Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Today Officer Cook by chance my wife and I met your niece Mrs. Wilkerson, her husband Trevor and your young nice and nephew at the Flea Market in Pompano. We exchanged greetings and she told us your mom is doing well out in Dan Diego. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. I'll always remember your honor, dedication, commitment and experience. You could say God blessed us by our meeting Gina and Trevor there.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 5, 2012

For a wife who has lost her husband, we ask God to fill the spaces left behind. For parents who have lost a son, may God sustain you, and hold you in his arms. For siblings who have lost a sibling, may God remind you of the good times. We can't say thank you enough.For officers who have lost a dear friend, may God help you to pick up the pieces. For children who have lost their hero, may God restore beauty to your home., without replacing his memory. We can't say thank you enough. The brothers, sisters, parents, children, the friends, we honor the fallen, and pray for the living. In your pain, and in your sadness, and your tear filled nights, God promises a day with no more pain, no more sadness, and no more tears. It's a day without mourning, a day when the radiance of the sun shines brighter, than any pain we have experienced and until that day, we gather together "officer" to say thank you, because we can never say these words enough. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend, and hero Officer Cook, you and your family will always be in my hearts and prayers forever.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

July 29, 2012

No one could tell me where my soul might be: I searched for God, and he eluded me: I sought my brother out, and he found all three. The watchword of faith declares the unity of God. If God is the Creator, our Heavenly Father, then all people are His children and are bound together in a bond of true brother and sisterhood. This statement implies that we should honor each person regardless of faith. I'm sure Officer Cook, you respected each individual that you came across professionally and the excellent upbringing only serves to enhance your wonderful legacy. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. You and your loving family will always remain in my thoughts and prayers.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

July 26, 2012

I meant to say the stained glass window would bless Karen and your family in many ways. From the Book of Psalms comes this quote: Kindness and truth have met, righteousness and peace have kissed. Simply put Officer Cook you exemplified these words in being the tireless, dedicated, loyal professional law enforcement officer one should always strive to be. Success can only be garnered through learning, not being afraid to tackle new challenges that officers such as yourself faced everyday on the job. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero along with your dad, Mr. Charles Cook and I'll always keep your mom, Mrs. Julia Cook in my prayers. I tried to reach your niece Mrs. Gina Wilkerson the other day, her number was disconnected. I will write a letter to find out how your mom is doing. God bless her she is turning 97 in September. She was living out in San Diego, California near Mr. Hyatt and Mr. Miller, your two nephews. Justin, I met at your mother's home almost two years ago, and left a letter for your mom and she wrote a marvelous and touching letter back to me, even though we never knew one another and to this day I'm sorry our families never had the opportunity to met.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

July 21, 2012

The stain glass window that your wife Karen donated to your church in your memory, will bless her and your family in my ways. The glass is a reflection of the life your led as a hero and I still cry whenever i look at your picture from the book "Forgotten Heroes" or see it on the Officer Down Memorial Page. God counts our tears that we shed and stores them in His storehouse. For all the good deeds you performed in this world, God keeps retribution away from us. One deed leads to another deed and one transgression leads to another transgression. In the end my neighbor, friend and hero Officer Cook, you should rest in peace and your beautiful soul will guide us on life's most challenging paths. Even as a Rabbi who has officiated many funerals and unveilings, I still wear my emotions on my sleeve. God was watching over me when I said a eulogy for both my mother and uncle, a gem of a person like you who always greeted you with a smile and the words like how are you and glad to see you.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

July 18, 2012

Today Officer Cook I passed your home where you and your wife Karen lived. I'm sure you and Karen shared happy days there. each day of a person,s life regardless of the profession or job they undertake is important in making this world a better place to live and prosper. My neighbor, friend and hero you constantly endeavored to reach out and make yourself a better person. Our Creator reached out and took an angel like you to keep watching over your family, friends, and colleagues. Rest in peace and I will always keep your mother Mrs. Julia Cook in my prayers and your family as well.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

July 18, 2012

A good way to which a man should cleave is to forsee the fruit of his action: for every action like every tree bears fruit-good or bad. We are taught that the beginning of wisdom is the fear of God. We must raise our standard of behavior, our conduct of life to how we want others to treat us. The golden rule is to treat others as you would want to be treated. I'm certain Officer Cook that you truly lived your life by this very example. It's truly sad what happened to you that awful day you were taken and we all were deprived of getting to know and enjoy being with you as your family had you for twenty-five years and now still holds on to truly warm and fond memories of your life and the sacrifice you made to make this world safer. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

July 12, 2012

Who does God's work will get God's pay, However long may be the day. He does not pay as others pay, In gold, or land or raiment gay, In goods that perish or decay: But God's high wisdom knows the way, And this is sure, let come what may- Who does God's work will get god's pay.I see thee in the starry field, I see thee in the harvest's yield, In every breath, in every sound, An echo of thy name is found. The blade of grass, the simple flower, bear witness to thy matchless power. For the wisdom, fortitude and bravery you showed that day of May 16, 1979, my neighbor ,friend and hero, Officer Cook, you certainly deserve the the reward you are reaping eternally. your family, friends and colleagues are missing your smiling face, and positive outlook you displayed so often during your lifetime of 25 years. Rest in peace and keep watching and protecting us from the Heavens above along with your fellow colleagues who made the ultimate so that we here in this world can enjoy that what you were can no longer enjoy. I will always continue to keep your mom, Mrs. Julia Cook in my thoughts and prayers.I still either walk or ride by your home in North Miami Beach, Florida where you grew up and spent your formative years.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

July 5, 2012

There is a destiny that makes us brothers, None goes his way alone: All that is sent into the lives of others Comes back into our own. My neighbor, friend and hero Officer Cook, you were very successful during your lifetime and even though you life was tragically cut short you achieved more than most who live many decades. You left this world a better place because of how you lived your life and the upbringing by your beloved parents who enabled you to grasp the finer points of life. I read that you enjoyed being as photographer, so you certainly appreciated the beauty that this world and its surroundings have to offer. You laughed, lived and loved and it is this legacy which your family can truly and proudly carry on as your memory and beautiful soul shines brightly from the Heavens above. Rest in peace and know I'll never forget your brave actions of May 16, 1979. With July 4th coming up it is because of you and your fellow blue angels patrolling Heaven's pearly gates that we can celebrate with our families. As a nation and community we cannot forget your ultimate sacrifice, and I still cry when I think of you even though I never had the pleasure to meet you and your lovely family other than your niece, Gina Wilkerson, her husband and their children, who you would be very proud of.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

June 30, 2012

Bite off more than you cam chew: Then chew it. Plan more work than you can do: then do it. Hitch your wagon to a star: and there you are. Dream, plan, work, and have faith in God. Dreams are the touchstones of our characters. Officer Cook, my neighbor, friend and hero, you were not afraid to dream I'm sure and to aspire to loftier goals. you succeeded and exceeded every one of your desires in life. I'm sorry my family and I never got the opportunity to meet a really super human being as classy as you and your family were. I have been meaning to call Mrs. Wilkerson, unfortunately my family in February has had to mourn the loss of my mother-in-law. Rest in peace and know you made the world a better and safer place because of your relentless commitment to law and order. I'll always say a prayer for your mother, Mrs. Julia Cook.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

June 21, 2012

Intelligent planning, sincerity, and perseverance are necessary for success. The light of your precious soul will never be extinguished. Rest in peace me neighbor, friend and hero Officer Cook. I'll always keep your mother Mrs. Julia Cook in my thoughts and prayers. You displayed the three things mentioned above with true class, dignity and courage.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

June 11, 2012

if your family would like to konw where i come up with these thoughtful and insightful reflections, I cull them from a book titled "Portion by Portion", which refers to the portions of the Old Testament, the Torah, but can be applied to any and all religions. In describing your life and career with the Metro-Dade Police Department, I would surmise Officer Cook these sayings most definitely apply. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.Living in North Miami Beach, for the time being, I cannot help but to pause and reflect back on your wonderful life and consumate profession that you carried out in a humble and dignified manner. The book I used belonged to a very dear and close friend of my family, Rabbi Dr. Abraham Atkin, who was our backyard neighbor.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

June 3, 2012

We thought of you with love today, but that is nothing new. We thought about you yesterday, and days before that too, We think of you in silence, we often speak your name. All we have are memories, and your picture in a frame. Your memory is our keepsake, with which we will not part, God has you in His keeping, we have you in our hearts. A million times we've wanted you, a million times we've cried. If love could have saved you, you never would have died. It broke our hearts to lose you, but you didn't go alone. For a part of us went with you... the day God called you home. The only picture I see of you Officer Cook, my neighbor, friend and hero is your smiling face on the "Officer Down memorial Page", and sometimes do I cry like a child, as if this happened yesterday. I'm sure your family has cried mightily these past thirty-three years. For now, rest in peace and I'll never forget your professionalism, honor, bravery and commitment to protect the good citizens of Dade County.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

May 31, 2012

There is a destiny that makes us brothers, No one goes his way alone: All that we send into the lives of others, Comes back into our own. I care not what his houses of worship or his creeds, One thing holds firm and fast- That into his fateful heap of days and deeds The soul of man is cast. As a member of the law enforcement society Officer Cook, you represented your colleagues, family and friends with the respect, honor and integrity that your position demanded. That same respect, honor, integrity and love was shown to you at your Inspector's Funeral that Saturday afternoon, May 19, 1979 at the Cathedral of Saint Mary. You will never be forgotten by me or my family, even though we never had the opportunity to ever meet one another. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero as you ascend God's Heavenly Gates and keep watching over us. I will always keep your mother Mrs. Julia Cook in my prayers and thoughts.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

May 30, 2012

To fully appreciate the heroes of the present, we must recognize our heroes of the past. .Your heroism and service is honored today, the 33rd anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer who was murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered.

Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

May 24, 2012

If wisdom's ways you'd wisely seek, Five things observe with care: Of whom you speak, To whom you speak, And how and when and where. Words are powerful instruments. Words can save, help or soothe. They can rob, hurt, and draw blood. With words we can arrive at the truth. Words can teach. words can advise. I'm sure Officer Cook in performing your daily duties and specifically as it was mentioned in the book "Forgotten Heroes", you needed a level headed approach in calming people down during domestic issues. The words and tone of your voice were essential to carry out the rigors of your job. I'm sure as I'm leaving this reflection, that the words you spoke during your life were only the truth and the professional demeanor needed only helped make situations better. For now, rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

May 23, 2012

Rest in peace Officer Cook on this the thirty-third anniversary of your tragic passing. When the going gets tough, the tough get going. Once again, rest in peace and i'll keep your family in my thoughts and prayers.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

May 16, 2012

Today Officer Cook my wife holly and I visited your grave the day before the anniversary of your end of watch, Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.The American flag and the flag representing fallen officers was placed on your grave. I'll continue to keep your beloved family and mother Mrs. Julia Cook in my prayers.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

May 15, 2012

The success of a leader can be best estimated by his relations to his people. The true leader is one who concerns himself with the people he is leading.One characteristic of a true leader is to provide an example to those who follow him and to deny himself many privileges of a follower. The true function of a leader is to take the average individual and to broaden his concept of his potential capacities. That day of May 16, 1979 Officer Cook, you showed your partner Reserve Officer Scott Lincoln, what it meant to be a true leader. You went above and beyond in making the ultimate sacrifice to protect your fellow officers in serving Dade County citizens. I wanted to leave a further addendum to the above paragraph. Lord,Thou knowest that I know myself that I am growing older, and will some day be old. Keep me from getting talkative, and particularly from the fatal habit of thinking I must say something on every subject and on every occasion. Release me from craving to try to straighten out everybody's affairs. Make me me thoughtful, but not moody: helpful, but not bossy. With my vast store of wisdom, it seems a pity not to use it all-but Thou knowest, Lord that I want a few friends at the end.... seal my lips to my many aches and pains- they are increasing, and my love of rehearsing them is becoming sweeter as the years go by. Teach me the glorious lesson that occasionally it is possible that I may be mistaken. What tragedy! What a blow, a staggering blow! What a disappointment! My neighbor, friend and hero Officer Cook, you displayed so much in a short life. But for what you sacrificed that fateful day, you'll always and forever be remembered by your family, friends and esteemed colleagues. I believe many officers from around the country and Canada attended your Inspector's Funeral and for the life and lessons you imparted on all those privileged to be around you and to work with you, the memories will remain. Rest in peace and hopefully those who follow in your majestic footsteps will proudly carry on the torch and your beautiful legacy.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

May 12, 2012

The success of a leader can be best estimated by his relations to his people. The true leader is one who concerns himself with the people he is leading.One characteristic of a true leader is to provide an example to those who follow hom and to deny himself many privileges of a follower. The true function of a leader is to take the average individual and to broaden his concept of his potential capacities. That day of May 16, 1979 Officer Cook, you showed your partner Reserve Officer Scott Lincoln, what it meant to be a true leader. You went above and beyond in making the ultimate sacrifice to protect your fellow officers in serving Dade County citizens. I wanted to leave a further addendum to the above paragraph. Lord,Thou knowest that I know myself that I am growing older, and will some day be old. Keep me from getting talkative, and particularly from the fatal habit of thinking I must say something on every subject and on every occasion. Release me from craving to try to straighten out everybody's affairs. Make me me thoughtful, but not moody: helpful, but not bossy. With my vast store of wisdom, it seems a pity not to use it all-but Thou knowest, Lord that I want a few friends at the end.... seal my lips to my many aches and pains- they are increasing, and my love of rehearsing them is becoming sweeter as the years go by. Teach me the glorious lesson that occasionally it is possible that I may be mistaken. What tragedy! What a blow, a staggering blow! What a disappointment! My neighbor, friend and hero Officer Cook, you displayed so much in a short life. But for what you sacrificed that fateful day, you'll always and forever be remembered by your family, friends and esteemed colleagues. I believe many officers from around the country and Canada attended your Inspector's Funeral and for the life and lessons you imparted on all those privileged to be around you and to work with you, the memories will remain. Rest in peace and hopefully those who follow in your majestic footsteps will proudly carry on the torch and your beautiful legacy.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

May 12, 2012

Opportunity knocks at every man's door at least once in a lifetime. Every person has their share in life, what we need most is not so much to realize the ideal as to idealize the real. People need to make each and every moment count. Life calls for courage, and demands that we break from the majority when the will of the majority is contradictory to the rules of God. My neighbor, friend and hero Officer Cook, you made each moment of your treasured life count by giving that very breath, we call life to serve God and the citizens of Dade County. Rest in peace and know that you will never be forgotten by me. I still regret that I never had the chance to meet and spend time conversing with you. At least I met your niece, Gina, her children and your nephew Justin and received a wonderful letter from your dear mother, Mrs. Julia Cook.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

May 6, 2012

As your family may know, I am on this site daily, and it still amazes me, all of these tragedies. Too many accidental shootings of officers, even an officer who wanted to be shot to observe how it felt. Tragedy beyond comprehension, but make no mistake, you lived your life as a hero and your heroism that day, May 16, 1979 will never go unnoticed by me. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero, Officer Cook. Hopefully, this Thursday, May 4th I can attend the Police Memorial at tropical Park in Miami for you and your colleagues who gallantly served Dade County Citizens. Of course, I will keep your mom Mrs. Julia Cook in my prayers.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 29, 2012

Genius is a gift, wisdom is an achievement. Both of these extraordinary traits you possesed as you carried out your law enforcement career in such an honorable manner. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero, Officer Cook.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 26, 2012

In the words of our National Anthem, "The Land of The Free and The Home of The Brave," my neighbor, friend and hero, Officer you personified these words as you performed your duties, rest in peace and I will forever keep your mom Mrs. Julia Cook in my thoughts ans prayers.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 22, 2012

It says in our National Anthem, "And The Land Of THe Free and The Home Of The Brave," these words personify the courage that you displayed, my neighbor, friend and hero. Rest in peace Officer Cook, and I'll forever keep your mom, Mrs. Julia Cook in my thoughts and prayers.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 21, 2012