Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Parting is all we know of heaven and all we need of torment. The sorrow for the dead is the only sorrow from which we refuse to be divorced. Every other wound we seek to heal, every other affliction to forget; but this wound we consider it a duty to keep open, this affliction we cherish and brood over in solitude. No one ever wants to part with a loved one, or from a loving member of their family. Not being able to say a final goodbye, although, you were able to I'm sure, Officer Cook say goodbye and embeace your beloved wife, Karen, when you left for work on that early morning of May 16, 1979. Your tragedy still leaves those who knew and loved you with a gaping hole in their hearts. I'm just a civilian, an average law abiding citizen and look how I feel broken up about your loss. I conduct funerals for people in which I try to maintain a stoic demeanor and at times it can be really difficult. I do think about my loving parents and the wonderful memories I had of them and all those relatives I had who passed through the years. I led my own mother's service and of course, it was very emotional and I conducted my uncle's service and believe it or not I was very emotional. I had known my uncle for almost fifty years. You could only imagine that day when I went into your parents home, where I met your niece, Gina and her husband, Trevor and their children. Sure I broke down and sobbed like a baby, she comforted me and took me into your bedroom where you grew up. A lady named Amy and her dog were going to rent the house, I guess after reading about your life and career in the book, "Forgotten Heroes," I gained a deep sense of appreciation for you and your career, the cherished and giving life you so exemplified in manner and in performing good deeds. Being an excellently talented police officer who was bold and brave in your loyal service to the citizens of Dade County will always be your legacy and how you will forever be remembered. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Of course, for sentimental reasons, my family and I would have wanted to live in your parents home.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

July 20, 2013

If all words of tongue and pen, the saddest are, "It might have been," more sad are these we daily see, it is, but it hadn't ought to be. You wrote citations to citizens for violations, Officer Cook and you spoke very respectfully to the same citizens you served and protected. It should not have resulted in your untimely death, but the ultimate sacrifice you made on our behalf, reinforces the fact that officers even as highly trained as they are, still need to use caution and realize their surroundings at all times. We can use the words in the dictionary, could, should or would hoping you were here with us today. But, you still very much missed, loved and adored by all those so very close to you, my neighbor, friend and hero. Rest in peace.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

July 19, 2013

Tragedy is in the eye of the observer and not in the heart of the sufferer. The young man who took your young life, Officer Cook, if he would have realized his actions and the ramifications, would possibly have thought twice before using his weapon. your contributions to this society will never go undone, nor will you be forgotten. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

July 19, 2013

I shot an arrow into the air, it fell to earth, I knew not where; for, so swiftly it flew, the sight could not follow it in its flight. I breathed a song into the air, it fell to earth, I know not where; for who has sight so keen and strong, that it can follow the flight of song? It sounds like a great melody, but each day you went on patrol, Officer Cook, you dared to explore what continues to occur in those streets of Dade County where one is exposed to the harshest of conditions. Your mind was always sharp, your intellect so keen, your head, heart and hands needed to function jointly for you to maintain an optimum level of calm. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero .

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

July 18, 2013

'T' is the fine souls who serve us and not what is called fine society. Fine society is only a self-protection against the vulgarities of the street and the tavern. Fine society, in the common acceptation, has neither ideas nor aims....It is an unprincipled decorum; an affair of clean linen and coaches, of gloves, cards and elegance in trifles. There are other measures of self-respect for a man than the number of clean shirts he puts on everyday. The letter T here to me personally signifies, terrific. You were a very well-rounded and one terrific human being, Officer Cook. You behaved as officers should conduct their affairs. You watched how you spoke to people, the kind of language you used. I'll bet that Karen, your beloved wife washed and laundered many of your shirts. You only wore your uniform with joy, pride, honor and with a great sense of distinction. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. There are no more worries other than for you to watch over us wearing the finest laundered uniform that now adorns your humble being. There are three things to watch in a person and your mate, how your spouse knew they found the right person to wed. 1. How a person holds their liquor. 2. How they spend their hard earned paycheck. 3. Most importantly, how they control their anger. No matter a person's religion, all of this is taken into account when a couple comes together under the wedding canopy. if all three of these factors balances out, I would undoubtedly say you have found the proper person to spend your lifetime with.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

July 18, 2013

Society everywhere is in conspiracy against the manhood of each of its members. Society is a joint stock company, in which the members agree, for the better security of his bread to each shareholder, to surrender the liberty and culture of the eater. The virtue in most request is conformity. Self-reliance is its aversion. It loves not realities and creators, but names and customs. All police departments are somewhat like large corporations, with its officers kind of like the chairmen of the boards and its rank and file officers as members with the citizens that are supposed to be served acting as proxies, meaning they have shares in its stock and are to be working jointly with its officers who they compensate. Officer Cook, as one of your division's best police officers, you went on patrol daily to endeavor to uphold the laws and to keep the peace, prosperity and unity ongoing on your community. You were one of Metro-Dade's brightest stars and your glow from your treasured soul will always endure forever. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. It's up to all police officers not to give in to seduction or any other illegal means that would tarnish and undermine its department that its officers take a solemn oath to protect.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

July 18, 2013

A society that seduces the conscience by sweet reason is one thing, but ours is developing into a society that harpoons the conscience and tows it right into the maws of the mother vessel, there to be macerated and stuffed into a faceless can. An accurate portrayal of you, Officer cook, would be that of a humble servant of God who had a calling and a burning desire to make the most of your God-given talents. You sure were able to handle whatever dilemma was thrown your way, thrown maybe is not the right phrase. Based on your excellent vigilance, you were able to put a conclusion to many a domestic quarrel or the assignment you were given to solve at the moment. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

July 18, 2013

In God's own might we gird us for the coming fight, and strong in Him whose cause is ours in conflict with unholy powers, we grasp the weapons He has given,-the light, the truth and love of heaven. Your loving parents gave you the light to see the many opportunities there are for you to have succeeded. The truth and love that encompassed your life and career is there to witness. The career you chose because of the purpose you undertook was the reason Our Creator gave His power to you my neighbor, friend and hero to keep up His battle. You were a warrior until the end fighting tooth and nail for a better tomorrow on our behalf. It was time for you to close your eyes for eternity where God has called you back to assist Him now with His golden watch from up above. Rest in peace. You are greatly missed by all who loved and cherished you Officer Cook.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

July 18, 2013

Men! Whose boast it is that ye come of fathers brave and free, if there breathe on earth such a slave, are ye truly free and brave? You are among roughly twenty-thousand devoted men and women officers, Officer Cook, who made the ultimate sacrifice which has guaranteed our ability to be free and to be able to pursue our hopes and dreams accordingly. Now as you rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero in God's serenely heavens, watch over all of us who hope and look to aspire to be the person you dedicated your life to being. Live properly. Inspire proudly.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

July 18, 2013

You profess to believe that "of one blood God made all nations of men and women to dwell on the face of all the earth"- and has commanded all men and women to love one another-yet you notoriously hate {and glory in your hatred!} all men and women whose skin colors are not colored like your own! In your time in your department, Officer Cook, racial unrest was found to have occurred in the community and all of your colleagues had to be able to deal with this issue on a daily basis. But, you my neighbor, friend and hero handled yourself as you would always compose yourself. You dealt with tact, dignity, grace and respect for all regardless of their backgrounds, creeds or skin colors. Bigotry, prejudice, anti-semitism and racism have no place at all in any civilized society and you were the one who tried his best to calm a tense situation before it got out of hand. At least you and your comrades endeavored to do so. It a very troubling moment, more than just a moment, what transpired that day and left not only your family, colleagues and friends at a loss, but an entire community you were so faithful and loyal until the end in serving, protecting and in unifying. Hopefully, since your untimely passing great strides have been made and are being made to implement these necessary changes to make the lives of the people better for them to thrive in. Rest in peace. This world has enough on its plate, that unneeded outside influences should not stand in its way to becoming a better society.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

July 18, 2013

It is the duty of nations as well as of men and women to own their dependence upon the overruling power of God, to confess their sins and transgressions in humble sorrow, yet with assured hope that genuine repentance will lead to mercy and pardon. Great men and women like you, Officer Cook, accepted the challenges that law enforcement brings and this allowed you to accomplish your job with dignity and integrity in order for citizens to be able to live within themselves and to have the independence to share common ideas and thoughts with others. You made us breathe a sigh of relief by your presence to augment our thinking and action process. We will keep thinking good thoughts and positive vibes about your life and career. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

July 17, 2013

Sin kills the sinner and will continue to kill them as long as they sin. Sin makes its own torment and goodness its own heaven. Your wickedness makes you, as it were, heavy as lead and to tend downwards with great weight and pressure towards torment and if God should let you go, you would immediately sink and swiftly descend and plunge into the bottomless gulf and your healthy constitution and your own care and prudence, best contrivance and all your righteousness, would have no more influence to uphold you and keep you out of torment than a spider's web would have to stop a falling rock. As long there are loyal and dedicated police officers like you, Officer Cook, we should be able to carry on with your mission to make Dade County streets safer. It takes everyone to get on board to ideas and the knowledge that will bring about both a meaningful and impactful solution. As long as your eyes my neighbor, friend and hero are watching over us in this grand endeavor, we should be able to stay the course. Rest in peace. You lifted a tremendous burden off of our shoulders and the sacrifice you made only galvanizes our plans to meet evil face to face and somehow eventually wipe it away from society.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

July 17, 2013

The right of revolution is an inherent one. When people are oppressed by their government, it is a natural right they enjoy to relieve them selves of the oppression, if they are strong enough, either by withdrawal from it, or by overpowering it and substituting a government more acceptable. You were a strong willed person, Officer Cook and yet you utilized your powers not so much to become a power freak, but, rather to motivate others to follow peaceful means in solving their problems. You engaged people in conversation as a means of calming down those who were stirred up. Some officers think having a badge and a weapon is a license to do whatever and this is not the case and sometimes it can lead to tragic ramifications. You my neighbor, friend and hero were willing at times to err on the side of caution and it did cause a positive result to occur. One man lies in his work and garners a bad reputation; another in his manners and enjoys a good name. Rest in peace Officer Cook, your good name will forever humbly journey with you in God's golden streets as a reminder of what you meant to so many people. You loving care and value to our society can never again be replaced.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

July 17, 2013

Revolution is the negation of the existing, a violent protest against man's inhumanity to man with all the thousand and one slaveries it involves. It is the destroyer of dominant values upon which a complex system of injustice, oppression and wrong has been built up by ignorance and brutality. This is why we employ honest and hard-working, dedicated men and women such as yourself, officer Cook, to stem the tides and to help keep the peace in the community. Your giving, your sacrifice to assist in uplifting morals and to build character wasn't forgotten nor will it ever be out of our minds. The officers of the Central Division back when you worked out of that division were truly caring and all concerned for the welfare of the citizens and you all made quite a difference in all of their everyday lives and how the people took to your methods of policing the area. One young man bent on violence, driving a small two door Chevrolet Nova, wanting to go out of this world by taking lives of police officers, who just like the citizens are innocent people even though they carry a badge and a weapon used to protect both them and the citizens and their properties. We take our first step on the moon and amid the chaos in roughly five or so minutes, we have a terrible day among law enforcement in Dade County. A young officer named, Officer William Coleman Cook, answers a call, a domestic call, hearing two numbers on his police radio, a "34" and a "330", a call my neighbor, friend and hero you probably answered in your six solid years of commitment, a least two dozen times. What happened afterward, you saved the lives of seven people: Four of your fellow comrades, including your partner and three civilians. All in a day's work, you went down as our hero fighting, waging a terrific battle until the end, and becoming your family's hero and very importantly, your department's hero, bravery and courage staring wickedness in the eye to endeavor to resolve a situation that escalated beyond what should have happened. Never more finer. Never more valor and far more superior and superb than others. Rest in peace.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

July 17, 2013

Prayer is not to be used as a confessional, to cancel sin. Sin creates its own living torment and goodness its own heaven. We can declare with certainly that your loving soul has gone straight to heaven, Officer Cook, as God has returned your physical being back to where you came. You always recited your prayers, confessionals and received your communions with the humility and sincerity that these special spiritual moments call for. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

July 17, 2013

All people love to wonder and that is the seed of our science; and such is the mechanical determination of our age and so recent are our best contrivances, that use has not dulled our joy and pride in them; and we pity our fathers for dying before steam and galvanism, sulfuric ether and ocean telegraphs, photograph and spectroscope arrived, as cheated out of half their human estate. These arts open great gates of a future, promising to make the world plastic and to lift human life out of its beggary to a Godlike ease and power. We do love to ponder and wonder what further contributions to our modern day society you would have made, Officer Cook? With your intellect and genius, your modesty, humane and caring nature, we're left to think long and hard regarding the what ifs. Your police work certainly opened lots of eyes and brought into focus the total awareness you employed each day of your watch. Devout, loyal and honest until the end, serving those citizens with the compassion and passion that needs to be called on each moment. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. I'll bet you loved science and making projects in school as a youngster that assisted us in our daily living.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

July 16, 2013

Like the spirit of your high school, the Norland Vikings. You took on the personification, Officer Cook, of what a Viking is. I believe you were bold. You displayed courage and readily accepted all challenges that came your way. To be a victim of senseless violence in the performance of your duties is never the way to end a person's life. All the wonderful memories of your twenty-five years are now and forever a part of your family and all those acquainted with you. One tragic moment should not be allowed to eradicate all the goodness you embodied. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Your heroic life and career is and will be a living memorial in Dade County for the ages.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

July 16, 2013

We live in an age of revolution and explosion: exploding bombs, exploding population, revolutionary wars, revolutionary wants. In such an age, we have only two choices, no more. We shall learn to be masters of circumstance-or we shall be its victim. Sometimes I think, Officer Cook, that we are the only victims and it can be linked to the way we live our lives. and with that being said, we can choose freely how to live and to lead our lives each and every day. One has to live for the moment. Police officers can only live per say for that day of their watches. Obviously you can't think thirty years ahead what may transpire. Oh, I wish we could, believe me. I truly think you would have retired back in November of 2000. Your friend and colleague, Officer Piloto retired on November 10, 2000, turns out that was my sister, Michele's birthday. I don't know why, but our families have certain chronological events that fall on these days. When you were buried with honors my neighbor, friend and hero, on May 19, 1979, a Saturday, this was my parents twenty-second and final anniversary, may they rest in peace. On Sunday, November 30, 2003, we buried my mother, Bernice she should rest in peace. That would have been your big birthday, number fifty. Rest in peace. I will always try and dedicate my life to the richness of your loving contributions to our society.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

July 16, 2013

Insurrection of thought always precedes insurrection of arms. We always have to think and process what comes from our lips. You were a thought provoking kind of police officer, Officer Cook. Any officer is supposed to use some logic before utilizing the weapon they have on their person. Once a weapon is discharged, we cannot take back that bullet or round of gunfire. The Constitution gives us the right to bear arms, but that responsibility must always be taken quite seriously. Back in your day as I've reflected before, officers had to realize and consider all means of evasive action before employing the use of deadly force. Department today and back then did not need any trigger happy officers among their ranks. You performed very swiftly and boldly on May 16, 1979 and for your actions you were very much a hero and the sadness of your loss still permeates within the community who admired and respected you. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

July 16, 2013

How will it be with kingdoms and with kings-with those who shaped him to the thing he is-when this dumb terror shall rise to judge the world, after the silence of the centuries? Even after the sad deaths of able bodied men and women who display the necessary courage most individuals would not, we must continue the battle against the evils that lurk in today's society. This was why you became a police officer, Officer Cook and an excellent one at that. It's very sad what happened to you, even as you and all officers accepted and took on all the risks associated with the profession. There aren't too many officers who were as bold as you. You looked danger and evil in your eyes everyday and still managed to conquer it. Your style of police work, the unique qualities you brought to your department will forever live in the hearts of those privileged to have worked side by side you for those six wonderfully dedicated years. You are truly deserving of honor and respect for holding down what can be described as a truly demanding position. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

July 16, 2013

There was a trial in Sanford, Florida, a little north of Orlando, Florida. A volunteer community security person named George Zimmerman shot and killed a seventeen-year-old teenager by the name of Trayvon Benjamin Martin. The story was worldwide because it had racial overtones. Mr. Martin was an African-American and Mr. Zimmerman was a caucasian gentleman. The verdict was announced on Saturday night. Mr. Zimmerman was charged with second degree murder, meaning he could have gone to jail for life. He was acquitted of all charges and this left the Martin Family heart-broken of course. Yet, Officer Cook, back in 1979, there too was racial unrest in your community, where you and your fellow comrades had to employ excellent public relation skills in order for there not to be any violence or similar actions where the public would be in any danger. You displayed proper conduct where essential and made your country, county and all people very proud to have known such an outstanding human being. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Your humanitarianism will carry on as your legacy for eternity.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

July 15, 2013

For more vengeance I would do nothing. This nation is too great to look for mere revenge. But for the security of the future I would do everything. And you so fulfilled God's wishes, Officer Cook in setting the example of how to properly patrol and police an area. One of your greatest assets I believe was the way you spoke to people to get your professional point across, never shouting, just staying calm and level-headed, confronting unrest was savvy and tact, employing your best resources to cause citizens to become and act in a peaceful manner. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

July 15, 2013

There's small revenge in words, but words may be greatly revenged. You always thought before speaking, Officer Cook and this is why you were as accomplished as most other officers. To this day, the honest officers deliver to their departments is what sets them apart from all others. Deceit and shame were not words used by you my neighbor, friend and hero. Replace them with dignity and integrity and you have one heck of a powerful one two punch built to tackle any dilemma that comes your way. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

July 15, 2013

The good opinion of honest men, friends to freedom and well-wishers to mankind, where ever they may be born or happen to reside, is the only kind of reputation a wise man would ever desire. To be an honest person was the only thing we all hope is a certainty growing up. It was the motto in the Cook Family and for your very life and career this is what made your true class and character stand out from among your peers. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Good cheer and thoughtfulness was the banner that you carried with you, Officer Cook in the Central Division.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

July 15, 2013

If we had nothing else to boast of, we could claim with justice that first among the nations we of this country made it an article of organic law that the relations between man and his Maker were a private concern into which other men had no right to intrude. Police officials have every right to intrude when a person's safety is being endangered. Officers such as yourself, Officer Cook, set out to patrol areas where they perhaps had a higher rate of crime than normal, and of course you looked in all the quadrants on a daily basis. The relationships you fostered have and will always represent something mighty special in this community where you will always be saluted for your fine service. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

July 15, 2013