Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

In extravagance of soul we seek His face. In generosity of heart, we glean His gentle touch. In excessiveness of spirit, we love Him and His love comes back to us a s a hundredfold. A giver of charity, a supporter of gentleness, a calming passion, a positive thinker all make up the totality of one fine human being, yourself, Officer Cook. Devotion to your family, wife, colleagues, friends, you name it, you were there for them all. Now it's time that we be there for you. To recognize your crowning moments and to pause and give you a tremendous thank you from the bottom of our hearts for a job well done and for giving of yourself to save other lives. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 19, 2013

Open your mouth and taste, open your eyes and see-how good God is. Blessed are you who run to Him. Worship God if you want the best; worship opens doors to all His goodness. You and Karen, Officer Cook, were devoted members of your church, The Visitation Catholic Church on NE 191st Street in North Miami Beach. Every Friday, on my way to my services at various Assisted Living and Independent Living Residences, I pass your old church. One day I have to stop by and look at the stained glass window that Karen donated in your memory. It's a reflection of your life's achievements as a police officer with Metro-Dade. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 19, 2013

Savor little glimpses of God's goodness and His majesty, thankful for the gift of them: winding pathways through the woods, a bright green canopy overhead and dappled sunshine falling all around, warm upon our faces. As your spirit hovers over us Officer Cook, we get to take in God's scent of His greatness and the throne where you solemnly stand next to now is where the greatest rewards await those who serve God with undying loyalty and affection. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 19, 2013

We walk without fear, full of hope and courage and strength to do His will, waiting for the endless good which He is always giving as fast as he can get us able to take it in. We walked in safety as you bravely patrolled the streets, Officer Cook. A man of distinction among your peers, a brave heart, countless courage that took you years to accomplish. Well respected by everyone, with a calming demeanor necessary to maintain law and order on the streets. That is evidently missed by those who knew the reputation of Officer William C. Cook. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 19, 2013

All that is good, all that is true, all that is beautiful...be it great or small, be it perfect or fragmentary, natural as well as supernatural, moral as well as material, comes from God. Everything a person has comes from God, no matter what we think. Our careers, our successes, triumphs, failings, this all stems from God. You were a Godsend and a true blessing, Officer Cook, an inspiration to other officers. If you had become a doctor, a lawyer, a dentist, a teacher, you would have been successful. Your life in law enforcement was the fitting epitome of achievement over and beyond the call of duty. Morals and character seem to be missing from not only the law enforcement profession, but in the teaching of our children, in which we trust our teachers to not only protect, but to instruct our future generation on the differences between good and bad. If teachers lose these traits, where in the world have the classrooms gone? In the medical profession, where certainly morals and sound judgment needs to be employed this too has gone haywire. Where and when will it stop? I pray Officer Cook, as a man of logic and sound thinking help us from the heavens above rein in sound thinking and high morals that are essential to the safety of our children and the world population in general. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 19, 2013

The goodness of God is infinitely more wonderful than we will ever be able to comprehend. We can comprehend the life you lived, Officer Cook. What we can't fathom is why did God choose to take you up to heaven at age twenty-five? After all you represented honesty, integrity and dignity. You gave up your life so your fellow officers and those two civilians could live. Your beloved father, Charles, may he rest in peace, was calling you. God gives and God takes. Sounds simple enough, but what lies beyond that statement is more complex than meets the eye. It's like trying to pry open God's sacred treasure chest or vault. We keep trying. One day we will figure out what lies behind those closed doors. Man thinks , but God laughs. Very interesting saying, your sacrifice is serious business and one day Officer Cook, you can explain this saying to us. For now, rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 19, 2013

We have a Father in heaven who is Almighty, who loves His children and whose very joy and delight it is to...help them at all times and under all circumstances. In all you situations, Officer Cook, you were help by the Almighty. If times could change or any thing could be done differently they would have. As you rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero, I will always look back on your life and its achievements that call for reflection and the honor you so richly deserve.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 19, 2013

Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in His Name. Your reverence, Officer Cook, allowed you and Karen to always keep this in mind. It allowed you to have many happy days together and wish you both could still be together. You were two of the sweetest people I'd never met. You complemented one another so well. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 19, 2013

The "air" which our souls need also envelope all of us at all times and on all sides. God is round about us...with many sided and all sufficient grace. All we need to do is open our hearts. You poured your heart out to the citizens of Dade County and were ever so loyal and true to them for six years. You placed every ounce of your strength, vim, vigor and vitality on the line to enhance their very lives. Nothing can change what happened to you unfortunately, I wish we could reverse that day, but sooner or later we will see you again, Officer Cook, my neighbor, friend and hero. Rest in peace.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 19, 2013

I look up to the hills, but where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. He will not let you be defeated. He who guards you never sleeps. He who guards His domains, never rests or sleeps. The Lord guards you. The Lord is your shade that protects you from the sun. The sun cannot hurt you during the day and the moon cannot hurt you at night. The Lord will protect you from all dangers; he will guard your life. The Lord will guard you as you come and go, both now and forever. For twenty-five treasured years, God saw fit to keep watch over you, Officer Cook, moving you in every direction for only the good. He needed you up in heaven for whatever reason we don't know to assist other officers who like you sacrificed their lives and are now patrolling His streets above making sure those who police are safe from harm. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 19, 2013

All the world is an utterance of the Almighty. Its countless beauties, its exquisite adaptations, all speak to you of Him. All your works Officer Cook, speak volumes of God's loving and precious ways. You did what had to be done and for this we'll never forget you. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 19, 2013

He made you so you could share in His creation, could love and laugh and know Him. To know one is to love them and Officer Cook, you hearty laughter and sense of humor is surely missed by everyone. Laughter is good for the soul and I'm sure you would want us to laugh and smile, you did it, because when it's time to be serious and taciturn, then we too can remind ourselves of how you could be when the going gets tough. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 19, 2013

May He give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed. God made your dreams to become a seasoned police officer, Officer Cook, come true. Of course, we wanted you to be here to celebrate all the happy occasions of your family and friends. Your helping them arrange and prepare these events along with Our Maker in heaven. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 19, 2013

In the central place of every heart, there is a recording chamber; so long as it receives messages of beauty, hope, cheer, and courage, so long you are young. The beauty of a young life well-lived, Officer Cook is always how you will fondly be remembered. Your heart literally worked out of the Central District providing the finest and most quality service that an excellent police officer like yourself could give to its citizens. They should be forever grateful, those that are still alive and well today. Your good name and all that it stood for and stands for today is alive and well in those officers and your loved ones who so faithfully carry on your mission. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 19, 2013

From the world we see, hear, and touch, we behold visions that reveal God's glory. In the sun's light, we catch warm rays of grace and glimpse His eternal design. In the bird's song, we hear His voice and it reawakens our desire for Him. At the wind's touch, we feel His spirit and sense our eternal existence. This is how Officer Cook, we know you were on God's green earth and producing marvelously as a dedicated police officer. Your beloved spirit touches us in some fashion every waking moment and even at night as we retire for the evening, it reminds us of your soft and gentle ways. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. I don't know if you ever had a bird as a pet, but if you did, it probably made the same sweet sounds as you spoke during your lifetime.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 19, 2013

May God give you eyes to see beauty only the heart can understand. All those who were indeed blessed to witness your work ethic and see the ever vibrant and sweet-tempered gentleman that you were, Officer Cook were truly very fortunate. I would look at your picture taken in the book,"Forgotten Heroes" and would cry, because when I see someone who is not here with us and this includes my parents I'll get emotional, breakdown and sob like a baby. I did that at your parents house last year when I met Gina, Trevor and their kids, your two great-nieces, Alexis and Skyler and your great-nephew, Legend. Grown men and women do cry from time to time. I'm sure there were times you cried. When you dad, Charles, passed away in 1976 or 1977, you cried, it's normal. Because I never met you and to this day I'm sorry I never did, it's emotional your untimely passing, since I still remember the details of your passing. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. I did at least as I reflected before, kicked a soccer ball in the backyard with Legend and he enjoyed it. Still thinking about you and the rich life you lead and exemplified through you good deeds and honest intentions.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 19, 2013

A wise gardener plants his seeds, then has the good sense not to dig them up every few days to see if a crop is on the way. Likewise, we must be patient as God brings the answers...in His own good time. We can ask why God caused your tragic passing. Most normal thinking people assume there is a reason for everything. This is why God gives us tests each day to see if we are up to the challenges and to examine our resolve in Him. One day we will see you again and then we can all embrace you and realize exactly the quality gentleman you were and why you pursued a career as an officer to bring about peace and good will among us. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 19, 2013

If the part of the dough offered as first fruits is holy, then the whole batch is holy, if the root is holy, so are the branches. Everything that came from your being was holy, Officer Cook. Whenever you planned something, it was only for the good, as is your holy spirit which is ascending each and every day, looking out and observing how we are proceeding with our very lives. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 19, 2013

May you be ever present in the garden of His love. I'm sure you enjoyed working in your yard with Karen and playing in your parents backyard with your friends. As you rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero in God's green garden along with your beloved father, Charles, we pause to reflect on the meaning of life and the life you lead with fervor and a cause. You were motivated to really make a difference in society and you did.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 19, 2013

The love of God is broader than the measure of our mind and the heart of the Eternal is most wonderfully kind. I'm pretty sure you thought at times "outside the box." You were Officer Cook, a gifted and caring person who only had the community and its best interests in mind when you performed your duties ever so faithfully. The tactical means you had to formulate to bring about a positive result had to be done obviously within the confines of the law and regulations of your department. Your spirit is now residing with Our Creator as you my neighbor, friend and hero rest in peace.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 19, 2013

I pray that from His glorious, unlimited resources He will empower you with inner strength through His spirit. Then He will make His home in your hearts as you trust in Him. Your roots will grow down into God's love and keep you strong. And may you have the power to understand, as all God's people should, how wide, how long, how high and how deep His love is. may you experience the love of Him, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God. Now all glory to God, who is able, through His mighty power at work within us, to accomplish indefinitely more than we might ask or think. As you lived Officer Cook, as you matured and then became a police officer, as you were going through the process, you placed your entire being and trust in God, who helped steer you through the toughness of your profession. Police work is not an easy task by any means, it takes all the physical prowess and mental aptitude one can muster. I salute you and all the other men and women of law enforcement who willingly accept these challenges that ordinary people would not tackle. Your fortitude, bravery and courage will outshine all others as your legacy forever more. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 19, 2013

It is love that asks, that seeks, that knocks, that finds and is faithful to what it finds. To find you Officer Cook, we know where you are and your soul hears our prayers and the message in which they are conveyed to you. You sought peace at all costs and were not afraid totally of what might happen. You and your fellow comrades all are aware of what that cost may be and your courage will never go unrewarded. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 18, 2013

I am going to explain this next saying after reflecting, because I don't want people reading this to possibly take it out of context. A life devoted to things is a dead life, a stump; a God-shaped life is a flourishing tree. The branches of you tree Officer Cook, are well spread out across your family. You lived a humble life, the home you were raised here in NMB and the one you and Karen lived in Norland were humble and I would say not extravagant, meaning you lived according to your means. You both worked long hours and your position was one of possible danger at any time, but you and Karen knew that this was what you desired to become. She always loved you and cared for you and after your life was taken, it was very difficult for her I'm sure, a young woman, a young wife without the love of her life, her devoted husband, Officer William C. Cook. Your soul flourishes in all your loved ones and their pursuits and this would make you both happy and proud of them. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Your life Officer Cook gives us all the meaning and reason to really dream big and pursue what you really want to get out of life in a fitting and proper way.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 18, 2013

The rewards of love are always greater than its cost. Because you loved doing a job with passion, Officer Cook and for what you went through to achieve success on a higher level than most achieve, now comes God who is uplifting your soul to a height we will never fully comprehend. You devoted many long hours, days, nights, sunny, cloudy and downright dismal times to provide us with that ray of hope and that was to be able to live unafraid and to pursue our dreams of which you were able to make something wonderful of yourself. The cost of a life, to say the least one cannot place a value amount on it. You just have to try and know the person who gave up their existence, so you could go on living and aspiring just as they so faithfully did. I did not know you personally, but I feel in my heart by meeting your nephew, Justin and your niece Gina, and of course receiving a lovely letter from your beloved mother, Mrs. Julia Cook, that I can say I kind of knew the quality individual you were and the value you had in this community. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. North Miami Beach was very blessed as was the Norland community to have had you in their midst for as long as you were there.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 18, 2013

When faithfulness is most difficult, it can be most rewarding. True living presupposes the love of God; indeed, it is itself a true love of Him in the highest form. Divine love, enlightening our soul and making us pleasing to God, it is called grace. Giving us power to do good, it is called charity. When it reaches the point of perfection where it makes us earnestly, frequently and readily do good, it is called devotion. Officer Cook, you and your fellow comrades who all made the ultimate sacrifice above and beyond duty all share these tremendous characteristics. The rewards are endless. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 18, 2013