Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Anger and folly walk cheek by jowl: repentance treads on both their heels. We sure all better do repentance and to be extremely thankful for your unwavering presence, Officer Cook, in making Dade County streets much more safer. You have to walk the talk, not just talk and produce no further action. You were a handsome young man who was energetic, enthusiastic, meticulous and carefully organized each and everyday knowing what was required of yourself. You labored with all your heart and soul and that is all we could ask from our sworn police officers. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 18, 2013

A man makes his inferiors his superiors by heat. Self-control is the rule. It was a very hot afternoon on May 16, 1979, when you answered what would be your last call, Officer Cook. How truly and tragically sad! You'll always be thought of as the officer your department came to rely on when the going got tough. You responded to that call with swiftness not realizing what you and your partner that day, Reserve Officer Scott Lincoln were up against even after handling calls similar to that many other times. Your heroism went above and beyond the call of duty and your faithfulness to quiet a young man bent on violence was most remarkable. you got along with everyone you encountered on the streets and that was why you were one of the Central Division's most popular officers. The good Lord had other plans for you, Officer Cook and at age twenty-five he needed you to help your other courageous colleagues patrol His golden streets above. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 18, 2013

God will save the good American and seat him at His right hand on the Golden Throne. For your kindness, perseverance and bravery, Officer Cook,, you now reside next to Our Creator in the Palms of His hands and in His Golden Throne. In Judaism, one usually needs to purchase a ticket for a seat for Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year and for Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement in one's House of Worship, the synagogue, as these are the most attended times for the Jewish people to ask for forgiveness and to start the year on a clean slate. Where you and twenty-one thousand other brave men and women heroes and heroines reside this is not needed. When God needs your beloved souls, they are ready and able to travel wherever they are needed in patrolling His golden streets. Your memories should always be for a blessing for the loyal, dependable and excellent service you provided your communities. Your faithfulness and devoutness was always a central theme during your life and now it still carries over to your loving family members in The Cook Family. Stay well Mrs. Cook and I'll keep you in my thoughts and prayers. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 17, 2013

We believe we must be the family of America, recognizing that at the heart of the matter we are bound to one another. I have noticed while glancing at the Officers Down Memorial Page, there have been quite a few officers with your last name. Do not know if they are related, other than through your professions, Officer Cook. The positive traits of these brave men and women who like you, have placed their lives on the line to protect and defend both life and property, bringing freedom and unity to their beloved communities. They were all Godsends brought into this world to serve the public cause and to create a most valuable niche in today's modern society. The foundations by which America stands for cannot and will not be torn apart by continuing violence that seems to perplex those law enforcement officers who bravely and without any reservation endeavor to bring down those culpable of thinking they can achieve and get off without any ramifications to their dastardly actions. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 17, 2013

The cause of liberty is a cause of too much dignity, to be sullied by turbulence and tumult. It ought to be maintained in a manner suitable to her nature. Those who engage in it, should breathe a sedate, yet fervent spirit, animating them to actions of prudence, justice, modesty, bravery, humanity and magnanimity. Police officers always have to involve themselves in any and all situations that may arise, not only do they have to utilize caution, but they have be aware of the citizens they protect. All of the above applies to men and women such as yourself, Officer Cook, when you went out on patrol. You were that individual, that officer who so vividly personified these virtues and beyond. I wish some officers today would apply these approaches to their police work as this may lead to less friction and problems between them, their departments and communities. They join hand in hand, brave Americans all, by uniting we stand, by dividing we fall. You stood for all the things that are proper and correct in law enforcement, Officer Cook. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 16, 2013

I wish for a permanent union with the mother country, but only on the terms of liberty and truth. No advantage that can accrue to America from such a union, can compensate for the loss of liberty. Nothing can make up for your loss, Officer Cook, after all, you sacrificed your life to create peace and liberty in your community. You deserve a well earned thank you from this community here in Dade County for making our lives more enriched. Heroes and heroines are in our midst and those who gave up their lives now are God's golden angels with a very important mission, to watch over those officers who dare risk their beings in the name of liberty, unity and peace. Our cause is just. Our union is perfect. Nothing can ever disturb God's heavenly plans He has for all of us, including the people of law enforcement who are the brave souls who go and venture daily in their communities to protect us. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 16, 2013

O America because you build for mankind I build for you. I see not America only, not only Liberty's nation, but other nations preparing, I see tremendous entrances and exits, new combination, the solidarity of races. We read, we saw great advances made by very proud and humble officers such as you, Officer Cook, a leader who understood what it took to lead men and women into the thresholds of wickedness. First, you need a core mixture of maturity and composure which you surely obtained through your rigorous police academy training and then transferred that back into the streets of Dade County. It is said that if one wants something back, then they need to make an ever faithful deposit into society, which you forever will be remembered by. God's glorious heavens have been graced with your angelic appearance to keep watch over those who chose to follow in your giant footsteps. A tall order indeed to fill as no one is truly replaceable. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 15, 2013

The Great society is a place where every child can find knowledge to enrich his or her mind and to enlarge their talents....It is a place where the city of man and woman serves not only the needs of the body and demands of commerce, but the desire for beauty and the hunger of the community....It is a place where both men and women are more concerned with the quality of their goals than the quantity of their goods. You were the champion for all people, Officer Cook, the under privileged child, the person who had no food, clothing or shelter. The common person who had everything to survive and to thrive. The sick and helpless who needed guidance from you, the righteous and blessed and the persons out there looking to commit evil and mayhem. But, you were there until the end risking your existence for people from all sides, directions where you knew your position would create a positive influence in their lives. Your sterling character saw to that and were we very blessed by your undying presence. The heroism you displayed my neighbor, friend and hero shall always and only provoke cries of why. Why were you taken from your post? Why so young and and full of resolve to further accomplish that for which God placed you here to carry His blueprint. We may never know until we meet you again in God's heavenly kingdom along with your father, Charles, may he too rest in peace along with his beloved and blessed son who made his parents very proud and most prideful of his achievements all done under a humble canopy.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 15, 2013

For this is what America is all about. It is the uncrossed desert and the unclimbed ridge. It is the star that is not reached and the harvest that is sleeping in the unplowed ground. This is really that which sets America apart from all other nations of the world. Heroic men and women of valor, like yourself, Officer Cook, who aren't afraid to tackle dangerous and difficult dilemmas. Oh, yes, indeed my neighbor, friend and hero, your beloved soul has reached the highest star, the pinnacle in God's enchanted constellations and the ground where you came from encapsulates your physical being which was utilized to make us safe and sound from evil. As one of Dade County Law Enforcement's one-hundred and forty heroes and heroines and the nation's over twenty-one thousand police officers who have given their lives for the total welfare and safety of our great country, we can now rest well, knowing you can rest in peace with the knowledge and trust that you gave your being to the zenith in honesty and that your foresight was never wavering nor lacking in any way, shape, or form.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 15, 2013

A rich harvest in a hungry land is impressive. The sight of healthy children is impressive. These- not mighty arms- are the achievements which the American nation believes to be impressive. And how much more impressive than to have many great heroes and heroines among us as you, Officer Cook. You never backed away from a challenge and that day provided you and your fellow officers plenty to be challenged with. Keeping the community unified while trying your utmost to qwell a disturbance from escalating to much more than you already were dealing with. As reflected many times you were that neighborhood's Godsend and your heroic efforts that you were accustomed to having kicked in as you proudly and humbly saved those lives and will always be looked at as their hero. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 15, 2013

We are the standard-bearers in the only really authentic revolution against tyrannies. Our strength is not to be measured by our military capacity alone, by our industry, or by our technology. We will be remembered, not for the power of our weapons, but for the power of our compassion, our dedication to human welfare. Indeed, my neighbor, friend and hero, Officer Cook, the many bookends of your hallmark career were: compassion and dedication, you never left your home to go to work without them. You persevered mightily with them and made the ultimate sacrifice on our very behalf with them attached to your uniform worn by you with the honor and integrity that you position calls for. Through and through, Badge#1664 your badge, your uniqueness, your humility caused your badge to shine with dignity as you served, protected and defended our rights to live our lives the way we see fit. God took you from a world of pain and suffering and has your treasured soul forever in His midst where agony and suffering no longer exists. Rest in peace and in comfort knowing you were that young man, ahead of the crowd in maturity, that officer who let his actions and good deeds speak louder than ever before. You'll always be loved and respected for your first class job you afforded all Dade County citizens.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 15, 2013

It is part of the American character to consider nothing as desperate, to surmount every difficulty by resolution and contrivance. Police officers are trained to utilize every means under their power to bring peace and unity to every situation they may face, until having to resort to using their weapons. Talk is not cheap and if talking that fateful day would have brought finality and a peaceful end to that awful dispute, you would still possibly be here today with all of us, Officer Cook, retired and well, and enjoying your future with your beloved wife, Karen. You courage to take command of this dilemma was far and away very superb as was your character and the tact you employed in sealing off the area with your colleagues who were dispatched to the scene. No one knows what Our Creator has in store for us, He just needed you and your resounding skills up in His golden streets to help those here keep the peace and continue the watch. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 15, 2013

One loves America above all things, for her youth, her greenness, her plasticity, innocence, good intentions, friends, everything. The entire community of Dade County including your division and department all loved and cared greatly for you, Officer Cook. You were the embodiment of everything that this great land characterizes and represents. Your cunning bravery, grace, dignity, honor, integrity and swiftness to act on May 16, 1979 to save the lives of seven persons including your fellow officers deserves all the praise we can afford you and your loving family. May God be with them at all times of happiness and may they grow to cherish your wonderfully lived life and distinguished career. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Actions by men and women as humble as yourself usually leads to good results from other officers who carry your torch that was passed on down to them.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 15, 2013

O, yes, I say it plain, America never was America to me. And yet I swear this oath-America will be! It sure will because of your unwavering bravery, Officer Cook, to make each person feel special and secure in knowing they can continue their pursuits of health and happiness because of your sacrifice. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 14, 2013

You actually performed your duties, Officer Cook,without much fanfare, just being humble and unassuming. You carried out beyond the scope of what was expected of you and was undaunted by the challenges you faced. You were the epitome of what every officer should strive to become. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. You preferred the spotlight shine on those very citizens who knew you would serve them with grace, dignity and integrity so very much needed nowadays.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 13, 2013

All I want is the same thing you want. To have a nation with a government that is as good, honest, decent, competent, compassionate and filled with love as are the American people. This is what all police officers attempt to do and that is to keep the peace and a unity in their communities that is everlasting. All you did for us, Officer Cook, is this and a whole lot more. You performed your position with much fanfare and expected the citizens to conduct themselves accordingly as well. You've earned the honor and respect of all. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 13, 2013

Haste makes waste and devoutness to one's faith is what distinguishes marvelous character from people. The church you and Karen prayed at was your basic source of spirituality and allowed you to fulfill God's words of advice which came in handy when speaking with all people. The time we are allotted is most important in how we use this time. You utilized your time, Officer Cook, for heavenly meaning and from this meaning can we accept God's Divinity and some reasons behind His plans in making this a better world. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. You gave your all to answer to answer God's call. Those who sacrificed before you are all just very special people who are in God's most meaningful master plan.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 12, 2013

That morning in September of 2010, was just a happen chance, Officer Cook, that I finally located your parents home and I'm glad I did. He sure reminds me of yourself, has the looks as your lovely mother alluded to me in her lovely letter.You keep watching over us and keep delivering quality golden patrol from the gates above. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 12, 2013

A man should accept onus for his actions, it is a shame that evil young man let his depression and personal concerns, problems spill over into wanton violence costing a very decent and loyal servant of God, yourself, Officer Cook, your life. We all have some burdens and of course we need someone to share them with. That's all you were endeavoring to do, what a shame! This community has always been touched by your sincerity and humanity. It was what you brought to the table my neighbor, friend and hero, that has left us feeling satisfied knowing you performed beyond the call of duty and yet a feeling of emptiness over your loss. Look, I'm still sad over your loss after all these years and still sob when I think of you which is quite often. Rest in peace. Your friendship would have been the best circumstance since my lovely wife, Holly, came into my life nearly twenty years ago along with my two sons, Matthew and Joshua.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 12, 2013

Go venture in pleasure, but work hard and know that whatever you accomplish as long as there is effort, the Good Lord will bless you. For all the good work you did, Officer Cook,you surely will be blessed. Your outstanding actions on May 16, 1979 saved the day and the hero that you always were will forever remain. For taking care of your parents and beloved wife, Karen and supporting them as you faithfully did, you will receive as you have been these past thirty-four years the ultimate reward. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Let you love shine down always, pave the way for us to travel through this darkness that still pervades our world.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 12, 2013

What men prize most is a privilege, even if it be that of a chief mourner at a funeral. The privilege was indeed an honor for those officers, men and women to have not only known you, Officer Cook, but to have worked with you at their side. To have been afforded the humble honor to act as a pallbearer at your Inspector's Funeral is of even greater importance. You were a very pertinent fixture within your division and your department was treasured to have you on board as one of their most truly valuable colleagues. Your absence today only makes our hearts grow fonder of you each and everyday that you have been taken, called by God to now serve Him eternally. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. It was most ironic that your young life was taken a day after the very first Dade County Police Memorial, Tuesday, May 15, 1979. You believed in truth and justice done properly and with a common sense approach of fairness for all.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 12, 2013

Audemus jura nostra defendere. A quick lesson in Latin. We dare defend our rights. You dared to risk you entire life for our safety and protection, Officer Cook, for what we as the citizens who were served by yourself and the many other fine men and women in law enforcement, we can at least pay homage to your bravery and look up to the heavens and now the light of your beloved soul will never be extinguished. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. These rights our an essential construction of our Constitution.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 12, 2013

The same space of time seems shorter as we grow older...in youth we may have an absolutely new experience, subjective or objective, every hour of the day. Appreciation is vivid, retentiveness strong and our recollections of that time, like those of a time spent in rapid and interesting travel, are of something intricate, multitudinous and long drawn out. But as each passing year converts some of this experience into automatic routine which we hardly note at all, the days and the week smooth themselves out in recollection to contentless units and the years grow hollow and collapse. As the years advance and we grow older, we all still remember the wonderful and caring person you were, Officer Cook. Your commitment, your honesty and valor along with a plethora of commendations will always stand the test of time as how you will be forever conceived. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 12, 2013

Nature abhors the old and old age seems the only disease; all others run into this one. If mother nature ever ran into your beloved mother, Mrs. Julia Cook, may she live and be well, Officer Cook, it would run up to he rand give her a big hug for the kind of first class upbringing she gave you and Nancy. I wish I could still go to San Diego, meet her and give her a big hug and say after all these years I can get the rust off off me by finally sitting down and speaking with her. She is truly a marvelous and a most honorable and dignified human being. So devout in her faith and in taking care of herself along with some aid from her two loving grandsons, Josh and Justin. It's my fault, I should have looked her up sooner once I read that book, "Forgotten Heroes." I was able to obtain her address by just driving in the area one September morning saw a yellow car and met your nephew, Justin. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 11, 2013

Be civil to all; sociable to many; familiar with few; friend to one; enemy to none. I want to utter with full clarity that these last few words most assuredly apply to you, Officer Cook. You were a man of many passions and hobbies. But, first and most importantly you were a devoted son, loving brother to your sister, Nancy, beloved husband to Karen. Caring serious, calm in the face of calamity, known to all in your division and department and enigmatic and energetic within your ranks, how could anyone go wrong, go astray knowing you would always back them up. Saving seven lives in one day, now this humbly take a really special kind of individual and Karen, Nancy and Mrs. Cook, your beloved was what America bases its core values upon. As you were way more mature than your twenty-five years in this world, you led the way in metriculating through your department and on patrol in this community to guarantee that one and all citizens enjoyed and prospered by your decency and instrumental approaches in solving everyday problems that may have arisen. I am sorry we never, rather, I never had the chance along with my family to have known you first as a friend, a neighbor, a most honorable and reliable police officer,and now and for eternity a hero. Attending Sabal Palm Elementary and John F. Kennedy Junior High as you and your neighbor, Leonard Cooperman did, I experienced a problem, bullying, this goes on in our schools today and if we were the same age, I'm sure as my friend, you would have not let this occur to me and myself, I would have defended and looked out after you. Back in 1959 until you graduated in 1965, I do not think this was happening with much frequency. Rest in peace, let your brightness and politeness shine as those whirlybirds by your grave keep spinning in the wind reminding us that life goes on as we all miss you very greatly.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 11, 2013