Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Home is the place to do things you want to do. Here we eat just when we want to. Breakfast and lunch are extremely movable feasts. It;s terrible to allow conventional habits to gain a hold on a whole household; to eat, sleep and live by clock ticks. I can say, Officer Cook, that you and your beloved wife, Karen, did not live by a tick tock of the clock. every second of your lives was utilized to the utmost to achieve something wonderful in your neighborhood and in the community you so passionately served and protected. A person with concerns or worries may live by the tick of father time, by not yourself. Your beloved mother, Mrs. Julia Cook, has lived her live and continues to live her life by her faith in God, the good health we hope she still maintains and the spiritual prosperity she still relishes. You were her darling son, her man along with your beloved father, Charles, he stood for character and grace, never to be forgotten. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. However you could have helped society benefit you did exactly that and more!

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

September 22, 2013

We entreat God to open His door at the time of the closing of our door, because when the door to the past is closed, we can be confident of the opening of a new door to a brighter future. You opened our eyes and turned up the volume in our ears with your consummate compassion while carrying out a dangerous job, Officer Cook. The book of your life will never end because it was and is through your heroics and your family's endeavors that you live on and will forever live on in others. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

September 21, 2013

During times of crisis, we often desire to turn immediately to some other matter. when we heard or read of the accounts of your untimely tragedy unfolding, we had to keep the faith that with God's help we shall prevail. As inscribed on your gravestone-"We Shall Be One," there can be no more profound or compelling statement that portrays or more accurately describes your life lived humbly and your career carried out more honorably and with a very real zest for assisting others with dignity than those four words. Officer Cook, I know it's been many years since your passing, but at least I had the chance to go into your home and meet your niece, Mrs. Gina Wilkerson, her husband, Trevor and their children, Alexis, Skyler and Legend. Fine children indeed and they'll succeed because you are looking down on all of them and won't allow them to falter. Of course, I cried in your parents home as I wear my emotions on my sleeve. You were a very dear person, a son, a brother, a loving husband and a very great neighbor and friend to everyone based on the reflections of Mr. Leonard "Lenny" Cooperman and Mr. Scott Olifant. They at least knew you, my family and I may have met you and your family at a store by happen chance, but yet never met or knew you personally and to me this is quite sad. You were the stand up person in North Miami Beach, Florida that those who knew you came to admire and respect. My father and you, Officer Cook would have had the most wonderful conversations regarding police work and my sister and I would have known you and would have loved spending the time with your parents. Every arduous experience for us will only be a test of faith that we shall pass with a joyous outcome for you are always watching over us. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

September 21, 2013

Maybe a little extra wisdom can add to the inspiration of the simple mundane day to a miraculous seven others. Your wisdom, Officer Cook, your maturity to handle most any call that you were required to answer allowed you to be the most accomplished officer you could become. It was on that fateful day of May 16, 1979, when Dade County citizens looked up to a real hero in their midst. After all how many brave men and women would respond to a call they were not mandated to answer? How many officers or ordinary citizens would save the lives of seven people, including four of your colleagues and three civilians, putting your own life at risk? I or better spelled out we cannot think of too many. You went above and beyond, my neighbor, friend and hero and have been forever fondly remembered. Your feet, your heart and lungs, your soul will always deliver that needed energy to your successors who carry on with your watch. We sure should thank the Almighty for placing you here on this earth at our hands and feet to serve and protect. Rest in peace. Your future with your loving family would have been made much brighter if you were here with them, but the warm and loving memories of your accomplished life and career remain as vivid as yesterday. We all realize nothing is ever mundane in the life of a very dear and dedicated officer as you were Officer Cook.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

September 21, 2013

I've been taking a little time off with my family, Officer Cook, but I just wanted to leave a little reflection regarding your stellar reputation. I looked up at the clouds in the sky and the words your old neighbor, Scott Olifant left on September 17, 2013, seemed to have left an impression upon me as have all the reflections. All too many times police officers due their jobs aware of the many dangers they face in our rmodern society. You faced these dangers with all the tact that is required by officers and yet never once flinched from these dangers. Your caring concern, along with your compassion was what set you apart from our officers. I don't know if the city of North Miami Beach truly realizes or realized the kind of warm and passionate gentleman that lived among its residents there. I'm here to state in the affirmative that Officer William C. Cook, Badge#1664 only practiced and preached honesty and humilty in order to accomplish all that you helped to sustain and what continues to maintain and prosper for these last thirty-four years since your untimely passing. I'm going to try my utmost to bring your memory back in focus to the North Miami Beach area. You were too important a loyal servant to have given your life for a just cause and that was for peace in the community you dearly loved. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Brilliant, admireable, determined, genuine and efficient. You put that badge on your chest, your wore it with the respect and integrity that the people of Metro-Dade County came to know, treasure and forever admire.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

September 19, 2013

Safe in the hallowed quiets of the past. The present is the present, the past was the past, the future is the future and all of this has been made possible by your stellar achievements, Officer Cook and your colleagues, the forty-one other Metro- Dade police officers who were willing to sacrifice their beings on our behalf in order for us to live and prosper in a free world. You brought a common sense approach to your profession and the intellectual value that seems at times to be so lacking from some of today's officers. Your past my neighbor, friend and hero is secure as you rest in peace and will forever be remembered for your valor.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

September 18, 2013

History knows no resting places and no plateaus. For what history records, I think of no person finer than yourself, Officer Cook. Your other neighbor, Mr. Scott Olifant, left a very humble and beautiful reflection of your life. His thoughts are echoed by myself and my family. We lived around the corner from the Cook Family, the Davis family on NE 6th Ave. and 179th Dr. Your friend and my friend, neighbor and hero, Officer William C. Cook, Mr. Olifant was a humble person and I at least had a chance to meet his niece, Gina Wilkerson and her younger brother, Justin Miller, who looked like your friend and neighbor. I do visit his grave quite often and he is truly missed by all. I even went into the Cook's home and was sobbing like a baby. His sacrifice for Dade County citizens will remain as his legacy. His stand up character permeates throughout his family, friends and community he enjoyed serving. Maybe you can look me up Mr. Olifant and we could get together and talk. My dad he should rest in peace was a New york City polic eofficer for thirty-eight years so I know you friend, Officer Cook and my dad would have had a lot in common. It was a shame we never met each other other than perhaps by happen chance seeing them in the supermarket such as the Grand Union down the street. Rest in peace Officer Cook. I had written a letter to his mother, Mr. Olifant, yesterday was Mrs. Cook's ninety-eight birthday and three years ago while living in Hallandale Beach, I received a lovely and emotional letter from her. What a classy woman she is. I'm using present tense hoping you are doing well Mrs. Cook

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

September 18, 2013

I grew up two doors down from Officer Cook. I was four years younger than him, so we never really spoke too much. Still I remember that day in May, 1979 when all the police cars came rolling up to the Cook residence. While none of us really knew what had happened, we somehow, knew it was not good. later we learned that Billy (yes, that is what the neighborhood called him) had been shot and killed in the line of duty.

My vague recollections of him are that he was friendly and helpful. Basically just a stand up guy that wanted to do the right thing.

Perhaps the most telling tribute is that all these years later I thought of his name, and googled it, and found this site. This is particularly so in a day and age where so many "heroes" don't deserve the title, and many are truly despicable.

The selflessness, courage and humility of Wm. C. "Billy" Cook exemplify heroism. His dedication and sacrifice were absolute. His family's loss is profound. No doubt, Mrs. Cook's pain has never waned, nor that of his sister or other family members.

May it provide the Cook family some small measure of comfort and solace that his life is remembered by some kid that barely knew him that lived down the street, and knows he was able to grow up, go to school and live in a free society because of the character, honor and sense of duty that was Wm. C. "Billy" Cook.

Scott Olifant
Lawyer (now), brat down the street in 1979

September 17, 2013

Your character, Officer Cook and the integrity and honor you brought to your department, your family, friends and colleagues more than begins to give us a glimpse of the past. You set the bar, better yet, you raised the bar of excellence with your graceful mannerisms and calming approach in solving community issues that arose while you patrolled the streets. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

September 16, 2013

A morsel of genuine history, a thing so rare as to be always valuable. A look back into the history of your department, Officer Cook, records forever the actions of the brave men and women like yourself who sacrificed their lives for the protection and freedom of Dade County and its citizens. History can never be changed, although we can look back and always and only have positive things to comment on your impeccable life and a career so wonderfully carried out in truth and justice done the proper way. You administered to your community in a very concerning and loyal fashion. All forty-two officers including yourself, my neighbor, friend and hero all deserve kudos and the homage due to a hero. Rest in peace.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

September 16, 2013

I meant to say, Officer Cook, that sometimes you must do the thing you cannot do. The many things you did for society will never be forgotten. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

September 15, 2013

Sometimes you must do the ting you cannot do. You only did what you were instructed to do by your parents, Officer Cook. This transferred over to the police force and made you the mature and marvelous inspiration that you became to all officers past and the present. Inspirations are people and or ideals, values that we should all strive to imbue within our very lives today. Seeing and recognizing your name, my neighbor, friend and hero, etched on a marble wall, your name placed on a green sign at NW 75th Street and NW 17th Avenue and on a brick located at Tropical Park in Miami should make us realize more so your value not only in Miami-Dade County Florida , but around the country. This has stood for over thirty-four years as your lasting legacy of devotion, honor, integrity, commitment, loyalty and faithfulness on an unwavering and on a daily basis to inspire us to aspire to newer heights. Don't be afraid to take a challenge and attempt to achieve stardom in a most fitting and humble manner. You and your fellow comrades from Dade County and its other fine departments, who gave up their lives in the performance of your duties deserve all the honors that come your way. Rest in peace.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

September 15, 2013

Some succeed because they are destined to, but most succeed because they are determined to. You were always devoted to making the streets of Dade County safe, Officer Cook. Your firmness and unmatched dignity and integrity propelled your career to where most people just sit and dream about. Your popularity within your division was why you were looked up to and very much respected by your peers and supervisors. You were a delightful and thought provoking individual to be next to in the station house and your maturity and loving nature and playful jokes and lightheartedness is very much missed today. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. I'm certain you and your loving father, Charles, may he too rest in peace are sharing some jovial moments. With all the tragedies that have befallen your loving family, your mother, Mrs. Julia Cook, is one resounding and a truly marvelous woman of faith, character and she should continue to enjoy good health, peace and much prosperity in her nearly ninety-eight years of life. A wonderful human being to say for sure, would still cherish the opportunity to meet and talk with her.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

September 15, 2013

If you have built castles in the air, your work need not be lost, that is where they should be. Now put foundations under them. For twenty-five years of your life, Officer Cook, every point, every moment was only built with a steady foundation and a purpose to it. For six devoted and dedicated years of police work, my neighbor, friend and hero, you laid the foundation for future officers. You poured the concrete that helped create the paths by which they could continue your watch, walking as humbly and loyally with the same sense of calm in their voices as they met everyday challenges in their community of what you were an integral part of. I'm sure you enjoyed building sandcastles on the beach and now for your loving services you rendered in valor, may you rest in peace in God's heavenly castle where you are being sheltered for eternal safekeeping. I'm trying to locate some whirlybirds or windmills that I can place down near your grave. Your spirit continues to make the world go around.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

September 15, 2013

Every obstacle is a stepping stone to your success. I can't fathom too many obstacles that interfered with you, Officer Cook, becoming the valiant and dignified officer Metro-Dade Police Department came to know and cherish. Each of your moments, your days, your life and its purposes were treasured indeed. And this is precisely why we honor those brave women and men who choose to wear a police uniform and voluntarily attempt to deal with society's ailments. When one dies in the line of duty, it's as if all officers "took that bullet," for one common and overwhelmingly reason, because they chose to serve, they chose to meet each and every challenge as undaunting as they may seem, head on without fear, without hesitation as you bravely performed your duties on our behalf, my neighbor, friend and hero for our community on May 16, 1979. Rest in peace.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

September 15, 2013

You become successful the minute you start moving toward a worthwhile goal. It all started when you were born, Officer cook and all your journeys in life continued for the next twenty-five years. You were not only a solid citizen, but a first class top notch and honorable police officer with the Metro-Dade Police Department. For giving your being and laying down your life for us, you and your comrades now patrolling God's golden streets above can have the most pleasant eternal dreams and may your souls travel where no one can travel to. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Sleep soundly as you watch and observe us dreaming and succeeding mightily. It's the way you humbly and with a large dose of humility achieved in life and should still had the opportunity to give back more to this society where you helped get a handle on evil.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

September 15, 2013

The key to happiness is having dreams-the key to success is making dreams come true. The key to your successful life and career, Officer Cook, was your loving parents raising you and your loving sister, Nancy and imbuing values within you. Your brought only happiness to those who you came in contact with either personally or professionally. Karen was your loving soul mate and partner in all of your pursuits in life and in your careers together. You were both very charitable and hospitable to any and every person who needed assistance. Your cherished life and commitment to bravery in serving Dade County will only and forever remain your shining legacy for all to view. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Just wish you were here to spread your happy and bright smile which will continue to motive and inspire us all.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

September 15, 2013

Health is the first muse and sleep is the condition to produce it. You always took good care of yourself, Officer Cook and you had the very best woman in your life who saw to it. Karen was always there for you and you were there for her. That week that you were taken from your family, friends and colleagues, was going to be your first weekend off now that you were working days. I'm sure you and Karen had grand plans to spend the time off with one another, as all police officers wives relish the times they have together with their spouses. There is a saying: Man thinks and God laughs. we never know what Our Creator has planned for us. In happiness and in sadness, I do know no one God forbid ever plans for an Inspector's Funeral with all the honors due its heroes and heroines. You were our humble and lovingly devoted hero to all. Your beloved family, your giving friends, your courageous comrades who attended your mass and services at the Cathedral of St. Mary's on Saturday, May 19, 1979, to pay their respects and homage to your sacred oath in service and protection to Dade County and its citizens. Your mother, Mrs. Julia Cook, God bless her heart, your beloved wife, Karen, God bless her for sharing you, her much beloved husband and her devoted partner in life with this community you so cherished and loved. To your beloved sister, Nancy, for honoring and cherishing her "darling little brother" with us and for helping inspire and shape his life along with your parents. Officer Cook, my neighbor, friend and hero, you always will be my inspiration along with my beloved parents, may you all rest in peace. My dad will always be my first inspiration as he too was a longtime New York City Police Officer for thirty-eight years spread out over five decades. Next time I meet your family members I'll share the story of why he became a police officer.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

September 15, 2013

Nothing happens unless first a dream. A person is born. Then they start to crawl. Then they start to walk, while all along they try to imitate sounds and eventually they talk and make some sense. Police work is nothing like that. Even though, you started out as a recruit, Officer Cook, in the Miami-Dade Community College Police Academy. They put you and your fellow recruits through the rigors of what police work is all about, day in and day out. This way they can see who has the physical and mental stamina that it takes to make a police officer out of yourselves. This was your lifelong goal, you were never afraid to work hard and neither was your beloved wife, Karen, who worked hard studying to become a registered nurse. Two professions with common bonds: passion and compassion. Calming voices are necessary both in police work and in the nursing profession if one is going to accomplish their goals of making people both healthy and safe. It does take some courage to become a nurse. particularly when needles have to be given to patients. Patience in both is required to keep people safe and secure. You looked out for all people and readily accepted freely the challenges of police work in a humble and loving fashion. This is why today you are remembered by those who served with you. You were their friend who could be counted on when the going got tough. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

September 15, 2013

Winners never quit. Quitters never win. Brave and courageous men and women like yourself, Officer Cook, never give up with a fight. Tragically that day after a prolonged gun battle, three out of five officers were lying on a hot pavement having been shot by a young man who become unglued from the realities of life and the respect one must afford law enforcement officers. You were sadly one of those three officers, Officer Cook, so young and full of life. But you did not give up, you held your ground, saved your comrades lives, while surrendering yours voluntarily as their hero and friend. Your commitment to your division and department was truly unwavering as you followed protocol that day courageously risking your life to bring peace and unity to the community you so faithfully served and protected. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

September 15, 2013

When you have exhausted all possibilities, remember this-you have not. A very worthwhile saying for all men and women who work in the profession of law enforcement. That day of May 16, 1979, you tried every possible means of asking a young man to surrender, Officer Cook and to no avail. Considering you were a block away from this scene with your partner that day, Reserve Officer, Scott Lincoln, and yet you were not required to answer that call as your two fellow officers, Officer DiGenova and Officer Robert Edgerton were there already and yet you and Officer Lincoln demonstrated your resolve by going speaks volumes how amazing a person you were. Your bravery, courage and valor was solid as you assisted your friends, your colleagues and saved them and those three civilians. I guess in life when all else fails, perhaps we throw in the towel and concede too easily. You were not that type of individual or police officer to do so. Your calming voice that day should have swayed that young man to give up and come quietly with you where you would have gotten him the much needed help he sorely required. You are missed by all. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

September 15, 2013

The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams. Your future was bright, Officer Cook and you still had so much more to contribute to this world. Your commitment will never be forgotten and you did pave the proper trail for other officers to follow. Your life and career has not passed any of us by and because of your cunning and swiftness to action on May 16, 1979, can officers now possess these side panels not yet present during your watch. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

September 14, 2013

The distance between a person's dream and their accomplishments can only be measured by their desire. We never had to take a ruler out to ever measure your heart, Officer Cook. It was bigger than ever when it came to your devotion and loyalty to your friends. Your Division Chief, Dale Bowlin knew you were one of his very best and most dependable police officers. The strength you possessed my neighbor, friend and hero could never be matched by anyone nor could your work ethic be questioned ever. We'll never have to pull out that yardstick, Officer Cook, because we all know your cherished soul is just above us always looking down and watching our every endeavor making certain we are exerting every last ounce of our energy in making good things happen.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

September 14, 2013

Some people dream of success, while others wake up and work hard at it. You not only were always alert, Officer Cook, but you awakened other officers to wake up and smell the coffee. Your accomplishments trickled down your division and within your department. It's great to dream, as long as there is a purpose for one to go about achieving success. We can dream about anything, but where you are now resting in peace, my neighbor, friend and hero, eternity awaits its heroes and heroines who dared to dream and in pursuing their goals were among the chosen few who succeeded as you did in sacrificing their souls for our securities. And none of you will ever be forgotten

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

September 14, 2013

Obstacles are those frightful things you see when you fail to focus on your goals. You were not scared away from pursuing your lifetime dream of becoming a police officer, Officer Cook. Your tenaciousness was the very reason you achieved in all your endeavors. Your humility and grace on the job was very endearing to your colleagues as they recognized your prowess in dealing with all and any circumstances you would have encountered. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

September 14, 2013