Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

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

When women are the advisers, the lords of creation don't take the advice until they have persuaded themselves that it is just what they intended to do; then they act upon it and if it succeeds, they give the weaker vessel half the credit of it; if it fails, they generously give her the whole. You can give your wife, Karen, credit for all your success. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. She is a very inspirational person who made a terrific wife and companion for yourself.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 11, 2013

Let us be of good cheer, however, remembering that the misfortunes hardest to bear are those which never come. You were an accomplished individual, Officer Cook, always upbeat and optimistic with that beautiful smile which we all know is making those who have joined you on God's golden beat laugh a mile a minute. Today, I took my son, Joshua to visit your grave. You were a mighty person and my beloved neighbor, friend and hero. Rest in peace. You placed your good creed into all your deeds and never spoke with a double tongue, meaning you spoke only the truth in working to calm people down and realize that every side has two sides and where compromise could be attainable.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 11, 2013

It behooves every man to remember that the work of the critic ... is of altogether secondary importance and that in the end, progress is accompanied by the man who does...things. You did all the right things, Officer Cook and you lived your life positively by these virtues along with your beloved wife, Karen. Karen knew you were a sensationally gentle man and one of kindness and humility. She knew how very much you enjoyed your work, despite the risks involved. She knew you were her beloved husband in shining armor who saved the day on May 16, 1979 for all involved in that tragedy. Handsome and heroic, you personified why God places us on this Earth, to perform acts of loving and true kindness. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 8, 2013

The country needs and, unless I mistake its temper, the country demands bold, persistent experimentation. It is common sense to take a method and try it; if it fails, admit it frankly and try another. But above all, try something. You tried everything in your power with spontaneity to bring to an end the ugliness that cost you your life on May 16, 1979 and nearly the lives of your fellow officers. Your resolve was clear, as was your courage to conquer all. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 8, 2013

Every man feels instinctually that all the beautiful sentiments in the world weigh less than a single lovely action. And it was an action of which men and women of great resolve are known for performing on our behalf which further enhances the purpose by which we breathe and continue living. Officer Cook, your virtue and selflessness was very much a part of the morale within your division. The sense of humor you had made difficult moments a little easier to swallow. You'll be forever remembered for saving the day on May 16, 1979. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 7, 2013

Do not delay: Do not delay; the golden moments fly! Well they sure do pass us by when we are not aware of them. A promising career in law enforcement can fly by faster than a blink of the eye. Your bright future, Officer Cook,was one that permeated throughout the ranks. So brave, so certain, one of the best officers to firmly state who did his job well and with all the tools around you to make sophisticate matters look rather simple. Just more level headed and even tempered than most. Those golden moments indeed were special for you, Officer Cook and for sharing them with your family. God before He called you home allowed you to enjoy the most sacred times with those who truly valued your warm friendship. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davisl

August 7, 2013

The reality of an officer who sacrifices their life for our safety becomes the harsh realization that there are good and fair minded people who truly care about how this society functions. The nearer the dawn the darker the night. That fateful day, Officer Cook, as you awoke from your good night of sleep, you dressed, ate your breakfast, embraced Karen and off you went to endeavor to conquer the illness of our world. Evil. Though along the way, you came across many an articulate and intelligent group of people who enjoyed conversing with you. You now belong to Our Creator above and your memories still and forever belong to us to share with the generations of the future paved so eloquently by your inspiring presence. Rest in peace my neighbor,friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 7, 2013

You cannot have ecstasy and divine vision without bitterness and despair and both of these are the property of youth....For the young are not always lighthearted; youth bears with a heavy heart. The earth quakes beneath his tread; the stars are combined against him; he is the battleground for a menagerie which is ready to spring at his throat. And when in the midst of these disasters he finds a moment of calm or freedom, his heart goes up like a rocket to the farthest reaches of the sky. Your very soul which touched us with its tremendous passion, Officer Cook, is now like that rocket that goes where no person dared to explore. The work ethic which accentuated your life and career is the place where you battled evil so many times and came out in front of all. Our visions of tomorrow should be as bright as were your visions were back in the day. We can continue our voyages because of your travels in patrolling Dade County streets ensuring high quality protection to every citizen who ever walked those sacred sidewalks. And because of your firmness and calming mannerisms in police work the community you so dearly loved and those who respected and loved you now have better buildings, homes to raise their children, all in the good name of their hero and a genuine Dade County Police hero, Officer William C. Cook: Badge#1664. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. We applaud you and your fellow officers who were unmoved by violence and tackled danger head on risking your entire beings for our safeties and knowledge that one day we will all reunite with you to share the magnificent stories of our lives that your soul could only look down upon.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 7, 2013

I mourn no more my vanished years: Beneath a tender rain, an April rain of smiles and tears, my heart is young again. Your tender heart will forever be young and vivacious again, Officer Cook. You spent your entire being, your life seeing that others would follow in your footsteps and passions. You just wanted to live life to its fullest and you did. We just wanted you here for many more decades to share what you appreciated and what you contributed back to this society. Tears and smiles of honor and dignity were given you when this community said their goodbyes and laid you to rest for a job done properly and with grace. We'll always mourn your tragic loss, we can cry whenever we want to shed tears of hope and renewal that because of you my neighbor, friend and hero, we can all breath easier at night knowing you cared for your community so dearly and were our most loyal advocate championing the causes of good versus evil and succeeding in that battle.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 7, 2013

Blessings on thee, little man, barefoot boy, with cheek of tan!... From my heart, I give thee joy- I was once a barefoot boy! You gave your parents so much pride and joy, Officer Cook, and you would be amazed by your great-nephew, Legend, what a fine young man he is, having kicked a soccer ball in your parents backyard with him. You now rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero fully robed in honor with your full uniform on. You shining badge pinned to your chest , your name plate and even your weapon on your waistband. These essentials are what you took with you to heaven when God called you home to now serve as His Golden Angel where wickedness can't rear its ugliness.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 7, 2013

Youth sees too far to see how near it is to seeing farther. Our youth is like a rustic at the play. That cries aloud in simple-hearted fear. Curses the villain, shudders at the fray and weeps before the maiden's wreathed. You had the clearest vision, Officer Cook, to view far beyond what a mere mortal come view, you embodied all the basics what made you so sure of yourself. With this inane clarity, we can see why you were successful and so achieving. The best of the best, Chief Jacobs, now I really understand why your friend, classmate and colleague, Bill Cook, Officer Cook to myself and others was ahead of the scales of time. These scales of justice are missing out on one truly extraordinary gentleman. His humbleness and his humility did his talking while passionately performing his duties. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. His foundations of maturity allowed him to be the person who could do anything for anyone no matter what their race, background or affiliation. Just a super human being, more importantly a never to be forgotten hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 7, 2013

Youth condemns; maturity condones. This be our solace: that it was not said when we were young and warm and in our prime, upon our couch we lay as lie the non-living, sleeping away the unreturning time. I wish, we all wish we could get back the time that has gone, we can't, but we can still vividly remember what you meant to this this great land, Officer Cook. Young and bold, unfazed by fear which grips our very souls and unafraid to conquer where no person would travel to, your common sense approach to life and to its mysteries will forever remain a treasured legacy. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. You served us in confidence and for serving with honor and integrity, you deserve to rest in eternal comfort surrounded by your father and a multitude of multi-talented men and women who too were unafraid and unfazed to tackle life's challenges to make living safer and more sound.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 7, 2013

Oh, thou child of many prayers! Life has quicksands-life has snares! Care and age come unawares! No one knows when their time is near. We live our lives go through tunnels, climb the highest mountains, look up at the bright and shining stars at night and know that now because of your career, Officer Cook, you are among those constellations. You were born in November, not sure what your sign is, but we will remember your commendable life and your colleagues will remember your dependability in times of trouble. They {the county or city} should declare each day as a day of honor for each officer or officers who sacrificed their life or lives on that day. We can't have a problem with every May 16, being referred to as "Officer William C. Cook Day." There is an officer, you might have known who worked for your department and has two street signs in his honor, a little unusual but fitting never the less. His name was Officer Ephriam Brown, the first officer in the city of Opa Locka killed in the line of duty. He is buried near you in the Saint Patrick's One Section at Dade Memorial Park. His birthday was November 30, 1957, four years after you were born. Coincidence, don't know, but just as brave and courageous as yourself. His stone does not have a badge, no one other than his family or someone like myself would know he was a police officer. Someone should at least put an emblem on that stone and give this young man some honor and dignity for what he too accomplished. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 7, 2013

The number one thing young people in America-indeed, young people around the world-have going for them is their sense of honesty, morality and ethics. Young people refuse to accept the lies and rationalizations of the established order. You gave your life on behalf of these morals, Officer Cook and we the citizens of Dade County owe you a giant debt of gratitude for having taken on what most men and women would dare to touch, much less tackle. A young man willing to forgo his life and stand face to face bravely saving seven persons does not just happen commonly everyday. You were the prime example of what true character and exemplary leadership is all about. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Youth comes but once in a lifetime and it most assuredly was served when you became a Metro-Dade Police Officer who gave more than an honest day's effort to keep Dade citizens safe an din check.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 7, 2013

Respect the child. Be not too much his parent. Trespass not on his solitude. Growing up as I mentioned previously, Officer Cook, I'm sure you and your wonderful sister, Nancy, had rules to follow. You went to friends homes, had sleepover nights and parties, but you were expected to adhere to guidelines that were set forth by your loving parents. Now I can see why you became so successful, so honorable and where you garnered your compassion and empathy for others. Your beloved mother, Mrs. Julia Cook and your beloved father, Mr. Charles Cook, may you both rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero, saw to this that you turned out well. Your mother should live and be well. I should have looked upyour mother in North Miami Beach and made sure to stop by her home on a daily basis while I was residing in Hallandale Beach and check on her well being. This was after I read you lived in this area in the book, "Forgotten Heroes." You did this and were justly rewarded. It says in our Old Testament, the Torah, that a person who honors their mother and father receives the blessings of a long life. God placed you on His earth for twenty-five years and you succeeded mightily in all of his challenges and you made this world a much better and a more prosperous place because of your imbued values and grace. I'll always think the world of your life and heroics, you made others better because of your acute awareness for their plight and if you saw a way to uplift someone you responded without a call being necessary. Rest in peace. This is the greatest heavenly reward one can earn.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 7, 2013

And youth is cruel and has no remorse and smiles at situations which it cannot see. I smile, of course and go on drinking tea. For how you lived your distinguished life and carried on with a most spectacular career, Officer Cook, you deserve whatever accolades that come your way. You grew up where I still reside in North Miami Beach, Florida and had many friends who were loyal to you and you to them. Your demeanor as a person, not to mention as a police officer was no different in the fact that you had compassion toward each and everyone of them. Living by morals and a set of of rules laid down by your parents made you a much better individual as well as the officer we have all come to know and love, along with the respect that is afforded to someone in your profession. So we can go ahead and hoist a glass of iced tea and salute your bravery and courage for all time sake. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 7, 2013

Fortunately for us and our world, youth is not easily discouraged. Youth with its clear vista and boundless faith and optimism is uninhibited by the thousands of considerations that always bedevil man in his progress. The hopes of the world rest on the flexibility, vigor, capacity for new thought, the fresh outlook of the young. Your future was very bright and promising, Officer Cook. One thing that went horribly wrong took a very loyal and fiercely respected gentleman from this community. A bold innovator with an eye for instilling knowledge and boldness to other officers, you were a fountain, a spring of youth whose maturity matched your reliability within the ranks. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 6, 2013

O Youth: Do you know that yours is not the first generation to yearn for a life full of beauty and freedom? Do you know that all your ancestors felt as you do-and fell victim to trouble and hatred? Do you know, also, that your fervent wishes can only find fulfillment if you succeed in attaining love and understanding of men and animals, plants and stars, so that every joy becomes your joy and every pain your pain? Open your eyes, your heart, your hands and avoid the poison your forebears so greedily sucked in from History. Then will all the earth be your fatherland and all your work and effort spread forth blessings. You were so full of youth, Officer Cook, formulating and evolutionizing your life and career that you were so devoted to perform at the highest level. The tragedy that befell your department on May 16, 1979, forever reinforces the need for all police officers to maintain dignity and integrity in any and all conditions regardless of the situations that arise. To capsulize your life, it was constructed on the foundations of being raised in the right climate where honor and respect stood at the highest peak. And now as you rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero, you stand solidly planted as one of those true blue golden angels who wings will take them wherever God wants you to travel to.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 6, 2013

Having chosen our course, without guile and with pure purpose, let us renew our trust in God and go forward without fear and with manly hearts. Officer Cook, you were that man so fearless, yet so humble to accept the will of God's calling. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 6, 2013

It is not book learning young men need, nor instruction about this or that, but a stiffening of the vertebrae which will cause them to be loyal to a trust to act promptly, concentrate their energies, passions, to do a thing-"carry a message to all others." not to fail, but to endeavor to achieve a purpose. God does not expect perfection, only that we make the effort as you did, Officer Cook. You are and forever will be our officer in shining armor. You only acted with swiftness, were as brave and bold as a lion. We don't need books to tell about who our true heroes and heroines were. You're not ever forgotten my neighbor, friend and hero. Rest in peace.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 6, 2013

Toiling-rejoicing-sorrowing, onward through life he goes; each morning sees some task begin, each evening sees it close; something attempted, something done, he has earned a night's repose. Totally real, righteous and sensational. We all need to exemplify your purpose among us, Officer Cook. And now that you performed more than capably you can rest more easily up in God's enchanted heaven. You believed in living life, the name Bill as a nickname for William. God knows that he has definitely one golden angel among twenty-thousand other saintly men and women of great conviction who were fearless in their pursuits of truth and justice. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. God's gates are forever in the best of hands for safekeeping. Never to be disturbed or tampered with!

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 6, 2013

Let us, then, be up and doing, with a heart for any fate; still achieving, still pursuing, learn to labor and to wait. At the crack of dawn you awoke that day, Officer Cook, ate breakfast with Karen, shared a cup of coffee or tea, a quiet and poignant moment. Then you embraced her and said goodbye and she told you the same. Take care, have a good day and we'll see you later. Off you went to do a job you not only wanted to do, you really enjoyed working as an officer and did a very commendable and excellent job providing top notch service to Dade County citizens each day. That day of May 16, 1979, still keeps coming back into my mind. My son, Joshua, who was born on May 14, 1997 and now is in the 11th grade is learning to drive and wants to go on the highway. I told him you can drive and we will visit daddy's friend and neighbor and hero, Officer Cook's grave and say a special prayer for you. We have not many people who have saved seven lives in one day, including those of your four comrades, who would certainly have passed if not for your intervention on their behalf. Rest in peace. Hope your family is doing well and I will always say a prayer for your mother, Mrs. Julia Cook. I want to invite the Wilkerson's to my home and break bread with them as they are and have been since I've known them. Very very special people and their kids you would adored.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 6, 2013