Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Oh, savings of dream and guess! Oh, wisdom which is foolishness! Why idly seek from outward things the answer inward silence brings? Why stretch beyond our proper sphere and age, for that which lies so near? Nothing foolish about wanting to pursue a law enforcement career. You followed your heart, Officer Cook, where your dreams could mesh into reality. The aspirations you acquired to make this happen became your crowning achievement. And you crowned your community with a renewed sense of brotherhood and unity brought about through your peaceful demeanor and terrific sense of calmness. That certainly is very much missed today. Watch us Officer Cook and calm us if we get a little overexcited. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 5, 2013

Here is the test of wisdom, wisdom is not finally tested in schools, wisdom cannot be passed from one having it to another not having it, wisdom is of the soul, is not susceptible of proof, is its own proof, applies to all stages and objects and qualities and is content, is the certainty of the reality and immorality of things and the excellence of things. The reality of the matter is that you were a truly wise and certainly more mature police officer than some of your peers. The legacy that you took to the next world, Officer Cook, is that no matter the circumstance, you have to perform at a high level in order to get from one point to another. You did and those six years of service in loyalty to your department will stand out as a significant symbol of your passion and grace you brought out in all persons. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Good morals are needed before you can even get to point A and go from there.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 5, 2013

Knowledge alone is not enough. It must be leavened with magnanimity before it becomes wisdom. You need all the excellent resources you can garner and to master before one can be astute in a way they can be confident in their abilities to go out into the field and begin their careers assured of a level of reason followed by success. Officer Cook, your instructors at the police academy had to marvel at how you were able to disseminate information and to process this in your mind in order for you to achieve this level of accomplishment. But, it came at a price and sacrifice you had to make along with your beloved wife, Karen in order to seal your good lives together. You both truly lived a healthy and blessed live and the sacrifice you made on duty will never be out of sight or out of anyone's thoughts. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 5, 2013

Common sense is compelled to make its way without the enthusiasm of anyone; all admit it grudgingly. Thomas Paine, the author of, "Common Sense" sure knew what he was writing. Problem is some officers today do not exhibit this quality that can surely lead them to trouble. In your time, Officer Cook, most of your peers followed the straight and narrow path and were able to reach a pinnacle of success. Any department, any division, any area of patrol has its good points and areas that need a little bit more policing. The citizens you served, Officer Cook, were indeed very fortunate to have a wonderful and self-assuring officer in their midst. You were their pride and joy and they appreciated your sincere effort for the most part. You would have made a great crime scene technician and still be able to communicate wisdom where it would be lacking the most. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 5, 2013

It is the province of knowledge to speak and it is the privilege of wisdom to listen. And those officers who were truly blessed to have known you, Officer Cook and to have been able to stand side by side you in fighting the good fight over wickedness, these are the people who were and still are blessed by the wonderful memories they can share with one another of your days in law enforcement. A mature human being, a wise thinker, and even excellent listener who could command a gathering of his fellow comrades. I'm sure you craziness from time to time and healthy sense of humor made the morale within your ranks a bit lighter. Those surely were the good old days. And these good old days certainly miss your banter and wisdom my neighbor, friend and hero. Rest in peace. You are now probably sharing a good laugh and a story with those who displayed a unique compassion that you so faithfully instilled in them.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 5, 2013

Much of the wisdom of the world is not wisdom and the most illuminating class of men are no doubt superior to literary fame and are not writers. Most of the smartness that you imparted upon your fellow colleagues, Officer Cook, came from the experiences that you acquired in the fields of your policing. The approach you took to your profession was to look, listen, observe and be cautious whenever pursuing a problem that you might not be sure how to resolve. Police officers always have to learn new insights as part of their official positions and sometimes it may take them a little longer to process the information that is given to them. Preserving, processing, pondering and finally solving an issue was one of the qualities that made you a top officer within your division and within your department. Wise, intuitive, smart, discerning, observant and having the mettle to achieve, these were, Officer Cook, many of the highlights of a well lived life and marvelous career. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 5, 2013

God pity the man or nation wise in proverbs...for there is much error gone into the collecting of such a store. You can be wise or smart in a lot of ways and yet display such foolishness that can be embarrassing and leave an indelible mark. Officer Cook, you stood out and displayed the servitude and righteousness that were some of the necessary tools that you utilized in fighting the forces of evil. Sometimes we give our all and still it's not enough in this constant war we wage each day. You were the wise gentleman, literally and figuratively, who went about your position in a most welcomed and compassionate fashion. Your young life that was lost on May 16, 1979, as was the lives of all your fellow men and women comrades who sacrificed for us will for always stand as a lasting tribute to your perseverance. This will not get lost over time nor where sense is wanting, everything is wanting. God rest your soul my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 5, 2013

We looked upon a world unknown, on nothing we could call our own, around the glistening wonder bent, the blue walls of the firmament, no cloud above, no earth below,-a universe of sky and snow! The world of the unknown, quite a phenomenon! Officers that dare to risk everything just so the public can be safe and secure, what a feeling! knowing you risked everything for us, Officer Cook and you enjoyed the rigors of your profession. Mr. and Mrs. Cook, you should be very proud of your son, Officer William Coleman Cook: Badge#1664, your pride and joy who enhanced our very beings with the light of his very being and now his shining soul can forever illuminate the darkest of days, dispel the gloom and wipe away the evil that he sought to conquer. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. As I leave this reflection on your behalf, the tears are starting to trickle down my face. Your life and career has left a pronounced sadness upon me, but we do know there will come brighter days ahead.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 5, 2013

When the short day is brightest, with frost and fire, the brief sun flames the ice, on pond and ditches, in windless cold that is the heart's beat, reflecting in a watery mirror a glare that is blindness in the early afternoon. It was precisely in the early afternoon of May 16, 1979, that you gave you life for us standing proudly, Officer Cook. Oh, when we reflect on you, Officer Cook, hardly a day goes by when we don't get emotional and this is very understandable. Commendable and dependable were axioms for which you were noted for my neighbor, friend and hero. Because of who you were, becomes how you feel and this feeling lasts forever. Rest in peace.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 5, 2013

When the short day is brightest, with frost and fire, the brief sun flames the ice, on pond and ditches, in windless cold that is the heart's beat, reflecting in a watery mirror a glare that is blindness in the early afternoon. It was precisely in the early afternoon of May 16, 1979, that you gave you life for us standing proudly, Officer Cook. Oh, when we reflect on you, Officer Cook, hardly a day goes by when we don't get emotional and this is very understandable. Commendable and dependable were axioms for which you were noted for my neighbor, friend and hero. Because of who you were, becomes how you feel and this feeling lasts forever. Rest in peace.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 5, 2013

How beautiful is the rain! After the dust and heat, in the broad and fiery street, in the narrow lane, how beautiful is the rain! Rain or shine, officers must be willing and able to perform their assigned roles without a complaint. That hot day on May 16, 1979, you were able to do exactly that, Officer Cook, no reservations no high-tailing it away from that scene. You exhibited all the traits of a duly trained officer and did exactly as your job entailed. You made a statement, giving your life on that hot pavement. That cemented your outstanding legacy among your colleagues, friends and most of all your wonderfully loving and devoted family. I am glad I was able to get what was removed from your grave replaced. Your honor and dignity should always stand tall. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 4, 2013

By right or wrong, lands and goods go to the strong. Property will forcefully draw still to the proprietor; silver to silver creep and wind, and kind to kind. We sometimes get ourselves in situations where we feel there is no escape and yet somehow, God steers our going and coming in the proper direction. You were directed by God, Officer Cook and the many police officers who serve our needs to instill safety within us as we enhance the values of our lives. You always and forever placed our beings in front of yours to ensure our happiness and hopes for a brighter tomorrow. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 4, 2013

War is not merely justifiable, but imperative, upon honorable men, upon an honorable nation, where peace can only be obtained by the sacrifice of conscientious conviction or of national welfare. No one wants to ever lose their lives, but to lay down one's own life for their community and for their comrades as you did, Officer Cook, this is the highest calling and the greatest honor one could bestow upon a public servant so faithful and so willing to answer a call and just perform under duress and more importantly do what was prudent in that circumstance. The welfare of Dade County will always be of those folks indebted to you and to your great sacrifice for all. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 4, 2013

The muffled drums sad roll has beat the soldier's last tattoo; no more on life's parade shall meet that brave and fallen few. On fame's eternal camping ground their silent tents are spread and glory guards, with solemn round, the bivouac of the dead. While you were at Norland High School, you enjoyed beating those large drums in the hallways, Officer Cook and you enjoyed the privilege of being an outstanding police officer who served with unshaken inner strength and with honor and dignity personified. You were a bonafide leader who took your lessons and carried them into Dade County streets for six superbly and quality years of renewed dedication Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 4, 2013

Now deeper roll the maddening drums and the mingling host like ocean heaves; while from the midst a horrid wailing comes and high above the fight the lonely bugle grieves. The taps that was being blown at the end of your Inspector's Funeral signified the final end of your watch. A watch so devoted to serving the citizens of Dade County, we can't fathom what you meant as a truly exceptional officer and even finer human being. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 4, 2013

Chief Jacobs, I too grew up in North Miami Beach near your friend, classmate and colleague, Officer Cook. He was as fine an individual and friend as you all could have known. Your life and career, Officer Cook, my neighbor, friend and hero was like a giant globe for all to view. There is a city, Savannah, Georgia where a globe is present when you drive there. Keep watching over those brave men and women who stand guard ready to serve, defend and protect us. Rest in peace.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 2, 2013

Tyranny brings ignorance and brutality with it. It degrades men from their just rank into the class of brutes; it dampens their spirits; it suppresses arts; it extinguishes every spark of noble ardor and generosity in the breasts of those who are enslaved by it; it makes naturally strong and great minds feeble and little and triumphs over the ruins of virtue and humanity. Those who wage war and think that violence will only solves what ails us are in for a shocking surprise. Officer Cook, you were the kind of officer who reasoned with all folks and always tried conversation before resorting your firearm. Regardless of your status, Officer Cook, you never scorned anyone or took advantage of your profession to cause any undue harm to the citizens. I know they surely thank you for your fine service. I want to thank you for living life and career with the virtues that make heroes and heroines like you so bold, brave and yet modest and humble. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Our world needs more freedom and unity and this was given to us in large part because of your generous contribution in bravery and swiftness to action.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 1, 2013

With reasonable men, I will reason; with humane men I will plead; but to tyrants I will give no quarter, nor waste arguments where they will certainly be lost. Police try to reason with everyone including people who may have temporarily lost their sense of reality. Your achievements, Officer Cook, will not be lost in any way, shape or form of unjust conditions. You stood up to evil and attempted to handle it with grace and honor. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 1, 2013

Truth is a jewel which should not be painted over; but it may be set to advantage and shown in a good light. You were just that crowned gem of a wonderful man who valued life, Officer Cook and looked forward to the everyday challenges which at times can seem to perplex us. There is no dirt on your being, Officer Cook, only God's rich soil which covers your grave where you now lie at rest. Your soul is like that finely polished diamond that sparkles forever. That dirt represents your being returned to the earth from where you came. Your headstone represents your life's accomplishments in and around your career. You only greeted your fellow man with that terrific smile and easygoing and calm demeanor. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 1, 2013

Truth is given the eternal years of God because He needs them everyone. You were given twenty-five years, Officer Cook, to make a success of yourself and surely as the light of day you never failed. All your accomplishments have been recorded for posterity and have been earmarked for Our Creator to unwrap when you get to heaven where you have resided next to your father, Charles for these last thirty-four years. You just should have been allowed many more years to fulfill the opportunities of a lifetime in which we all could have been worthy of what your achieved during your marvelous career. Now your job is to keep observing what we try to achieve in good health, peace and prosperity. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 1, 2013

Truth stood on one side and ease on the other; it has often been so. Answering a domestic violence call when you could have gone back to the station house shows us the citizens that you truly were concerned about their wellbeing. Your partner that day, Reserve Officer Scott Lincoln, Officer Cook, knew who his real partner was. It was God directing the two of you to help your comrades conquer this wickedness by a young man who thought his method of dealing with depression was to harm and take away innocent law enforcement officers who were just trying their best to get him some assistance. You were one officer, Officer Cook, who never took the high road, you believed in tackling a problem head on and using whatever resources were available to you at the time to help bring about a peaceful resolution. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 1, 2013

The mind, in discovering truths, acts in the same manner as it acts through the eye in discovering objects; when once any object has been seen, it is impossible to put the mind back to the same condition it was in before it saw it. Your heart and mind was only conditioned, Officer Cook, to tell the truth and deliver on that fact as a young man growing up and then going to the police academy to become one of Dade County's finest police officers. If only the people in North Miami Beach and in and around Dade County knew that such a wonderfully devoted person such as yourself existed and only cared so faithfully about its citizens. Reflecting upon this just makes me well up in tears. I've always said you won't be forgotten for making sense of the violence in our community and in trying to lessen its affect on others. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 1, 2013

Truth is not a diet but a condiment. We live in a world of both positive accomplishments and negativity. God allows us free will to choose whatever we want to undertake. You chose to undertake a career in law enforcement, Officer Cook and it surely never steered you wrong. Why do you think other officers wanted to work with Officer Cook? Because of his honesty, dignity and integrity. This is why you were steered in the right direction growing up and only brought this pride to your loving family. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 1, 2013

Truth forever on the scaffold, wrong forever on the throne,-yet that scaffold sways the future and behind the dim unknown, stands God within the shadow, keeping watch above his own. For your heroically monumental contribution to this world, Officer Cook, you can now rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Keep Our Creator's scaffold from falling.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 1, 2013

Why entreat me, why upbraid me? When the steadfast tongues of truth and the flattering hopes of youth have all deceived me and betrayed me? I guess back in the seventies had I had a background in patenting side panels, your department, Officer Cook, could certainly have used them. That patent would certainly have saved your life not to mention countless other lives. To say better late than never that they were created offers little solace in wake of your tragic death. I google the Officer Down Memorial Page and am amazed at all the deaths and even the accidental deaths of officers who were wounded or killed in the line of duty because of not either having or wearing those side plates. One inch cost you your youth, your life and the opportunity and fervent hope to make many more dreams and aspirations reach fruition. But, make no mistake you did not sacrifice your life in vain, you just were as heroic and astute in all your official assessments as any other officer in your division and department. The truth shall set you free and there is nothing so powerful as truth; and often nothing so strange. Officers give their entire beings for the good of this world their generations are but shadows; yet in reality there is nothing more stable but truth. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero as your wonderful soul continues its way upward to God's shiniest palace where only its light will forever light up this universe. They will be only the shadows of God's supreme heavenly angels now guarding the streets down below where the wickedness in society needs to be eradicated once and for all.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

July 31, 2013