during your career and never will be forgotten. Rest in peace.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 6, 2013

In a last reflection, I meant to say, Officer Cook, it was how you used your voice. The inflection and modulation can offer a way for any officer to try and successfully calm a person and to quiet a situation. The common faults of American language are an ambition of effect, a want of simplicity and a turgid abuse of terms. You utilized the English language precisely as you needed it to get a point of information across to your colleagues. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 6, 2013

All words are pegs to hang ideas on. The words we speak are like a knife, in that they can injure a person in one way, shape or form. Words can constructively permeate a person's mind and change the way they accomplish their goals. Your goal of becoming a police officer, Officer Cook, was the highlight of a life well-lived, humanely orchestrated and humbly graced. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 3, 2013

Every language is a temple, in which the soul of those who speak it is enshrined. And it was in your home and House of Worship, Officer Cook, where whatever came out from your lips was only the truth and nothing but the truth. This should be every person's mantra, unfortunately, people some for whatever the reason take advantage of persons not as educated or as fortunate as they are and may lead them down an evil path. Shame on them! You were the voice of appeal, you had the mind of a logically thinking officer who only offered sound words of advice and encouragement. God has a special angel my neighbor, friend and hero in yourself, who can only and did give very special and useful words of advice during your career and in life. Your counsel is what some of the morale surely needs today if it is going to begin to conquer wickedness. Rest in peace. I'm also sure your presence humbly speaking is most definitely missed on the altar where you and Karen attended services.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 3, 2013

Of all kinds of knowledge that we can ever obtain, the knowledge of God and the knowledge of ourselves are the most important. Growing up in a very nurturing environment, Officer Cook, you recognized the basics of a very sound family life, a wonderful and loving sister in Nancy, who loved and cared about her darling little brother. Your beloved parents who were most instrumental in providing you both with an excellent upbringing. Your unwavering faith and loyal friends that you went to their home after school and did things that most young men do such as play with kites, flying them, operating model trains and the like. Your peers, comrades who you befriended while in school and afterward in the police academy who you went to battles with while on patrol maintaining law and order on Dade County streets. People who knew Officer William C. "Billy" Cook, understood you were very businesslike in your approach to police work and just about anything thing else in life. This is why you were most successful and have passed this on to your family and friends who counted on you the most. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 3, 2013

Justice, I think is the tolerable accommodation of the conflicting interests of society and I don't believe there is any royal road to attain such accommodations concretely. Justice was served for the young man who took your young and vibrant life that was of full of promise. It is always a tragedy when deadly force has to be implemented to curb an individual gone mad. You answered the call that day Officer Cook, not knowing other than hearing two numbers being called out on your cruiser radio what really was transpiring. We can say that if the young man surrendered peacefully, the outcome would have been more positive. But, you will always be recognized as a true Dade County police hero who totally realized his calling in life and through your deeds and actions demonstrated your willingness without any doubt or reservation to help preserve mankind and to rein in the violence that still to this day pervades society. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 3, 2013

That which is unjust can really profit no one; that which is just can really harm no one. sadly, when police officers are injured or heaven forbid killed in the line of duty, the feelings of the departments that lose an officer are always how can we replace an officer? One cannot replace the infinite value of a life, that of a loved one who served a noble purpose to expound peace and good will. Departments, divisions have to move on in a constructive manner insuring through diligence and proper training that the lives of their very unique talented officers will be safe. Your rigorous training program, Officer Cook, insured that you would be as prepared for your profession as humanly possible. We have to make the moments count as you did my neighbor, friend and hero for your twenty-five years of existence. Rest in peace. One way your department was able to make its officers safer was by purchasing those side-panels which came at the ultimate price. Your very cherished life and career in which your championed and channeled all your hard work and efforts into a completely positive career.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 3, 2013

The liberty of the press is essential to the security of freedom in a state. The media has its rights in certain matters, but when police officers give up their lives for just cause in protecting the public, sometimes it's better to back off a little bit and allow respect for the families of these brave men and women. You have got to allow the emotions of the day and moment to simmer and cool down a bit. Police officers performing their mission in life deserves all the coverage it can receive, I'm not against this, it is just sometimes they-the media can go a little overboard. The coverage of your tragedy, Officer Cook, I'll never forget Channel 7 reporter, Steve Dawson, who covered your visitation at the Bennett and Ulm Funeral Home and your burial at Dade Memorial Park. It was a very high quality of professional journalism that was done and the respect and dignity you provided citizens was afforded your family in their time of need. I wish I could have gotten a copy of the Miami Herald reporting your passing. Unfortunately, microfilm might be the only way to do so. A marvelously talented and a most humble gentleman, rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 3, 2013

What has God wrought! I can safely say God brought you into this world, Officer Cook, as all people are created differently to perform good deeds and to act fairly and properly with one another. Once a person, an officer lays down their life in the line of duty, the one and only thing we can do for their families is to constantly endeavor to emulate their ways as our way of clinging in the sense to Our Creator. Just try and accomplish something each day as you did, Officer Cook. You would be surprised what you'll learn. A friendly smile, a wave of the hand, a good morning can go a long way to respectability among all individuals. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Your devotion and dogged determination are sorely missed today and everyday.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 3, 2013

A tool is but the extension of a man's hand and a machine is but a complex tool. And he that invents a machine augments the power of a man and the well-being of mankind. Police officers today have more sophisticated tools to utilize at their discretion. Lasers for one are employed when necessary from time to time. Computers in their vehicles are also a welcome source of information when needed. It's a shame back in your day, Officer Cook, it took your pristine sacrifice to have side-panels made and fitted for all Metro-Dade Police Officers. They should have been there for you. I'll always state affirmatively that you were one fine individual who I'm still sorry I never had the chance to meet and discuss any and all topics. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Your greatest asset was your voice and has you used it to maintain calm and reason.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 3, 2013

Man;s insanity is heaven's sense; and wandering from all mortal reason, man comes at last to that celestial thought, which, to reason, is absurd and frantic; and weal or woe, feels then uncompromised, indifferent as his God. One thing about police work and the craziness that exists because of all the different situations one must be able to handle, you yourself have to stay calm, focused and sane to get through your shift. Certain officers deal better with certain dilemmas. You were excellent in dealing with domestic issues, Officer Cook, because of your calming and soothing voice of logic and reason. The methodologies you employed surely carried over to other officers today, let's hope so at least. One great man, one loving brother, one devoted son, one darling husband, a true companion to all who shared life's adventures along with your beloved wife Karen. Your persona will never be absent from our beings and thoughts. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Woe is this world for your tragic loss, a huge loss for all mankind, those of us fortunate to inspire through your humility and compassion. Those who read these reflections for each officer, stop and think about this for a moment, how many people can humbly say they rescued seven people in one day from imminent danger? In the name of God's world and all that was created by Him for our benefits and pleasures.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 2, 2013

Insanity is often the logic of an accurate mind overtaxed. If this is the case, then why are so many police officers taken so violently and without provocation from this world? You have to stop and think about this a little. Why are humble servants such as yourself, Officer Cook, who mean no harm to anyone, who listened and was raised properly along with your sister, Nancy, taken by Our Creator on an eternal trip to His golden streets above? The why part will always be there, it won't depart from our brains, our hearts, from the air we take in and let out from our lungs. The world we all share in is always I suspect going to be a little crazy, a bit insane. Brave women and men like you, Officer Cook, who were devoted and doggedly determined to control this madness will only be paid the utmost compliments for your service and honors you richly all deserve. Just remember to keep looking over us and those officers of solemn spirits who faithfully continue your watch. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 2, 2013

Bagpipes wail, bells toll and yet individuality, the pride and centripetal isolation of a human being in himself-personalism....It forms, or is to form, the compensating balance-wheel of the successful working machinery of aggregate America. They do indeed toll loudly and proudly when rung. The wailing of those pipes along with those who gathered to not only mourn your life and career, Officer Cook, but to celebrate your humble accomplishments and is just the genesis of your loving, caring and most beneficent soul returning to Our Creator, that you worshiped and in turn served with respect and honor so vital to our safety and protection. We are share in our moment of silence, the quiet and peaceful times with our loved ones. You were a personable human being along with Karen. It is, it was this unique humility that you possessed and properly maintained ever so faithfully throughout your life and career within your profession which enabled to steer through the streets of Dade County with the proper reverence that your position demanded. What is demanded of us is to now show the proper level of dignity and commitment to you my neighbor, friend and hero for being a true man of character and compassion. Rest in peace. The first man created Adam, ate from the tree and did not listen to God and for this was punished. Officer Cook, you listened to God's call, revered all people, served with grace and epitomized a hero in both life and in spirit.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 2, 2013

You must pay for conformity. All goes well as long as you run with conformists. But you, who are honest men in other particulars, know that there is alive somewhere a man whose honesty reaches to this point also, that he shall not kneel to false god's and on the day when you meet him, you too sink into the class of counterfeits. Everything in life has its own intrinsic value, a price so to speak. Your honor and reputation, Officer Cook, was always and only for the purpose of performing loyal and very credible service. Unfortunately, nothing can bring you back to all of us, so to pay homage to you, your family as beloved as they are all and are very special to me and my family and to your comrades, we leave these loving and lasting tributes of a very proud and humble life well lived and a career that extends way beyond the community you faithfully loved serving. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero, conformity has extracted a very dear price on us all, your treasured soul. At least we all realize you are now quietly guarding and protecting God's golden streets where conformity and not confusion, contradiction and chaos rein.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 1, 2013

I received a nice letter back from your neighbor, Mr. Scott Olifant, who works as an attorney in Las Vegas. He sends his best wishes to your family. It was very humbling to receive a letter back from him. I guess being a police officer's son, Officer Cook, my neighbor, friend and hero can humble you quite a bit. I had looked him up and found where he is still practicing as a lawyer. Not so much of thee is left among us, as the hum outliving the hushed bell. The bells of St. Mary's Cathedral sounding that sad day of May 19, 1979, as your flag draped casket was being borne into the cathedral for your Inspector's Funeral where your family, friends and comrades gathered to pay their respects and to offer you one truly final salute for your humbling, graceful and honorable police service and protection to the citizens of Dade County. Bells ringing, helicopters flying overhead and bagpipes playing Amazing Grace, along with singing Our National Anthem can instill quietness amongst all the tears of sorrow and respect, love, affection and grateful appreciation for all your hard work and loyal effort. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Whenever I drive on I-95 past North Shore Hospital and the cathedral, I always think of you and your comrades who were given their Inspector's Funerals at that humble House of Worship.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 1, 2013

I received a nice letter back from your neighbor, Mr. Scott Olifant, who works as an attorney in Las Vegas. He sends his best wishes to your family. It was very humbling to receive a letter back from him. I guess being a police officer's son, Officer Cook, my neighbor, friend and hero can humble you quite a bit. I had looked him up and found where he is still practicing as a lawyer. Not so much of thee is left among us, as the hum outliving the hushed bell. The bells of St. Mary's Cathedral sounding that sad day of May 19, 1979, as your flag draped casket was being borne into the cathedral for your Inspector's Funeral where your family, friends and comrades gathered to pay their respects and to offer you one truly final salute for your humbling, graceful and honorable police service and protection to the citizens of Dade County. Bells ringing, helicopters flying overhead and bagpipes playing Amazing Grace, along with singing Our National Anthem can instill quietness amongst all the tears of sorrow and respect, love, affection and grateful appreciation for all your hard work and loyal effort. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Whenever I drive on I-95 past North Shore Hospital and the cathedral, I always think of you and your comrades who were given their Inspector's Funerals at that humble House of Worship.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 1, 2013

There is something better, if possible, that a man can give his life. That is his living spirit to a service that is not easy, to resist counsels that are hard to resist, to stand against purposes that are difficult to stand against. Forty-two Metro-Dade police officers, including yourself, Officer Cook, gave your lives and values on behalf of your community. There are no nobler individuals than those who dare to explore, dare to risk their beings in the holy name of Our Creator and in the name of peace, security and the decency with which we live, breathe and enjoy the fruits of our labor, because of the sacrifices made to further humanity as each of us us views it. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

September 30, 2013