Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Raise then, the hymn to death. Deliverer! God has appointed thee to free the oppressed and crush the oppressor. Because I could not stop for death, He kindly stopped for me; the carriage held but just ourselves and immortality. God has delivered you, Officer Cook, from this war of evil in which you acquitted yourself very admirably. Amazing Grace was played at your Inspector's Funeral that day, it certainly was one hot May day, when all gathered to offer a salute to you one final time as you were laid to rest with other heroes and heroines who simply put where Dade County's very best. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 28, 2013

So live that when thy summons comes to join, the innumerable caravan that moves, to the pale realm of shade, where each shall take his chamber in the silent halls of death, thou go not like the quarry-slave at night, scourged to his dungeon, but, sustained and soothed, like one who wraps the drapery of the couch about him and lies down to pleasant dreams. If we are born, one day Our creator will come calling, that's one subpoena we can't refuse, heavens are a calling, all eyes are wet and moist from all the balling. the day God called you, Officer Cook, you were His most loyal and faithful servant, who stared evil in the eye, God had reserved a golden place for you in the sky. So fiercely devoted, it will forever be noted, you and twenty-thousand other brave officers are gathered above flying through God's majestic glory like a dove. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 28, 2013

Men who sit back and pride themselves on their culture haven't any to speak of. All of us confront limits of body, talent, temperament. But that is not all. We are, all of us, also constrained by time, our place, our civilization. We are bound by the culture we have in common, that culture which distinguishes us from other people in other times and places. Cultural constraints condition and limit our choices, shaping our characters with their imperatives. You were both a gentleman of pride along with the humility to succeed, Officer Cook and your efforts on our behalf we achieved to make our society a more freer one than if brave men and women like yourself, sat back and did not do anything. Your resolve was a harbinger of things to come. Your sacrifice has taught us that perseverance when utilized properly can and is a great instrument of unification within any given community. You were a very much beloved hero in Dade County and forever this is your legacy. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. You took the rudder so to speak and had it always pointed in the right direction, in dignity and integrity.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 28, 2013

Conversation is an art in which a man has all mankind for his competitors, for it is that which all are practicing everyday while they live. You were an excellent conversationalist, Officer Cook and it was in this manner that you were able to calm emotionally charged individuals. you grew with an excellent upbringing and it only made you a better person and even more so a determined and more accomplished police officer. Good talk is like a fresh head of lettuce, so sparkling that you scarcely notice the bitterness in it. As you rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero in God's greenest of pastures you can continue your grand conversations with your beloved father, Charles, may he too rest in peace. Two humbly accomplished men in life who were heroes and servants of our modern society through and through.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 27, 2013

From his cradle to his grave a man never does a single thing which has any first and foremost object save one- to secure peace of mind, spiritual comfort, for himself. From the time your beloved mother, Mrs. Julia Cook, she should live and be well, gave birth to you, Officer Cook, you followed a set of rules as set forth by your loving folks and this contributed to you making an indelible mark in society. The sacrifice you made on behalf of Dade County citizens on May 16, 1979 will be forever remembered in the history of Dade County Law Enforcement as a source of research for all future officers to look into and to identify one of its best, brightest and most heroic police officers who knew when to assist their fellow officers in bringing contentment to their community. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 27, 2013

Every American ought to have the right to be treated as he would wish to be treated, as one would wish his children to be treated. That is not the case. Unfortunately, in today's society, people have a problem treating one another with the respect they deserve. This extends to persons with the authority to bring law and order together as one entity. Officer Cook, you respected the citizens you served, it's just a crying shame, a real tragedy that one wayward person could create such chaos that resulted in the loss of your life during the official performance of your duties. Heroes and heroines, like yourself who are so bold and respond with resounding swiftness to problems such as what transpired that day are never to be forgotten. Your sanctity, dignity and decorum will never be questioned. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. The sacredness of life, the honorable actions of the brave and the dignity of the dedicated should not be tabled, nor should they be placed on a shelf to gather dust. If you pick up the book, "Forgotten Heroes" by Dr. William Wilbanks, you can read all the real life stories of the honorable men and women of law enforcement who were unafraid to get soiled, dusty or dirty by being in the trenches fighting for our liberties and rights so sacred to our very existences.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 27, 2013

We falsely attribute to men a determined character-putting together all their yesterdays-and averaging them-we presume we know them-pity the man who has a character to support-it is worse than a large family-he is silent poor indeed. A large soul will meet you as not having known you-taking you for what you are to be, a narrow one for what you have been-for a broad and roaming soul uncertain-what it may say or be-as a scraggy hillside or pasture. If men and women grow up properly and act accordingly, we call this character. You grew up the right way, Officer Cook, and your behavior among all people and as a police officer was indeed stellar. You acted out of courage, thoughtful and with a resounding tenacity to control a situation that fateful day that unfortunately cost you your young life. You will always be remembered by your family, friends and colleagues for waging one tough battle to bring peace to Dade county and its citizens. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. May your loving soul forevermore climb the top of God's beautiful mountain or hillside and keep watch over those law enforcement officers who constantly pursue justice.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 27, 2013

Give plenty of what is given to you, listen to pity's call; don't think the little you give is great and the much you get is small. You gave back to your division, your department, your community plenty, Officer Cook. It's we the people of Dade County who should give back more to heroic officers like yourself, who served the public with grace and honor personified. Some officers might have shied away from that scene, but you sir, my neighbor, friend and hero affirmed to serve with pride and resolve. Both achieved that day in the name of justice. Rest in peace and let us hope and pray that one day very soon, freedom and peace in our entire world will never have to be met with any loss of life by those who serve and defend us with absolute honor and a deep source of pride.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 26, 2013

Private character, always dear, always to be respected, seems almost to be canonized by the grave. When men go hence, their evil deeds should follow them and fro me might sleep oblivious in their tomb. But if the smoldering ashes of the dead are to be raked up, let it not be for the furtherance of injustice. Your behavior, mannerisms in private as well as in public when performing your official police duties, Officer Cook, was both stellar and superbly marvelous. There was no more encouraging fact than the unquestionable ability of man, one one rather truly refined Metro-Dade Police Officer who wore and carried Badge# 1664, with a resounding pride, Officer William C. Cook, who I'm proud to call my neighbor, friend and hero who not only elevated his life by a conscious endeavor, but gave his life and soul in the line of duty for peace for both his department and the community he so dearly loved and who in turn loved you and cherishes your memory. Rest in peace.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 26, 2013

Of more worth is one honest man to society and in the sight of God, than all the crowned ruffians that ever lived. One good honest police officer such as yourself, Officer cook, is worth more than some officers we read about in the various newspapers who seem to get into constant hot water and trouble with their departments. As I've reflected before, your Division Chief, Dale P. Bowlin, never had to worry about officers like you, for his confidence in your skills never wavered nor were a cause for concern among your ranks. The bravest man, I'll ever read about even though, I'm still very sorry we never had the chance to meet and greet one another. Heroes, the humble and humane individuals as you my neighbor, friend and hero were are the foundations which legacies remain with us forever. Rest in peace. When officers sacrifice their lives for the sake of the common citizen this is the sign of the wonderful upbringing in which they were raised. I probably will never come across in passing someone as humble and heroic as you, Officer Cook. Saving at least seven lives within a small window, all in the blessed name of decency and humanity. Your parents, family, colleagues and friends were and to this day are very proud of your accomplishments done properly and with God steering you each way of your journey through life so sacred.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 26, 2013

Be ashamed to die until you have won some victory for humanity. Character is what you are in the dark. You gave your life, Officer Cook, for peace and solidarity in the Dade county community who citizens respected your honest effort each day and in turn you so faithfully supported and served them with grace, dignity and integrity. A much beloved man of character, your police work stood front and center and your tenacity will remain as your legacy for other officers to endeavor to emulate. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 26, 2013

I know I have a first-rate mind, but that's no source of pride to me. Intelligent people are a dime a dozen. But I am proud of having character. In this world a man must either be an anvil or a hammer. We judge ourselves by what we feel capable of doing, while others judge us by what we have already done. Not in the clamor of the crowded street, not in the shouts and plaudits of the throng, but in ourselves, our triumph and defeat. First and foremost, Officer Cook, your mind was very sharp at all times, a tenacious officer and a terrific person at treating all people with the respect they so deserve. One only needs to look back at your employee jacket or official file to find only good things, the commendations you received for excellent police work. Just tap into your maturity as stated by your friend, classmate at Norland High and in the police academy, Chief Geoff Jacobs, who humbly stated that your maturity was greater than your years and this was why you endeavored to hammer out wickedness and put the anvil down on crime and particularly domestic violence, disputes of which you excelled in combating. Because of your compassion and demeanor, your calming voice of sanity was the main reason you succeeded in a valiant way to stop this chaos on May 16, 1979, from further spilling onto the streets of Dade County, which already was under the evil grip of racial tensions and unrest. No one knows when that day will come and you my neighbor, friend and hero, were a mighty source of genuine energy until the end fighting with your colleagues to keep the peace and sense of balance in the community and we can't thank you enough. Rest in peace. All disagreements for the sake of heaven are just that. You'll never be questioned by me or anyone for answering that call on May 16, 1979 and by your heroic actions which saved seven lives and possibly many more! One day real soon no more weaponry or anything will be needed to spread the words of justice and unity, only that coming kindly and humanely from our lips.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 25, 2013

If in my high moments, I have done some good, offered some service, shed some light, healed some wounds, rekindled some hope, or stirred someone from apathy and indifference, or in any way along the way helped somebody, then this campaign has not been in vain....If in my low moments, in word, deed or attitude, though some error of temper, taste or tone. I have caused anyone discomfort, created pain or revived someone's fears, that was not my truest self....I am not a perfect servant doing my best against the odds. As I develop and serve, be patient. God is not finished with me yet. Your work ethic never caused harm or torment to anyone, Officer Cook, it is we the citizens of Dade County who should take great pains and to go to great lengths to continue the work and foundation that you and all police heroes and heroines started to lay through your unwavering effort and diligent perseverance. Go on to deserving applause and you will be sure to meet it; and the way to deserve it is to be good and to be industrious. Indeed, you were resourceful and intuitive, my neighbor, friend and hero. Rest in peace in the palms of God's hands in perfect peace and know your labors will never be forgotten. Foundations are the legacies which can never torn down, it's our heroes and heroines who live and lead their lives and conduct and perform their careers not only by example, but, by their genuine characters as set forth by their parents and loved ones. Stellar character builds solid citizens. Solid people spread the words of honesty, of which grace, dignity and integrity are a well spring that never needs replenishing.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 25, 2013

God will not look you over for medals, degrees or diplomas, but for scars. There is a healthful hardiness about real dignity, that never dreads contact and communion with others, however humble. All police officers are ultimately judged by their performances in the fields where they go and patrol. For the most part, they perform given the circumstances very admirably. And you were this kind of superb officer, Officer Cook, solid character, stand up gentleman, who let his honesty, dignity and integrity speak volumes. Your humbleness was rewarded for which you served the citizens of Dade County, Florida. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 25, 2013

I meant to say to you, Karen, that no one should ever have to deal with the loss of a loved one. There is no end to the sufficiency of character. It can afford to wait; it can do without what is called success. Your husband, Officer Cook, Karen, was a grand man of character, that which was founded on the living rock of principle. This was his wonderful upbringing that brought the two of you together. The legacy that your husband left behind surely left not only an immediate impact, but a continuous, progressive and never-ending memorial. It survives the man who possessed it; your beloved husband, this survived his young age- his country-his community-more importantly how he addressed those citizens of which he took an affirmation to serve and to protect. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. A true and faithfully loyal man of strong character!

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 25, 2013

Character contributes to beauty. It fortifies a woman as her youth fades. A mode of conduct, a standard of courage, discipline, fortitude and integrity can do a great deal to make a woman beautiful. That's why you married Karen, Officer Cook, her grace and courage in dealing with your tragic loss. Wives of police officers always seem to live by the moment on the edge. She was and still is the epitome of a lovely woman, so graceful as you were and faithful to God for bringing the two of you together in the bonds of holy matrimony. Her honesty and dignity were reflections of your life with her and as a solid police officer that Dade County citizens have known to love and to cherish your memories during your watch. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Beauty to some is skin deep, Karen, we do not know each other, but rest assured I have never stopped thinking of your wonderfully heroic husband, Officer William C. Cook. I was the gentleman who wrote the letter on your family's behalf to the cemetery to have them replace what was taken from his stone. It was only proper for a totally righteous man to have his dignity returned to him and his family. If you are in Florida ever, you can look me up from Mrs. Gina Wilkerson, whom my wife, Holly and I have the pleasure of meeting. and we can meet, along with your husband. I know you have remarried and do wish only success and blessings to you both. No one should ever have to deal with the loss of alone done nor be alone in their moment of grief. You had a great support system, Karen, from your husband's fellow brothers and sisters in the law enforcement community.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 24, 2013

Habit is habit and not to be flung out of the window by any man, but coaxed downstairs a step at a time. Your career Officer Cook, was carved out one step at a time and was the role model for other officers to follow. Your temperament served you well in being able to handle all events and situations that you came across. let us make it a habit to remember for always your life, career and that of your fellow comrades who too gave their lives to make us safer. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 24, 2013

I meant to say in this last reflection, that you never left your parents home or your house you had with Karen. Officer Cook, without these ethics or disciplines which were taught to you by them. may your mother, Mrs. Julia Cook, llive and be well. We are taught that whoever honors their parents is blessed with long life. We are all very sorrowful over your tragic loss, Officer Cook, but when we look back and have looked back, we know you only gave both of your beloved parents all the honor and respect they deserved. You're their hero and they were very proud of your life and its accomplishments. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 23, 2013

Let that which stood in front go behind, let that which was behind advance to the front, let bigots, fools, unclean persons, offer new propositions, let the old propositions be postponed. All that you stood for, Officer Cook, all your life that was achieved through humility and humbleness, accomplishment and hard work will always be the standard bearer for future generations of men and women who were as brave as you. Assist those who now carry on this important role in service and protection of their communities. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Let evil, bigotry, hate be completely wiped out and off the face of this earth to be replaced with good old fashioned honesty, decency, integrity and unity for all mankind. This is what you accentuated and this is what we shall stand for!

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 23, 2013

These are the days when men of all social disciplines and all political faiths seek the comfortable and the accepted; when the man of controversy is looked upon as a disturbing influence; when originality is taken to be a mark of instability; and when, in minor modification of the scriptural parable, the bland lead the bland. To say that a thing has never yet been done among men is to erect a barrier stronger than reason, stronger than discussion. Familiarity may breed contempt in some areas of human behavior, but in the field of social ideas it is the touchstone of acceptability. We all look for what is comfortable for us to live by,most of the time and change for a good and practical cause is good for the country, the communities in which we look to thrive in a succeed in raising our children to behave properly with ethics, discipline. In your community for six years, Officer Cook, you made this dream turn into reality by your humility toward others, your compassion, which was your mantel, the passion you took everyday to your profession and your heroism that was sacred to your accomplished life and career. You never left either your beloved parents home, nor your home with your beloved wife, Karen. You exemplified the teachings of Scripture and dedicated nothing less than one-hundred percent effort on behalf of all Dade County citizens, in which women and men so brave come along once in a lifetime. God bless you and may you rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. All change is a miracle to contemplate; but it is a miracle which is taking place every instant and your service, Officer Cook, your professionalism along with God's hands are and what has been guiding us along these past thirty-four years.Of course we wish you could be here to physically witness these monumental changes. But we recognize that your assertiveness has been that guiding light in enacting these changes for the betterment of society and that is why better for these new leases on the lives of the citizens of Dade County whom you served and protected, than all the world around them.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 22, 2013

No nation is free from the terrible burdens of historic evils; no nation is composed of angels, free from human frailty. The relevant question is not-are these people perfect? But-what are they doing about their imperfections? In what direction are they moving and how fast? No nation is free and clear of evil and the wickedness it leaves behind. Surely, Officer Cook, you and the many gallant men and women of law enforcement had major roles in keeping the peace and serenity in your beloved communities. Officers can under only work under the circumstances they are given at times and I'm sure you performed very well under these conditions. A highly motivated and well breed officer who surely knew when to act and when to practice restraint. Your heroism will certainly stand for all time as you rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 22, 2013

If we learn the art of yielding what must be yielded to the changing present we can save the best of the past. Sometimes in police work, compromise may be the best solution to the problem at hand. One of your methods you used, Officer Cook, was the route of compromising of which you were the very best at. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 22, 2013

Commerce is of trivial import; love, faith, truth of character, the aspiration of man, these are sacred. They sure were in your life with Karen, Officer Cook and before you got married, growing up and while employed as a Metro-Dade Police Officer. You were like the Abraham, when God gave him ten tests, he passed them all, including the last one, when on the Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashanah, when God told him take your son, Isaac to Mount Moriah and sacrifice him. The angel suddenly appeared and directed him to put down the ax he was going to kill his son with. If only that young man had complied with your orders, you would be here, Officer Cook, he'd be here and no harm would have come to anyone. You lived heroically and gave your life and efforts only in the very same first class humble manner. A hero through and through. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 21, 2013

Courage charms us, because it indicates that a man loves an idea better than all things in the world and that he is thinking neither of his bed, nor his dinner, nor his money, but will venture all to put in act the invisible thought of his mind. Your politeness, straight forwardness, folksy manner served you very well, Officer Cook. But it was your bravery, courage, dignity and integrity along with the respect you garnered from the citizens you were so faithful in serving that allowed for your achievements. Without any of the above, your career would not been measured by the humbleness of your service, rather the opposite, heaven forbid. You were a grand person and fellow officer to be around and you're missed very much today and for always. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. I'll always and forever hold you and your loving and charming family members in the highest esteem.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 21, 2013

Courage, considered in itself or without reference to its causes, is no virtue and deserves no esteem. It is found in the best and the worst and is to be judged according to the qualities from which it springs and from which it is conjoined. This is the very price that life exacts for granting peace. Your courage, Officer Cook, has not and never ever will be called into question for your police actions, heroic as they were on May 16, 1979. If people had overreacted and heaven forbid there had been a racial riot in the streets of Liberty City, where you gave your valiant young life to serve and to protect, I'm not sure the ramification, all we know is that you displayed a great deal of restraint and mettle in your efforts to calm the people and appease those who witnessed your bravery and positive exploits unfold into swiftness and a resolve to stop a further escalation of tensions between this young man, your colleagues and those three civilians. All of us are grateful and very proud of the kind of human being you were, so wonderfully gifted, who had much more to live for and sacrificed your being to allow us to unite in a more peaceful manner among all citizens. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 21, 2013