Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

A single revolutionary spark may kindle a fire that, smoldering for a time, may burst into a sweeping and destructive conflagration. It cannot be said that the state is acting arbitrarily or unreasonably when, in the exercise of its judgment as to the measures necessary to protect the public peace and safety, it seeks to extinguish the spark without waiting until it has rekindled the flame or blazed into the conflagration. That is all it takes, one spark, one short fuse of a person to ignite terror and create mayhem in a community. This is exactly why we employ many fine police officers such as yourself, Officer Cook, to endeavor to keep peace and unity moving together on its cogs and the wheels of justice moving in only one primary direction: forward. Three-thousand honorable and devoted men and women seeking one common goal: Protection and safety through hard work and rigorous training. The physical and mental aspects and challenges of your profession, not to mention your positions mandate full compliance to a code of standards and rules that are meant top keep both officers and the citizens they watch over safe and sound. Hope. We can only hope as you rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero that your service to those people who respected and enjoyed speaking with you without hesitation have remembered your fight for their cause with a both passion and tremendous compassion. I know for sure your loving family has not, nor will it not ever forget. Your absence only makes their hearts grow fonder of defining who you were and what you represented in the North Miami Beach, Florida city where you grew up. The very fine name of Metro-Dade Police Officer William C. "Billy" Cook, 1953-1979, Badge#1664 will live on in the hearts and minds as we offer a prayer for your giving soul to ascend to the highest heights of God's divine eternal kingdom.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

January 23, 2014

Revolution is bloody, revolution is hostile, it knows no compromise, it can overturn and destroy everything that gets in its path. They are not just made: they come as natural as the growth of an oak tree. It comes out of the past and its foundations are laid far back. Police officers in your department from the past, Officer Cook, whose job performances were as sturdy as oak trees and who gave their lives laying the foundation for other officers to follow in their paths only knew of one thing, perhaps more than just something: Honor, dignity and integrity and dealing with and in handling all situations that they faced or that would have come their way. They were fearless as well and deserve a hearty salute for their bravery and courage in trying to assist Dade County in its endurance. Nothing ambiguous about your heroic feat, just an ambitious young man whose valor certified the continuance of past and present officers who serve our needs without any doubts or reservations. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero, that tall oak tree near your grave continues to grow as does your legacy within the realms of Dade County and all throughout this great land.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

January 23, 2014

It is not the insurrections of ignorance that are dangerous, but the results of intelligence. If only we knew why to start with why a young man, whose only fault at the time was deserting the Army, then perhaps the investigators could have gotten a better handle on what you, Officer Cook, your partner that day, Reserve Officer Scott Lincoln, your comrades and friends, Officers Keith Digenova and Robert Edgerton were going up against. A man bent on destruction, mayhem, looking to leave this world in a blaze of his "so called glory." All of you fine officers performed beyond your training and did everything according to the law and your department's manual. Besides yourself, Officer Cook, your comrades were heroes as well and every letter of tact was utilized in doing everything you could possibly do. You asked him to surrender, he did not listen to your commands. You had to resort to using your weapon just to defend your fellow officers, despite the fact that Dade County was experiencing racial tensions during that time frame. Above and beyond the call of duty, Officer Cook, putting your life on the line to save seven others, even though a block away and not being dispatched to that scene. Marvelous and magnificent only begin to describe the way you went about your daily duties and made us very proud, even though personally, I wish you were here for me to meet and speak to you. What a great gentleman! Literally and figuratively. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

January 23, 2014

Revolutions conducted in the name of liberty more often than not refine new tools of authority. Everything that police officers undertake should always be in the name of God for the sake of heaven. They perform a very dangerous job, train for a profession in which one mistake could lead to a dilemma in which there is no turning back. Your fine character, Officer Cook, your humbly stellar performance is something each one of us could look back on and reflect upon it even if we never met you personally. Of course, we cannot literally feel the pain, anguish and hurt your family experienced on May 16, 1979 when you gave your life in the line of duty to enhance forever Dade County's image. We should not be deceived as revolutions do not go backward. You would want for all of us to march on, go forward, we can remember your life and career and realize one day how you and over one-hundred and forty other intelligent and hard-working Dade County police officers made a huge difference as well in their communities. This sacrifice serves as to how we must sacrifice something to make the lives of ordinary citizens a bit brighter everyday. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

January 23, 2014

Those who make peaceful resolution impossible will make violent revolution inevitable. And this is exactly why we have excellently trained brave men and women like yourself, Officer Cook, who continue persevering in the battle to obtain and to allow prosperity and unity to rein supreme in this the proud community of Dade County, Florida. No one knows when violence can raise its ugly head, you were there that day to assist your fellow comrades and tragically paid the dearest of prices on our behalf. We cannot ever thank you enough. We try to pay honor to you and your other fallen colleagues who gave their every last ounce of effort in dignity, integrity and grace. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

January 23, 2014

The ways of Providence are inscrutable and mortals must submit. We wish all police officers could motivate themselves as you did, Officer Cook. This is why you were who you were. You relied on your faith, a docket of doctrines, a book of morals and a book of religion. This is the revelation coming from God's lips, His hands that guide the many men and women of law enforcement, but this book that is filled with many codes which teaches us, as we lead our lives as individuals, taking onus of our daily responsibilities, our own dignities and the equalities we should be guaranteed as free people with many thanks and tributes to your fearless actions. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

January 21, 2014

Happily the government of the United States which gives to bigotry no sanction, to persecution no assistance, requires only that they who live under its protection should demean themselves as good citizens in giving it on all occasions their effectual support. Officer Cook, as a man of character, an officer and a gentleman who expounded justice and freedom of fairness for all citizens, let it be known that the sacrifice you made on May 16, 1979, will always be the root that sprouts more intelligence and zero tolerance of any misdeeds or prejudice within the boundaries of all Dade County. You were that galvanizing officer who delivered the most when it was needed the most. When morale may have seemed down you were the one individual whose sense of humor helped lifted the spirits of your division and department to a higher plateau than ever before. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

January 21, 2014

It is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits and humbly to implore His protection and favor. If such talents as I possess have been called into action by great events and those events have terminated happily for our country, the glory should be ascribed to the manifest interposition of an overruling providence. It's our sacred duty to honor all law enforcement officers who not only live to retire and do whatever they choose to do, but to give even more honor and tribute to those brave men and women who were forced into an early retirement by the wickedness that still seems to be one of society's ailments. Your ledger, Officer Cook, will always be full of loving accomplishments, a life well lived and dedicated to the pursuits of happiness, peace prosperity and unity magnified. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

January 21, 2014

The instinct of domination is a weed that grows rank in the shadow of the sanctuary, climbs over it, possesses it, covers its ruin and feeds on its decay. The unchecked sway of clergy has always been the most mischievous of human tyrannies; and even were they all well-meaning and sincere, it would be so still. There are those who thrive on dominating and taking advantage of the less fortunate and this is why we need dedicated and devoted police officers such as yourself, Officer Cook, who each and everyday displayed the proper discipline to ensure that the integrity of your position would be adhered to. You were a man of principle who spoke to others as though you were speaking with God and His attributes were those that successfully guided your life and career and why you took life seriously and reverently. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

January 21, 2014

To the mind of the Puritan, heaven was God's throne; but no less was the earth. His footstool: and each in its degree and kind had its demand on man. He held it a duty to labor and to multiply; and building on the Bible, whether it was the Old or the New Testament quite as much as on the New, thought that a reward on earth as was in heaven awaited those who were faithful to the law....On the other hand, those who shaped the character and in great measure the destiny of this world had always on their lips the nothingness and the vanity of life. For them, time was nothing but a preparation for eternity and the highest virtue consisted in a renunciation of all the cares, toils and interests of earth. Heaven and earth were why we are here and that is to perform good deeds, something you always expounded on, Officer Cook. Practice what you preach, respect all people for who they are regardless of their authority. Your time here on earth my neighbor, friend and hero was the epitome of virtual trust and your personal and professional character only reinforces why Our Creator has you guarded for safekeeping in His eternal shelter. Rest in peace.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

January 21, 2014

Religion without joy-it is no religion. The same could be said if one works but does not really enjoy their position, try and find something you like. You thoroughly enjoyed your work, Officer Cook, I can personally say that you would not have traded places with anyone else. You were not just an ordinary guy, an ordinary police officer, the specialty of your demeanor, your stellar character has and will always go forever in determining how your heroic act will be remembered and you'll never be forgotten. You loved life, you treasured the great outdoors, you cherished your moments, all very special indeed with Karen, your loving and caring family, intimate friends and personal comrades who always have remembered you being there to have their backs so to speak. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

January 21, 2014

The most detestable wickedness, the most horrid cruelties and the greatest miseries that have afflicted the human race have had their origin in this thing called revelation, or revealed religion. It has been the most dishonorable belief against the character of the Divinity, the most destructive to morality and the peace and happiness of man, that ever was propagated since man began to exist. The person who carried out a most heinous action that took your life, Officer Cook and nearly that of your other colleagues should have sought help from someone, a doctor, his family, friends, just go and try and seek someone out. taking a life is the most horrid incident that still befalls the world. It is a crying shame your life had to end at such a young age, but your sacrifice will forever be the hallmark of a very blessed and a most fortunate life of someone raised with a morals and scruples. We should all emulate your character. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

January 20, 2014

I believe in one God and no more; and I hope for happiness beyond this life. I believe in the equality of man; and I believe that religious duties consist in doing justice; loving mercy and endeavoring to make our creatures happy. You believed along with Karen, Officer Cook, in one God who is indivisible with liberty and justice for all something with which you faithfully carried out for six inspiring years. Your family was your rock of support and backed you in all your efforts and in your achievements. You loved everyone and we know Our Creator has your loving soul encircled by other loving souls who made the ultimate sacrifice as your made. Fearlessly and a doer without any reservations in protecting and serving the public. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

January 20, 2014

My country is the world and my religion is to do good. Every religion is good that teaches man to be good; and I know of none that instructs him to be bad. Religion is supposed to teach us to respect all people. Officer Cook, you were a devout individual in faith, in integrity and in honesty, traits that all police officers should occupy themselves with when dealing with both public and in private matters. You were a sincerely honorable gentleman who fortified all people with your goodness and humility. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

January 20, 2014

What shall the world do with its children? There are lives of the executives who know nothing of...The other world is like a thorn in the ear of a tiny beast. We work in all different climates and work environments. The environments are themselves a hotbed of institutionalized workaholics. People like to incorporate their work with their family life. People want to be treated in a most humane and respectful fashion. Karen and yourself, Officer Cook, two wonderfully hard-working and honest people who were truly meant to be mates for life gave your every ounce of effort to treat each living being accordingly. The stress of your professions served as God's test to see how you would weather any turmoil and you achieved greatly in this endeavor. You are truly missed by all and your heroism will always be a large part of your loving family's fabric. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. You were a child who was meant to inherit a very special gift from God and now you have taken that gift up to heaven to instill that in all others.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

January 19, 2014

Nothing is more terrible than ignorance in action. Compulsion is a manifestation of addiction.We get involved in change for the sake of change; newness carries authority and we're rarely informed enough to make decisions based on information. Sometimes not being too smart causes us to be more decisive. For all your maturity beyond your years, Officer Cook, you just took your level of knowledge and comprehension to a higher level enabling other officers working under your charge to become more enhanced and much more likely to get into a jam that they may not be able to wiggle out from. Why can't more officers today emulate your career paths and accept upon themselves the onus of responsibility that their official positions entail? You certainly were a cut above the rest in humility and in taking charge of disputes that arose in which your intellect was called upon to dictate a positive resolution. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

January 19, 2014

The toughest thing about success is that you've got to keep on being a success. What a nightmare success can spawn. especially for those of us addicted to it. All your successes and achievements, Officer Cook, are not just momentary. Your brave actions on May 16, 1979, are now legendary and for all future police officers within your department to stand up and take notice. This is how one carries out their profession in an unassuming manner, with the dignity, integrity and humbleness all vital to the accomplishments of all officers who come to their workplace and endeavor to bring their communities together in unity and peace. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

January 19, 2014

It is said to begin with the father. Our dads in most cases are our first models of behavior. I agree with this, though both mother and father share in the awesome responsibility of raising their children with a value system and for their children to grow up emulating their good qualities. Your loving father, Charles, may he too rest in peace, Officer Cook, raised both you and your sister, Nancy with expectations and you both met them well beyond the norm. Your dad was a veteran with the military and all that both he and your mother, Mrs. Julia Cook, instilled in you was never misplaced or done in a manner that would cause shame to your family. You were your family's pride and joy and hero forever always remaining in the hearts and minds of those who respected your humbleness and humility in which your carried out your profession. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

January 15, 2014

You no longer spend your life hurrying around the corner for something which is never there. Work junkies are marathon runners. The act of work itself elevates our images. We try to pace ourselves, but sometimes we get carried away with outside distractions. You performed your job each day, Officer Cook, as if it were your first day on the job and gave only your best efforts. Breathless, emotionless and fearful were not vocabulary words that described your character, rather, commendable, reliable and outstanding. You faced dangers squarely in the eye and were not daunted to meet them and to defeat the wickedness of that day of May 16, 1979, in which you gave your life and the lives of your comrades were nearly lost as well. Thanks to your heroism Dade County streets will always be a little bit safer and its residents can breathe much more easier. A sacrifice never to be forgotten, that is for certain. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

January 15, 2014

When I grow up I want to be a little boy. Since you were a young man, Officer Cook, you dreamed of becoming a police officer and through your devotion and dedication you witnessed the fruits of your labor reach the level of succession. Your childhood was one of nurturing and having many friends with which to reach out to. Your sacrifice allowed those citizens in Dade County to further enhance their lives. Those who knew, loved and respected you will always feel the pain of your loss and this is only natural. The light of your soul stills illuminates through our world. You will never be forgotten. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

January 13, 2014

He that would govern others, first should be Master of himself. Workaholics are perfectionists. Perfectionism is a disease in and of itself, but when you dictate perfectionism it can only lead to destruction. Flexibility with oneself and with others leads to maximum effectiveness. If your role is that of a leader, you must be tolerant of mistakes, of uneven performances, of demands not met. First of all, police work does not tolerate mistakes on a constant basis, not just because they are bad for the morale of the department, but because they can lead officers into dangerous situations where loss of life is always possible, God forbid. And Officer Cook, you always made sure of your circumstances and had a plan of action to match whatever scenario you were dispatched to. A certain allowance can be made for certain dilemmas, but usually not too many are afforded for obvious reasons. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

January 12, 2014

Despair is the price one pays for setting oneself an impossible aim. Thank God, Officer Cook, despair never set in for all that you endeavored to become. One has to set certain goals, at least to attempt to challenge that for which we were created for. Your profession demands high standards and anything less would be deemed unsuccessful. You gave your all, loved much and were very much well loved. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. If despair ever set in, you let devotion, desire and dedication eliminate any doubts on whether you would succeed or not.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

January 12, 2014

Whose life is it, anyway? When we are at our workaholic worst, we forget we have any choices. We shield ourselves behind routine, we take perverse pride in the prisons we've created, but we claim that "life" has dealt us an unbearable, impossible hand. We hide behind the mountain of tasks we have created. Today, we might say I'll see my work load for what it is-a self created monster that has made the word choice obsolete in my language. Officer Cook, you lead a bright life, humbled by accomplishments too many to name. You were a leader who took other officers under your wings to advice and regardless of the arduous tasks that lied ahead you were fearless and strong in your convictions in bringing law and order together, so that peace and prosperity would tie together. This knot will never be untied and the bonds of your legacy will forever remain etched in our minds. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Your life, police officers and their lives with their families supporting their efforts must never be abridged nor compromised by the evil which still lingers in our society.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

January 12, 2014

Beware of a desperate person who offers you his shirt. Often people are well in their intentions, but cannot possibly deliver what they promise. It is unwise for us to offer too much and then, time after time, fail, not only those to whom we give our promise, but finally failing ourselves. On the other hand, you, Officer Cook, you delivered on the oath that you solemnly took and brought unwavering and an uncompromising style and effort to your profession. Failure is not a word that defines some of us, it surely never ever defined your life or career or your unselfish bravery that you wore on your chest when you badge was pinned on you. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. It was a shame that young man was so desperate to try and undermine the Metro-Dade Police Department by taking your life and nearly those of your esteemed colleagues. Your life and career will certainly go down as very determined and essential in what you displayed on a daily basis to bring forth peace and unity in your community.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

January 11, 2014

If I would be a young man again and had to decide how to make a living, I would not try to become a scientist, scholar or teacher. I would rather choose to be a plumber or peddler in the hope to find that modest degree of independence still available under present circumstances. In making our lives simpler, more focused, we set ourselves free and give ourselves more than a meaning of independence. We all strive for that comfort level of freedom as our identity. Officer Cook, this was how you lived your life and performed your job on a daily basis. A young man who was not yet in your prime you deserved to still be with us, but only Our Creator knows the real answer and one day your loved family members will see you again. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero, keep watching over us and helping those on this earth to protect and serve as you did with an unlimited amount of resolve, desire, dedication and proper dignity.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

January 11, 2014