Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Wisdom is knowing when you can't be wise. Change, move, alter, perfect, rearrange. Keep moving. So many of us put a lid on our wisdom by rarely, if ever, taking the time to reflect on our strengths. It takes a new method of thinking and of inner patience to start to be straight with ourselves about what we can and cannot do. We all have limits, police officers have them, but they have to overcome in order to better the public. When is it better for me not to get involved, you could say, so what other officers have answered the call. Don't need to take a stand, make a decision or do what needs doing. Officer Cook, you made wise and sound decisions, took responsibility and accountability for your actions. These actions saved seven people from near certain death, four of them your own fellow comrades. Commendable service, courageous commitment have all followed you up that heavenly ladder to God's golden roads which you now watch over. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. You delivered all the answers to all the questions that were placed before you and never once backed off from any challenge leveled before you.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

December 15, 2013

Wisdom is knowing when you can't be wise. Change, move, alter, perfect, rearrange. Keep moving. So many of us put a lid on our wisdom by rarely, if ever, taking the time to reflect on our strengths. It takes a new method of thinking and of inner patience to start to be straight with ourselves about what we can and cannot do. We all have limits, police officers have them, but they have to overcome in order to better the public. When is it better for me not to get involved, you could say, so what other officers have answered the call. Don't need to take a stand, make a decision or do what needs doing. Officer Cook, you made wise and sound decisions, took responsibility and accountability for your actions. These actions saved seven people from near certain death, four of them your own fellow comrades. Commendable service, courageous commitment have all followed you up that heavenly ladder to God's golden roads which you now watch over. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

December 15, 2013

Always do one thing less than you think you can do. Some folks have eyes bigger than their stomachs, looking to ingest anything and everything in their systems. One should measure their tasks so that we don't become enslaved by them. You were not enslaved, Officer Cook, you surely took care of the business end of every watch demanding no less then quality not only from yourself, but by the other members of either your squad. It wasn't if it is an emergency I'll respond, or I was not dispatched to the scene. Officer Cook, you and your partner that day, Reserve Officer Scott Lincoln took the "proverbial bull by the horns" and responded quickly and without any reservation as to the consequences that would follow. Your heroism is everlasting in that all the fine men and women who worked alongside of you will always know you were their true friend, mentor and colleague who could engage them with a sense of humor, million dollar smile and an open optimism that all things would workout well in the end. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

December 15, 2013

The tragedy of life is that what dies inside a man while he lives. How often do we recognize the distinction between what is important and what can be dismissed? A part of us dies when we make the decision to be concerned with activity rather than thought, or with "getting there" just so we could say we were there. people have been taught that they must always move; frenetic activity is the physical evidence of people who do too much. A large part of your professional persona accompanied you to your final resting place, Officer Cook. It's truly a tragic shame what happened to you on May 16, 1979, but you'll forever be remembered as a Metro-Dade Police officer from the Central Division who never stopped moving, delivering excellence in service and protection to Dade County citizens on a daily basis. Individuals like yourself my neighbor, friend and hero could cram plenty on their plates and still deliver grace, honesty, dignity and integrity so vital to the morale and ranks of a large department where the mission is to do things "by the book" with safety and a very special passion that oozes from your veins. Rest in peace.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

December 15, 2013

My formula for living is quite simple, I get up in the morning and I go to bed at night. In between, I occupy myself as best I can. Unfortunately, not all police officers get to choose the shift they want to work on. Though, I heard someplace, Officer cook, that you were going to get your first weekend off, not sure if you were just starting the day shift or not. I'm quite sure your beloved wife, Karen was happy the two of you would get to spend quiet nights together. No one plans God forbid to be laid to rest on their off days. You were the go to consummate professional in all your mannerisms. You could engage the most mundane officer with your wit or the most studious with your keen sense of humor. No one has or ever will forget the honorable name of Officer William C. Cook, Badge#1664 ever. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero, as the Christmas and New Year of 2014 fast approaches let us remain steadfast in all our pursuits and resolve to have a much more serener and tranquil year for one and all.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

December 12, 2013

I think in every country that there is at least one executive who is scared of going crazy. I'd be worried if most officers went berserk for no good reason causing endangerment to the citizens they lawfully protect and serve. Officer Cook, you worked with plenty of good loyal and hard working men and women who were not bothered with multi-tasking. You could handle the most routine of cases with aplomb and the most bothersome with grace personified. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. watch over all the good officers who devote their efforts to fine service to their communities. Your sooth and calming voice spoke volumes then and has continued to do so for these past thirty-four years.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

December 12, 2013

One's action ought to come out of an achieved wellness; not to be a mere rushing on. So much clarity of thought comes from solitude, from being undisturbed, from closing doors gently and quietly. Police officers need to enter their watches with a clear mind and thought process when entering their profession, as well as during their training sessions at the police academy. Your heroic actions, Officer Cook, on May 16, 1979 have only begun to shed the light behind your enlightening career. Your profession demands a tone of compulsion toward honesty and the relentless pursuit of excellence which were the very hallmarks that made you a both lovable and efficient officer. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

December 12, 2013

Next week there can't be any crisis. My schedule is already full. Officers' schedules, dockets are always being changed for the benefit of their communities they serve and protect. Your docket, Officer Cook, was always occupied with serving the public interest and you succeeded without any doubt in a mighty fashion. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Sometimes the worst in a crisis situation brings out the best in a department and its officers who portray and display a unique sense of kindred and a resounding spirit.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

December 11, 2013

Forget the great executives, the men of measured movement, forget the men with careful smiles. In our lives starting in childhood, we learn to measure everything. We quantify happiness, measure accomplishment and meter work. We can't begin to measure the heart of the brave women and men of law enforcement who lay their lives down on a daily basis for our security. Officer Cook, your work ethic was measured by your loving and caring thoughtfulness and your humbleness in helping others succeed. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

December 11, 2013

By letting go, it all gets done: The world is won by those who let it go. No one wanted to let go of you on May 16, 1979, Officer Cook, it's just that after you answered God's calling, He needed you for a more important heavenly mission. Your body was not tired, nor the flame that kept your beautiful soul shining, you did not go into hiding for we can still see the beauty in that smiling face that nourished the hearts and minds of family, friends and esteemed colleagues. Let us all deliberate that things are getting done, your work here my neighbor, friend and hero was too valued to be set aside. your physical watch has ended, that does not mean at sunset we put the tools in the shed and forget about how you valiantly relied upon good judgment to facilitate excellence in this community. Rest in peace.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

December 10, 2013

I did not mean to say we are bound to follow implicity in whatever our fathers did. To do so would be to discard all the lights of current experience-to reject all progress, all improvement. To not respect today's officers, those who survived, retired or were God forbid killed while performing their assigned duties would be the ultimate outrage and a major lack of consideration. We place our hopes, dreams and inspirations, as we do with our safety and protection, not only in God's palms, but in the uniforms and shiny badges of those who take a solemn affirmation to serve with dignity and integrity. For all this, Officer Cook, you went beyond the call to insure our unity and freedoms. Dade County will forever be indebted to you and your colleagues for bravely and willingly shielding us from any harm. You were a very sincere and special person. May you rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

December 10, 2013

Every generation must go farther than the last or what's the use in it? Every police officer must dig deep and mount every ounce of their energies to bring about peace and security. There is no time lollygag around. Officers of your generation, Officer Cook, who like yourself made the ultimate sacrifice to secure and preserve the peace so vital to the future plans of this modern day world, need to be forever remembered and cherished for giving up something we who walk this Earth take for granted. We eat, sleep, work, some daydream, others walk around with not much attached to them personally and because of your courage and commitment we can always sleep sounder at night while we think of you as though you are still with us and you are in spirit, that can never be extinguished. You just keep glowing from God's heavens, we see you and hope to reunite once again with you. For now, rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

December 10, 2013

The history of progress is written in the lives of infidels. The history of progress is etched or should be carved in the gravestone of every police officer who contributes to no more a nobler cause than to sacrifice their brave lives for the safety and sanctity of their communities. Your young life, Officer Cook, was founded on the principles of honor, decorum and being civil at all times to one and all. Your loving parents ingrained these values in both you and in your sister, Nancy, who cherishes you, her darling little brother. You were the apple of everyone's eye. We Shall Be One, words that every time I visit your final resting place send a chill up and down my spine as I pause to reflect on the meaning of life and how you treasured each and every moment of it. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

December 10, 2013

The slogan of progress is changing from the full dinner plate to the full garage. This slogan always changes and now it is just not a rather mundane change, it is a change for the betterment of society. Officer Cook, you were one of the captains, if you will in seeing to it that the ship and its compass has maintained its steady heading all these years after you served the citizens with dignity, honor and integrity. Your personal fortitude never wavered nor broke apart. The spirits of your department and division were dampened and momentarily shaken by your loss, but I'm sure you would want all of your colleagues to pick up and continue with your watch. Hope and pray that one day we will see your spirit as it coasts above the big blue moon. Progress shall not regress nor digress. Whenever we make any plans, we should never have you out of sight, for you stood in there on May 16, 1979, one last time to fight for our freedoms and an everlasting peace in a community where you were so beloved and endeared by all. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Progress needs the brakeman, but the brakeman should not spend all their time putting on the brakes. Full speed ahead and accentuate positives, your motto, Officer Cook, never look back, all eyes in front.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

December 9, 2013

I do not pin my dreams for the future to my country or even my race. I think it probable that civilization somehow will last long as I care to look ahead. Someway, somehow, we must forge ahead in spite of police officers, all excellent, brave men and women constantly making sacrifices that will better serve us and the society in which we all breathe and function. You paved the trails for a brighter tomorrow, Officer Cook, and because of your valor and perseverance, we can all share in the same goals as any other person who wants the opportunity of a promising future. Of course, your being with us with supposed to be part of the plan, but God, Our grand planner had other loftier plans for bravery displayed by yourself and other fine officers. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

December 9, 2013

Walk with purpose and collide with destiny. Cost is the father and compensation is the mother. Judging by your terrific upbringing, Officer Cook, it is no wonder you were a marvelously talented and yet a very faithful and humble servant of God. You placed your life on the line each day and now the purposes for which your traveled, have allowed you to be forever in God's shelter, where if there were any collisions, let them only be in the good Lord's name. Keep up with your policing of Our creator's golden roads as you did for six years here in Dade County. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. May all our purposes have logic, reason and proper instincts in each direction guiding us to newer challenges.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

December 9, 2013

His philosophical approach is superficial, overly simplistic, one-dimensional. What he preaches is pure economic pap, glossed over with uplifting homilies ans inspirational chatter. Yet so far the guy is making it work. Appalled by what seems to me a lack of depth. I stand in awe nevertheless of his political skill. I am sure that I have seen its equal. First of all, your mannerisms, Officer Cook, were never superficial. When the situations demanded simplicity you did just that. When more complex maneuvers were to be employed you could rise to the occasion. The most loyal, dedicated and hardest working police officer, you are sure to be remembered forever and your shining legacy will never be tarnished. The uplifting eulogies that were spoken at your Inspector's Funeral and the Mass were delivered with the utmost humility befitting a true hero and even more a terrifically humble human being. We all stand in awe of all your accomplishments and praise Our Creator for giving us your loving presence among mere mortals, you handled things with true class and dignity, your faith allowed you to conduct your daily affairs personally and professionally with the honesty that police work calls out for. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Your loving spirit continues to enlighten and inspire all who carry the badge of the Metro-Dade Police Department.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

December 7, 2013

His life has been so sudden and his fighting so aggressive, that most people think he never thinks, that every act is born of the impulse of the moment. The public man is the private man and his friends have no advantage in acquaintance with him over strangers. Your life of public service and professionalism has been and forever duly noted, Officer Cook. You stood for truth, justice, peace and unity in the Dade County community and the citizens you served realized they had a true blue humble hero in their midst. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend or hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

December 5, 2013

I made my mistakes, but in all my years of public life I have never profited, never profited from public service. I've earned every cent. And in all my years in public life I have never obstructed justice....I welcome this kind of examination because people have got to know whether or not their law enforcement officers are totally honest or not. Well, I was honest and earned everything I've got. You sure were, Officer Cook, there might have been those who said you were too nice a person to become a police officer, but you led by example in both character and in morals so vital to performing a very dangerous job. You personified grace and integrity. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

December 5, 2013

We have to move ahead, but we are not going to leave anyone behind. I'm certain you would want us to move forward in all our efforts, Officer Cook. You have left this world for the next world, but because of your sacrifice, this world and the community you served with grace, dignity and integrity will forever remain in unity and freedom. You moved many by your displays of humbleness and efficiency. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

December 3, 2013

Our life is frittered away by detail... simplify, simplify. If only the lives of police officers were really just that simple. They try to lead not only quietly, but by the examples and morals that endeavor to make them safe and protected when out on patrol. We should all be proponents, as you were of this Officer Cook. You did your job with the utmost caution and use of common sense. We should not waste our times with trivial matters, just stay happy, healthy and at peace. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

December 3, 2013

Waves of serener life pass over us from time to time, like flakes of sunlight over the fields in cloudy weather. No matter the day, no matter the time, no matter the atmospheric conditions that exist outdoors, you'll truly be remembered, Officer Cook, as an inspiration to all. You truly imbued the values of living a serene and humble life, even with your engaging sense of humor. An adventurous individual, you enjoyed the quieter times when you could be alone or with a relative or friend snapping off the most transparent pictures of God's green fields or hunting for something in the wilderness. Let us hope as we pray each day that peace and true serenity come to this world because of your exploits in making the ultimate sacrifice so we can view both clouds and the brightness of a sun splashed day that assist in dispelling the darkness that still rears its ugliness in our society. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

December 3, 2013

There are two things to aim at in life; first to get what you want; and after that, to enjoy it. Only the wisest of mankind achieve the second. You only and always set your goals high, Officer Cook, as should all mankind. You can't be frightened away if you fail the first time out of the box. As the saying goes most diplomatically, if at first you don't succeed, try, try again! Your dreams were reached through inspiration, perseverance and more often than not, hard work, both grueling and grinding. Physically and mentally taxing, but you stayed the course and success paid off and you reaped the dividends at day's end. We are all proud of you, now just keep shining your loving spirit down upon us as we all endeavor to be half as good as you were. Saving those seven people on May 16, 1979, you'll be forever endeared to your comrades and to those citizens whose lives you saved by your unselfishness never to be replicated. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

December 1, 2013

I gloated on existence, no you did not. Earth to me, seemed all-sufficient and my sojourn there one trembling opportunity for joy. Officer Cook, you made people, your family members laugh with your sense of humor. But it was no coincidence that you did your job and carried yourself with grace and humility personified. Your twenty-five years were well crafted and most meaningful in a most dignified and sanctified fashion. Mother Earth truly had one of its very special brothers carryout a dangerous task that most would not dare come near. You dared to explore, you risked so we could reap the rewards that safety and unity bring with them to a community. God has indeed rewarded you my neighbor, friend and hero as He has you forever close to Him for everlasting care. Rest in peace. No one takes a beating like a boaster, you will humbly be remembered as a compassionate and caring human being.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

December 1, 2013

There is no cure for birth and for death save to enjoy the interval. You treasured life, Officer Cook and cherished the proud moments of which you presented to your whole family. Your faith and the spirit by which you supported yourself and Karen, was one of genuine honesty, fostered by a passion you had to assist all people regardless of who they were or where they resided. This giving continues and will forever, your tragic passing has not derailed the hopes, dreams and inspirations of your family and friends who all carry your engaging spirit close to their hearts and minds. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero, as I look at your photo of you proudly wearing your uniform on The Officer Down memorial Page, some forty years ago, I am reminded that truly nice people, honest men and women of devout faith and in character really do make a difference. "Only The Good Die Young" this phrase still perplexes most if not all people, but Our Creator has already mapped out our lives and those of His heavenly bound police angels such as yourself. When destiny comes calling, let us be solemn in our resolve to answer that call as you lived your life in a most humbly and profound manner.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

December 1, 2013