Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

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

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 26, 2014

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

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 24, 2014

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

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 22, 2014

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

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 21, 2014

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

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 20, 2014

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

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 20, 2014

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

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 20, 2014

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

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 17, 2014

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

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 17, 2014

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

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 17, 2014

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

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 16, 2014

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

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 15, 2014

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

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 13, 2014

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

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 13, 2014

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

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 13, 2014

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

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 13, 2014

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

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 12, 2014

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

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 12, 2014

Spring comes laughing down the valley, all in white, from the snow where the winter's armies rally love to go. You gave your life, Officer Cook, in the spring and when your birthday comes each November you are fondly remembered as a true hero and friend of all Dade County residents. You gave your all and no matter the season, you are the reason we can continue our pursuits of life, which springs eternal. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 12, 2014

Sport develops not character, but characters. Police officers who do an honest day's job, develop the proper work ethic to be recognized as the brave men and women that the citizens they protect come to respect for their efforts. Champions aren't made in gyms. Champions are made from something they have deep inside them- a desire, a dream, a vision. They have to have last minute stamina, they have to be a little faster, they have to have the skill and the will. But the will must be stronger than the skill. The will of all police officers must be that iron clad if they are going to achieve peace and unity in their communities. Your will, Officer Cook, your constitution was as firm as your demeanor. You championed the cause of everyone. Every time you win, you're reborn; when you lose, you die a little. We all died a little, Officer Cook, it's your spirit that enables us to carry on your will and that of the people. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 11, 2014

My voice goes after what my eyes cannot reach, with the twirl of my tongue I encompass worlds and volumes of worlds. Speech is the twin of my vision, it is unequal to measure itself, it provokes me forever, it says sarcastically, you contain enough, why don't you let it out then? A call in the midst of the crowd, my own voice, orotund, sweeping and final. A police officer's voice should be the last one heard in order to settle a dispute. Your voice, Officer Cook, was unwavering and it spoke loudly, it speaks to us in a very profound and divine spiritual manner, we just need stop and ponder the true meaning behind the wit, words and wisdom of one of Dade County's humble and humane servants. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 11, 2014

True eloquence does not consist in speech....It must consist in the man, in the subject and in the occasion. It comes, if it comes at all, like the outbreaking of a fountain from the earth, or the bursting forth of volcanic fires, with spontaneous, original, native force. As a man of eloquence and politeness, Officer Cook, your down to earth calming voice was a wonderful resource for all officers to emulate. Your voice may have been silenced physically, but spiritually it can be heard from the heavens above and resonates throughout this world. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 11, 2014

So now he is a legend when he preferred to be a man. We all prefer to act without any recognition, at least the humblest of God's faithful servants, such as yourself, Officer Cook. Sometimes we try to tackle a bit too much, ingesting more than we are capable. Grandiosity is so seductive. And greatness may be too high a goal. Fulfillment might be a better one. Before any of these three may seep into our crevices of our minds, perhaps growing up and becoming a man or woman first might very well be the answer. You are living proof, Officer Cook, you were raised with values and these values propelled not only your life and marriage to Karen, but your cherished career as a police officer. You were not a taker, you were a giver who gave back more to this community than we could ever give back to you. The fulfillment of your aspirations became fruition when you graduated from the Miami-Dade Police Academy and began your patrol of its streets. No one knows when Our Creator will come calling, but one thing for certain, you stood toe to toe and attempted to rein in terror that day. Nothing inconsistent, no mixed messages about your professionalism, your ideology reflected the professional standards of both your department and division and you made us all proud to call you a hero and one of God's very special and truly humble golden angels. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Officers need to check their egos at the front door and bring with them each day a load of passion mixed with compassion and honesty.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 10, 2014

Look out how you use proud words. When you let proud words go, it is not easy to call them back. We love eloquence for its own sake and not for any truth which it may utter, or any heroism it may inspire. I do know one thing, Officer Cook, we all know a thing or two about hopefully those men and women who took a solemn affirmation to serve and protect us are honest law abiding people as well. Eloquence does speak about a person's integrity and to their character. Very instrumental into how an officer goes about their position on a day to day basis. Your performance, Officer Cook, was rock solid and the firmness of your dignity cannot be shattered. You would take someone aside and speak to them in a very friendly and folksy manner and they would comprehend the point you were trying to get across to them. If some of today's officers modeled their performances after yours the world would be much better off. You did the right thing at the right time on May 16, 1979, forgoing your own safety to save your four comrades and those three civilians. No telling how many countless others were saved by your boldness. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 10, 2014

Talking is like playing on the harp, there is as much in laying the hands on the strings to stop their vibrations a sin twanging them to bring out their music. In a country like ours, eloquence is a powerful instrument, well worthy of the special pursuit of our youth. I can say, Officer Cook, that you probably enjoyed beating those drums while at Norland High School. Sweet music to one's ears even if was real loud. This was your personality, it was so endearing, that it carried over to your wonderful career as a Metro-Dade Police Officer. The cool and eloquent way you and your partners that teamed with you went about your official duties. It was a real shame to have lost you, but not lost in the translation was that you went out and effected a positive change in Dade County that can still be felt today and has and will continue for all future generations to come. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 10, 2014