Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I had reasoned this out in my mind, there was two things I had a right to, liberty and death. If I could not have one, I would have the other, for no man should take me alive. No person, no police officer, should give their lives in vain. If only that young man I voluntarily complied with your orders, Officer Cook, you might be here with your loving family and friends today. Today is here, tomorrow is not promised, so we have to make the best of everyday no matter the situation we are thrust into. You were an upbeat, positive thinker whose ways revolutionized your department. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Officers give up their lives in the performance of their duties, so that our liberties rein down forevermore.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 8, 2013

He that would make his own liberty secure must guard even his enemy from oppression. When this liberty is taken away by force it can be restored by force. When it is relinquished voluntarily by default it can never be recovered. You made certain, Officer Cook, that our freedoms remained intact and you gave up your life and the liberties that all police officers still enjoy when off duty. You could have ignored that call, but your police mindset would never ever allow you to do otherwise, you were truly one humbly committed , brave and loyal public servant to our community. We will forever be indebted to your service. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 8, 2013

Our reliance is in the love of liberty which God has planted in us. Our defense is in the spirit which primed liberty as the heritage of all men, in all lands everywhere. Destroy this spirit and you have planted the seeds of despotism at your door. Familiarize yourselves with the chains of bondage and you prepare your own limbs to wear them. Accustomed to trample on the rights of others, you have lost the genius of your own independence and become fit subjects of the first cunning tyrant who rises among you. First and foremost, we come to rely on all police officers as our first line of defense to insure our freedoms, liberties and the peaceful unities that our communities call for. This was your vital role, Officer Cook, to stay with us and set the course in which law abiding citizens would always have the chosen liberty to continue and to pursue whatever avenues they decide to travel down. This was, what has been and always will be depicted for brave souls such as yourself, to achieve a balance patriotism and tyranny. You placed your entire being, all two-hundred and forty eight blood vessels and three-hundred and sixty-five organs on the line displaying great courage as all officers do in our fight to maintain right over wrong. Your pride and shrewd genius as a Metro-Dade Police Officer enhanced by your ever present maturity would not allow others to willfully stomp on us and infringe upon our God given rights to live in a free society. Your valor that fateful day will always and only serve as the motivating factor in our battle to rein in evil. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 8, 2013

The boisterous sea of liberty is never without a wave. Liberty without learning is always in peril and learning without liberty is always in vain. If you could only imagine, Officer Cook, looking down from the heavens above, the roar of the waves crashing against the seashore. You took the liberties you were given as a police officer and utilized them as a positive attribute in your community. The citizens, all the people came to know and love you for the man who stood up to evil and stood up proudly as their defender of their right to have freedom, liberty and justice for all women, men and children, young and old. You were their blessing and Godsend all in one. God created a marvelously talented and a distinctly humble person in His image, never to be forgotten. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 8, 2013

Liberty is always unfinished business. Individual liberty is individual power and as the power of a community is a mass compounded of individual powers, the nation which enjoys the most freedom must necessarily be in proportion to its numbers the most powerful nation. We are supposed to be the most powerful nation in the world, but sometimes the way our leaders and even the most powerful of leaders in the free world, the president act seems to leave me in doubt as to how our country is being run on a daily basis. We are in the midst of a government shutdown. How can one explain this? Officer Cook, the person who took your young life so full of promise and future fulfillment took an unmitigated liberty to commit a violent crime against a police officer and its department, a man of humility and full of resolve, a vital cog within your division's ranks, who acted in an unselfish and a most heroic manner to save the lives of seven people that day of May 16, 1979, and it seems to perpetually occur as our law enforcement personnel continue to fully give their lives in courage and in bravery to serve and protect its citizens and their communities. When will this bloodshed end? We realize police officers are empowered to act on behalf of our best interests and to use discretion which is the better part of valor, but reality can stare one squarely in the face if we don't act. We try and educate people, police go through this same process, somehow things need to be better balanced, enhanced if you will. I know we can make our communities safer and more productive. It is the heroes and heroines such as yourself, Officer Cook, my neighbor, friend and hero who made a distinct difference and your treasured spirit will hold us to this affirmation. Rest in peace.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 8, 2013

Wisdom, sensitivity, thoughtfulness and humor are attributes of which a police officer needs to leave their homes with each day in order to succeed and to return home safely after their watches. You never left home, never left your beloved wife, Karen, Officer Cook, without hugging her and appreciating all that our companions do for us to facilitate our achievements. Life has continued for Karen, the emotional roller coasters that they have to overcome, at least try to overcome the grief that they suffer when their spouse sacrifices their life for our betterment is tough to say the least, but with an emotional support system, it certainly helps them to sustain and to subsist. Never to be forgotten, you were one of truly many heroes and heroines who made Dade streets safer with your abundant presence. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Always offer your mother, Nancy and your Aunt Karen my fondest and sincerest regards,as well as your grandmother, Mrs. Julia Cook, Gina.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 7, 2013

Law is the crystallization of the habit and thought of society. And you mad this succinctly clear, Officer Cook, in all your ways of dealing with the public. You were the best that Dade County had patrolling its venues. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. All your approaches should only be habit forming.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 7, 2013

Where experience goes above the bounds of logic, it was this experience which you gained from, Officer Cook, by observing other fellow officers in their handling of various issues that cropped up from time to time. Your maturity as reflected upon was many years beyond your youthful appearance. But this only served you as a positive attribute. Many other factors help shape and mold a quality police officer, as you and your comrades who made the ultimate sacrifice all shared and are now sharing this among yourselves in God's golden kingdom. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 7, 2013

Laws too gentle are seldom obeyed; too severe, seldom executed. Whether or not the laws of the land are hard to obey or not, we still need honest and hard working brave men and women like yourself, Officer Cook, to assist citizens in their obedience of these laws. If we could eliminate all crime from this land, we probably would not need as many dedicated and devoted police officers whose affirmations stand, rather represent more than just a bit of lip service. As long as police officers follow the laws and regulation that govern them in their commitment to serve and to protect, it does not matter as long as they don't cross that proverbial line of dishonesty. Your way of solving problems and crimes by using a soothing and calming voice was something all officers could emulate. That emulation is sure missed today. Ignorance of one's responsibility is still no excuse for one to run haywire or to shirk their obligations towards the citizens they are bound to serve. You only performed at a one-hundred percent peak and expected no less from your comrades. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 7, 2013

Laws too gentle are seldom obeyed; too severe, seldom executed. Whether or not the laws of the land are hard to obey or not, we still need honest and hard working brave men and women like yourself, Officer Cook, to assist citizens in their obedience of these laws. If we could eliminate all crime from this land, we probably would not need as many dedicated and devoted police officers whose affirmations stand, rather represent more than just a bit of lip service. As long as police officer follow the laws and regulation that govern them in their commitment to serve and to protect, it does not matter as long as they don't cross that proverbial line of dishonesty. Your way of solving problems and crimes by using a soothing and calming voice was something all officers could emulate. That emulation is sure missed today. Ignorance of one's responsibility is still no excuse for one to run haywire or to shirk their obligations towards the citizens they are bound to serve. You only performed at a one-hundred percent peak and expected no less from your comrades. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 7, 2013

Law is the expression and the perfection of common sense. And it is these laws and institutions that constantly tend to gravitate. Like clocks, they must be occasionally cleansed and wound up, then set to true time. Police officers from time to time need to review their basic police academy training and then revisit their police manuals on proper police conduct when on duty. Like doctors and lawyers who need to attend seminars to keep up with modern advances in their chosen professions, so do officers need to attend these same seminars to update their basic skill sets. I'm certain, Officer Cook, you did this more than a few times during your valued career with the Metro-Dade Police Department and it certainly was an invaluable experience for you to humbly keep up with any latest breakthroughs which helped to serve you well. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero, help keep God's eternal clocks beating constantly and well oiled to serve those in this society protect and serve us in the seemingly never ending battle of wickedness.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 7, 2013

Every person is blessed with tremendous resources, talents and energies. Often these are hidden, even from the awareness of the one who possesses them. The individual and collective accomplishments of your police department and division, Officer Cook, throughout their history and their will to survive the tragedies that have befallen their colleagues past and present has not nor will it ever dampen the spirits of those brave souls who place their lives in harm's way on a daily basis to ensure our freedom and the unity it requires to persevere in all of our endeavors. This is because of the special protection God affords those who serve feverishly and ever so diligently- a living testimony that shines more brilliantly than all the stars in the sky of which you are one of over twenty-one thousand police officers who made the ultimate sacrifice in guaranteeing these privileges and subsequent freedoms of choice when living out our lives with our loved, the same loved ones who miss you so dearly and continue to shed tears over your untimely passing. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 6, 2013

I love smooth words, like gold-enameled fish which circle slowly with a silken swish and tender ones, like downy feathered birds: words shy and dappled, deep-eyed deer in herds. A smooth speaker and a consummate thinker who was always positive in all his motivations. That is one of many reasons why you were so well-liked, Officer Cook. You realized why you were doing what you were supposed to be doing at all times and this message was carried over to your colleagues who partnered with you on occasion. God is like a fish with His eyes open all times to observe our coming and going. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Your beautiful spirit can watch as we try to exemplify your ways upon which you worked so faithfully at the challenges you faced on duty daily. Having humbleness and a sense of humor is great for our minds which at times needs a little lightheartedness.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 6, 2013

There is no more welcome gift to men than a new symbol that satiates, transports, converts them. They assimilate themselves to it, deal with it in all ways and it will last a hundred years. Then comes a new genius and brings another. The gifts you provided to this world, Officer Cook, are assured of lasting forever. It was a pleasure for many brave women and men to have known you both personally and professionally. Your behavior both on and off work spoke volumes and continues to do so today.. Clearly this is the message that most assuredly needs to be imparted to today's officers. Some officers still seem to find trouble outside the lines of their departments, they should read your story and your valiant life and take copious notes. They surely can learn from a model citizen and a top notch police officer that you grew up to become. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 6, 2013

It seems as if the present age of words should naturally be followed by an age of silence, when men and women shall speak only through facts and to regain their health. We die of words. We are hanged, drawn and quartered by dictionaries. The present day police officers could probably glean a lesson or two from officers of the past generation, such as yourself, Officer Cook. Respect is a word that needs to be reinforced upon all officers and to the public of which it is charged with serving and protecting. You were a man of humbleness, whose control of their language and its usage only enabled you to become a much better police officer. That fateful day my neighbor, friend and hero, there was no justification for your senseless death, the words drop your weapon and surrender peacefully should certainly have been heeded. You were a hero in life and during your career and never will be forgotten. Rest in peace.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 6, 2013

In a last reflection, I meant to say, Officer Cook, it was how you used your voice. The inflection and modulation can offer a way for any officer to try and successfully calm a person and to quiet a situation. The common faults of American language are an ambition of effect, a want of simplicity and a turgid abuse of terms. You utilized the English language precisely as you needed it to get a point of information across to your colleagues. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 6, 2013

All words are pegs to hang ideas on. The words we speak are like a knife, in that they can injure a person in one way, shape or form. Words can constructively permeate a person's mind and change the way they accomplish their goals. Your goal of becoming a police officer, Officer Cook, was the highlight of a life well-lived, humanely orchestrated and humbly graced. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 3, 2013

Every language is a temple, in which the soul of those who speak it is enshrined. And it was in your home and House of Worship, Officer Cook, where whatever came out from your lips was only the truth and nothing but the truth. This should be every person's mantra, unfortunately, people some for whatever the reason take advantage of persons not as educated or as fortunate as they are and may lead them down an evil path. Shame on them! You were the voice of appeal, you had the mind of a logically thinking officer who only offered sound words of advice and encouragement. God has a special angel my neighbor, friend and hero in yourself, who can only and did give very special and useful words of advice during your career and in life. Your counsel is what some of the morale surely needs today if it is going to begin to conquer wickedness. Rest in peace. I'm also sure your presence humbly speaking is most definitely missed on the altar where you and Karen attended services.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 3, 2013

Of all kinds of knowledge that we can ever obtain, the knowledge of God and the knowledge of ourselves are the most important. Growing up in a very nurturing environment, Officer Cook, you recognized the basics of a very sound family life, a wonderful and loving sister in Nancy, who loved and cared about her darling little brother. Your beloved parents who were most instrumental in providing you both with an excellent upbringing. Your unwavering faith and loyal friends that you went to their home after school and did things that most young men do such as play with kites, flying them, operating model trains and the like. Your peers, comrades who you befriended while in school and afterward in the police academy who you went to battles with while on patrol maintaining law and order on Dade County streets. People who knew Officer William C. "Billy" Cook, understood you were very businesslike in your approach to police work and just about anything thing else in life. This is why you were most successful and have passed this on to your family and friends who counted on you the most. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 3, 2013

Justice, I think is the tolerable accommodation of the conflicting interests of society and I don't believe there is any royal road to attain such accommodations concretely. Justice was served for the young man who took your young and vibrant life that was of full of promise. It is always a tragedy when deadly force has to be implemented to curb an individual gone mad. You answered the call that day Officer Cook, not knowing other than hearing two numbers being called out on your cruiser radio what really was transpiring. We can say that if the young man surrendered peacefully, the outcome would have been more positive. But, you will always be recognized as a true Dade County police hero who totally realized his calling in life and through your deeds and actions demonstrated your willingness without any doubt or reservation to help preserve mankind and to rein in the violence that still to this day pervades society. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 3, 2013

That which is unjust can really profit no one; that which is just can really harm no one. sadly, when police officers are injured or heaven forbid killed in the line of duty, the feelings of the departments that lose an officer are always how can we replace an officer? One cannot replace the infinite value of a life, that of a loved one who served a noble purpose to expound peace and good will. Departments, divisions have to move on in a constructive manner insuring through diligence and proper training that the lives of their very unique talented officers will be safe. Your rigorous training program, Officer Cook, insured that you would be as prepared for your profession as humanly possible. We have to make the moments count as you did my neighbor, friend and hero for your twenty-five years of existence. Rest in peace. One way your department was able to make its officers safer was by purchasing those side-panels which came at the ultimate price. Your very cherished life and career in which your championed and channeled all your hard work and efforts into a completely positive career.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 3, 2013

The liberty of the press is essential to the security of freedom in a state. The media has its rights in certain matters, but when police officers give up their lives for just cause in protecting the public, sometimes it's better to back off a little bit and allow respect for the families of these brave men and women. You have got to allow the emotions of the day and moment to simmer and cool down a bit. Police officers performing their mission in life deserves all the coverage it can receive, I'm not against this, it is just sometimes they-the media can go a little overboard. The coverage of your tragedy, Officer Cook, I'll never forget Channel 7 reporter, Steve Dawson, who covered your visitation at the Bennett and Ulm Funeral Home and your burial at Dade Memorial Park. It was a very high quality of professional journalism that was done and the respect and dignity you provided citizens was afforded your family in their time of need. I wish I could have gotten a copy of the Miami Herald reporting your passing. Unfortunately, microfilm might be the only way to do so. A marvelously talented and a most humble gentleman, rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 3, 2013

What has God wrought! I can safely say God brought you into this world, Officer Cook, as all people are created differently to perform good deeds and to act fairly and properly with one another. Once a person, an officer lays down their life in the line of duty, the one and only thing we can do for their families is to constantly endeavor to emulate their ways as our way of clinging in the sense to Our Creator. Just try and accomplish something each day as you did, Officer Cook. You would be surprised what you'll learn. A friendly smile, a wave of the hand, a good morning can go a long way to respectability among all individuals. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Your devotion and dogged determination are sorely missed today and everyday.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 3, 2013

A tool is but the extension of a man's hand and a machine is but a complex tool. And he that invents a machine augments the power of a man and the well-being of mankind. Police officers today have more sophisticated tools to utilize at their discretion. Lasers for one are employed when necessary from time to time. Computers in their vehicles are also a welcome source of information when needed. It's a shame back in your day, Officer Cook, it took your pristine sacrifice to have side-panels made and fitted for all Metro-Dade Police Officers. They should have been there for you. I'll always state affirmatively that you were one fine individual who I'm still sorry I never had the chance to meet and discuss any and all topics. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Your greatest asset was your voice and has you used it to maintain calm and reason.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 3, 2013

Man;s insanity is heaven's sense; and wandering from all mortal reason, man comes at last to that celestial thought, which, to reason, is absurd and frantic; and weal or woe, feels then uncompromised, indifferent as his God. One thing about police work and the craziness that exists because of all the different situations one must be able to handle, you yourself have to stay calm, focused and sane to get through your shift. Certain officers deal better with certain dilemmas. You were excellent in dealing with domestic issues, Officer Cook, because of your calming and soothing voice of logic and reason. The methodologies you employed surely carried over to other officers today, let's hope so at least. One great man, one loving brother, one devoted son, one darling husband, a true companion to all who shared life's adventures along with your beloved wife Karen. Your persona will never be absent from our beings and thoughts. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Woe is this world for your tragic loss, a huge loss for all mankind, those of us fortunate to inspire through your humility and compassion. Those who read these reflections for each officer, stop and think about this for a moment, how many people can humbly say they rescued seven people in one day from imminent danger? In the name of God's world and all that was created by Him for our benefits and pleasures.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 2, 2013