Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

This reflection I am leaving for you Officer Cook is the letter dated September 22, 2010 that your mom Mrs. Julia Cook at age 95 wrote to me. Dear Rabbie Davis: It was a pleasure to get the letter you wrote me. I am glad you met me grandson, he is a very nice person and looks just like his Uncle Bill {my son}, has the looks, happy go lucky person even though he is in the wheelchair. he doesn't let his disability keep him from doing anything. Justin, I understand I living out in San Diego, along with his brother Josh Hyatt. You would be very proud of your nephews and niece Mrs. Gina Wilkerson.To continue the letter, your mom wrote, i may not have seen you many times walking down 170th St. The area has changed since your tragic passing. Your mom described your niece, Mrs. Gina Wilkerson, as the same sweet, and maybe you had seen her as you were driving or walking by. To conclude, your mom wrote, I was so glad to hear from you and will try to keep in touch. Thank you so much and you can say a prayer for me. God Bless Julia Cook your friend and neighbor. On the back what she wrote really brought a tear to my eye, thank you so much for visiting Billy's grave. Your nephew, who has your name, his middle name I believe has a master's degree in International Relations and Josh Hyatt works in acting our ventures, I'm not sure what line of work Mrs. Gina Wilkerson does. I finally called and spoke briefly with her husband and sent your mom a birthday card as Saturday will be her 96th birthday which she she should enjoy in good health, peace and prosperity. I still cannot fathom that you have been gone for a third of her life, and I'm certain you are greatly missed by your mom and entire family. As I have said before, I never will forget that awful day on May 16, 1979. Yesterday, our country remembered the terrorist attacks that took place ten years ago on September 11, 2001. Rest in peace my beloved friend and neighbor Officer Cook. For your mom to have written to someone she did not know, was something I will never forgot and will cherish this letter always. You and my parents will always be in my heart. I told Mr. Wilkerson that I was the person who wrote to the cemetery and got them to replace the replica, restoring your dignity, honor, integrity and respect. You are my Hero-Honor Every Resting Officer.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

September 12, 2011

I wrote a letter to your classmate and colleague from the police academy, Chief Geoff Jacobs. I'm sure you would be very proud of his accomplishments. As a person, Officer Cook you were a devout man along with your wife Karen. Matter of fact my mom, may she rest in peace, lived around the corner from the Visitation Catholic Church that you attended, would say a we reach our holy time of year that prayer is very important. Four sayings from the Bible come to mind: O Lord, open Thou my lips and my mouth shall declare Thy praise. Whoever has it in his power to pray on behalf of his neighbor and fails to do so is called a sinner. One should always first declare the praise of the Holy One, blessed be he, and then pray to Him. Finally, it is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord and to sing praises to His name. There was also a synagogue around the corner from what is now Starlake condos.Rest in peace Officer Cook, your praises of the Lord will assist your soul as it ascends God's Heavenly throne.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

September 6, 2011

The word is I meant to say and not "to day." My wife does something within the NMB community for which her reward is totally spiritual, and that is she washes and prepares women who have passed on for burial. Her reward as well as what I can contribute to support families of fallen heroes such as yourself Officer Cook is from above- Our Creator. I'm sure your mom would be very proud and happy for that which her neighbor and friend-myself has done. I really would be humbled and pleased to meet her, your sister and niece and other nephew, Mr.Hyatt. I am truly honored for your mom, Mrs. Cook to take the time and write the letter to someone she did not know. I feel like I have neglected her for these past 32 years and hopefully she is fine out in San Diego. Rest in peace Officer Cook my friend and neighbor. As was your role in law enforcement, this is the role for my wife Holly and I. We are just trying to make this world as you did a better place, and because of your sacrifice, we all have to try that much harder.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

September 4, 2011

I meant to day since you were my neighbor and friend that because of your untimely death, I never got the opportunity to meet and befriend, I thought it would be a wonderful thing to get Dade Memorial Park to replace the badge that was taken off your grave. I'm sure you mom Mrs. Julia Cook and your sister Mrs. Nancy Tidwell would be happy. They were, but I miss you and never forgot that awful day: May 16, 1979.I still would like to talk and meet your niece Mrs. Wilkerson. It's been almost a year since your mom wrote that beautiful letter to me while my family and I were living in Hallandale Beach, Florida.Rest in peace Officer Cook, your friendship to me had our families known each other would have been valued to this day.I can't write blank checks to families to support fallen officers, so this how I can contribute, by replacing replicas of badges and street signs to restore their honor, integrity, dedication and respect. I scratch my head when I come across officers with Dade County Police who have been on the force over 30 years, and I ask them if they heard of Officer William Cook and they haven't.Maybe I can write a letter to Chief Geoff Jacobs, your old classmate from the academy and Norland high since NMB Senior Highhad now yet come about and meet him either here in Florida or in Georgia where he is a police Chief in the town of Porterdale.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

September 3, 2011

I wrote a letter to your mom Mrs. Julia Cook the other day and hope she is doing well. I am happy I was able to get the cemetery to finally replace the badge, even though it was a replica of Metropolitan Miami-Dade County. Since you a my neighbor and friend I did not get to meet, I thought it would be a good thing to do. Rest in peace my dear neighbor and friend Officer Cook.I was told by the office manager it would be a replica of your badge with the number 1664 on it.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 27, 2011

I was on the Officer Down Memorial Page and saw a reflection left by a former classmate and just wanted to leave a small reflection. .A person who carries the crown of a good name, is considered to be the highest honor one can achieve. Officer Cook, my neighbor and friend, rest in peace, you will never be forgotten by me. I want to write your mom Mrs. Julia Cook in San Diego, California. I will keep her and your sister and family in my thoughts forever.I feel really bad that I could not befriend or be neighborly with you. I still drive by the North Miami Beach area from time to time and pass by your old home at 630 NE 170 St.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 13, 2011

Hey Bill... Just stopped by to say hello. I was on the website googlemaps.com and was looking at the old neighborhood and the high schools and my mind began to wander about our last year at Norland. We had a lot of fun in band and band camp and going to the football games, marching through the halls on Friday playing my drum as hard and loud as I could...gave me chill bumps. I even stopped by band camp after we graduated to visit our 11th grade friends that were now seniors (mostly the girls!). Those were good times and it really pisses me off what happened on May 16th. ....anyway, just wanted to say hey.

Chief Geoff Jacobs
Porterdale (Ga) PD

August 13, 2011

Officer Cook you responded to situations as swift as an eagle and with the courage of a lion. Your humility and humbleness will never be forgotten. Rest in peace my neighbor and friend and I will continue to keep your family in my heart and thoughts always.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 6, 2011

The world revolves on three things: Justice, truth and peace. Officer Cook, you epitomized these virtues as well as carrying out your duties with honor, dignity and integrity. I will never forget you and the sacrifice you made on that day: May 16,1979. rest in peace in my friend and neighbor. I will keep your mom and family in my thoughts forever.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

July 26, 2011

Pride is what you show through self-respect and conduct, integrity is proven through honest action and character, while honor is exceptional recognition given to you by another.Honorable person, Exemplary character, Respected and revered, One of a kind, Exceptional act and/ or action, Select few. I have no doubt that Metro-Dade Police Officer William C. Cook displayed All of these characteristics throughout his career in service to others as well as being an example of what a true lifelong hero should be.I stopped by the cemetery next to where you are buried: Mount Sinai Cemetery to give the manager some of my cards as I perform funerals and unveillings from time to time, and then I stopped to visit your grave.I cried for a moment I should realize that your sacred and beautiful soul is looking down from Heaven above guiding myself as well as your loved ones each moment of our lives. Rest in peace Officer Cook, as long as my mind and body are with me I'll never forget your sacrifice on May 16, 1979.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

July 13, 2011

Last week on July 4th I visited your grave Officer Cook and someone left some beautiful purple flowers.Back in 1079, I was watching WCKT Channel 7, now WSVN and Steve Dawson was covering your visitation at the old Bennett and Ulm Chapel in North Miami, Florida and there were two officers at each end of your casket. This was very sad, but I.m glad I met your nephew Justin and would look forward to meeting your niece Mrs. Gina Wilkerson, your sister Nancy and hopefully your mother Mrs. Julia Cook. Karen your wife should not be forgotten and should be remembered. Rest in peace Officer Cook, I'll never forget your bravery and sacrifice to make Dade County and its citizens safer.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

July 11, 2011

I meant to say thirty-two years ago. I guess ago could stand for a great officer. Today being July 4th, i can only imagine what a great person, friend, son, brother, uncle and officer you were Officer Cook. Rest in peace my friend and neighbor.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

July 4, 2011

Our attitude should be our gratitude and we should be grateful of the sacrifice Officer Cook made thirty-two years on behalf of Dade County citizens. I will never forget your sacrifice and will always remember the beautiful and sentimental letter I received from your mother Mrs. Julia Cook. Rest in peace Officer Cook, everytime I view The Officer Down memorial Page and see your wonderful smile, I am very sorry I never got the chance to be friends with my neighbors, you and your family. I do hope i can get a chance to meet your mother.She is 95 years old and God should continue to bless her with good health and spiritual prosperity.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

July 2, 2011

The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make his face shine upon you: and be gracious to you: The Lord lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace. Numbers 6:24-26. Rest in peace Officer Cook and I will keep your mom Mrs. Cook in my thoughts always.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

June 27, 2011

Remembering Officer William C. Cook....
Our hearts are all heavy, we feel a great loss. For a brave man who died fighting, for an even greater cause. The choppers flew in honor overhead, for a fallen hero, a fallen friend. As taps played in the distance, silent tears fell all around. For a fallen warrior being laid in the ground. He gave his life fighting, so that others may live. He knew how to give. We mourn this fallen officer, we mourn this gentle man. But there's solace in knowing, he's at the Father's right hand. So the rifles fire in honor, of an officer laid to rest. God bless him and hold him close Lord. You've taken one of Metro Dade PDs best.rest in peace Officer Cook.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

June 25, 2011

The second saying of my previous reflection was if I am not for myself who is for me? This saying is most definitely applicable to Officer Cook.in that he put the needs of Dade County citizens before his needs in making the ultimate sacrifice which I personally will never forget. Rest in peace Officer Cook as was stated by your colleagues you were excellent in domestic disputes and I am sure a very calming influence to all.Of course Mrs. Cook I will keep you in my prayers and thoughts always.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

June 14, 2011

To The Cook Family:
There are two sayings that epitomize the life of your son, brother, uncle and my neighbor and friend. The world stands on three things: Studying,, Service to God and performing kind deeds. I would value Officer Cook's life that he lived as a true hero on all of the above. It was said that Officer Cook was resourceful in all that he did Rest in peace Officer Cook.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

June 13, 2011

Do not seek greatness for yourself,and do not crave honor, let your performance exceed your learning. From Ethics of Our Fathers Chapter 6. Rest in peace Officer Cook, we should all strive to follow your example on how to lead our lives.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

June 4, 2011

To The Cook Family:
I had left a reflection thinking that Officer Cook's reflections were erased, but the Officer Down Memorial Page changed its background. Now you can view all of the reflections left. Rest in peace Officer Cook. When I start to listen to the radio while driving some of the songs remind me of you and I start to cry. As a grown man I still well up and just cannot get over what happened thirty-two years to you. Just wish I could have been there that day to hold your hand, comfort you or save your live in North Shore Hospital's emergency room. You were the friend and neighbor unfortunately I never got a chance to meet.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

June 1, 2011

Along with success comes a reputation for wisdom. Officer Cook, you were a valued member of the Metro-Dade Police Department. Rest in peace Officer Cook and I will always keep your mom Mrs. Julia Cook in my thoughts and prayers.As Captain Geoff Jacobs reflected your wisdom far outnumbered your years.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

May 31, 2011

Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves memories no one can steal. Rest in peace Officer Cook.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

May 21, 2011

I visited your grave yesterday and the grave site looks more distinguishable with the American flag and the Officer Down flag in black and light blue. The department is placing these on all graves of fallen police officers. Rest in peace Officer Cook and l will say prayers for your family. I read something I wrote for you and cried and I am glad and grateful I was able to get the cemetery to replace the emblem back on your grave. I want to call Mrs. Wilkerson your niece, and hopefully I can meet her.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

May 17, 2011

Officer Cook,

You and my father worked together in Central. He was one of the units that was originally dispatched to the call. His squad got it just as they were sitting down to roll call. Unfortunately by the time he arrived on scene, you had already been killed and the other officers wounded. He still to this day has difficulty speaking about it. He misses you and wishes things could of gone differently on that day. Best regards to your family, may they be at peace. Thank you for your service and sacrifice. You will not be forgotten.

Son of retired Metro-Dade Police Officer.

Anonymous

May 16, 2011

God did not promise days without pain, laughter without sorrow, sun without rain, but He did promise strength for the day, comfort for the tears and light for the way. Rest in peace Officer Cook, you made all of us proud to remember your heroic efforts to make the world a safer place.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

May 12, 2011

To The Cook Family:
I attended last Thursday nights police memorial. If you were there I.m sorry I missed you. Hope you are doing well Mrs. Cook. I took a picture of your son, brother and uncle,s brick. I look at it and Officer Cook,s picture on my phone. Once again, I am happy the emblem was placed on his grave. Rest in peace Officer Cook, I miss you and wish I could have met you. You were as brave a hero as they come. Honor every resting officer, and how you lived your life is how you will forever be remembered.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

May 9, 2011