Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

The attributes of God are the groundwork upon which morality rests. God is good to all and the greatest good is that His creatures learn from Him to be merciful to one another. It is the zenith of human aspiration to imitate God's ways as far as possible and appropriate for a human being. This foundation comes from relationship, from caring, and from love. This is where Officer Cook, you were above to serve and protect the public with the help of the community of Dade County. Your concern and compassion for those you served was well known. You were able to train and teach over fellow officers while serving because of your integrity, honesty, and vitality for appreciating the opportunities placed before you. Rest in peace in honor so richly deserved my neighbor, friend and hero for looking out for our best interests during your six years as one of Metro-Dade Police Department's finest officers.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

November 20, 2012

Although we cannot always reconcile God's acts with our concept of a just God, we can seek to further our understanding of His ways. By creating human beings of free will, God of necessity, limited His own future range of action. Endowing us with free will can be seen as an act of divine love. At times we are confounded and even angered when we can't discern the purpose of suffering or the warrants of evil's targets. During moments of travail, we can find solace in God who identifies compassionately with us in own our struggles. We maintain our faith in God whose will it is that good triumph over evil. Officer Cook, that very day you gave up you life heroically, that tragedy and personal suffering your loved ones and colleagues experienced was able to spur us on to new levels of compassion, creativity, healing, hope and liberation of the human spirit. You death was not God forbid in vain, if anything, we should take the opportunity to expose those officers in training as to how to deal with a particular event that you my neighbor, friend and hero dealt with professionally and so gracefully on a daily basis. Rest in peace and I'll always keep your mother, Mrs. Julia Cook, your sister, Mrs. Nancy Tidwell and other family members in my thoughts and prayers.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

November 20, 2012

The blueprint of God is perfect, restoring the soul, the testimony of God is trustworthy, making simple the wise: the orders of God are upright, gladdening the heart: the command of God is clear, enlightening the eyes. To summarize: It is our duty to encourage others to serve God, whether or not we fully comprehend the spiritual grand scheme of things. If we at least try to recognize that we must try to serve God, at least we have formulated a basis of why we were created. Officer Cook, you were encouraged and seemingly always wanted to become a police officer and the life you so proudly and honestly lived was one we must all strive to emulate. You sank your very being: heart and soul into your job. A job that is of course not only thankless at times but dangerous. You achieved success through patient endeavor and the sacrifice you made on May 16, 1979 on our behalf was because how you personified courage, bravery, and valor. You'll never be forgotten by my family, nor by the men and women who worked with you. Your loved ones can always look back at the wonderful memories of the life you so lived with dignity and heroism. The blueprint you left for us to follow is one of patience and character on how to conduct your professional affairs in a proper atmosphere. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

November 20, 2012

Thank you for your Heroism Sir, RIP

James Kotke
Civilian / Former Officer
WSF Park Police (Wi.)

November 20, 2012

Even when humanity fails in its obligations of conduct and decency, it does not forfeit Divine concern. There are however degrees and differences.God loves all humanity, but can draw closer to those who love Him. It is those who seek God who have shown readiness and eagerness for relationship. More important than the love of God alone is the human awareness of it. It is this unique love that God made human beings in His image, and a special love is what it takes for us to realize that God made human beings in His image. To love alone in secret is not enough. Love must be fostered among all mankind. It needs to be expressed, felt, shared. When God broke the mold and created you my neighbor, friend and hero, Officer Cook, he certainly knew the exact kind of warm human being you would inspire to be. Compassion, feeling, love and appreciation go hand in hand when describing the professional and personal life you exemplified. When in uniform you went out of your way to assist others and off duty you and your lovely wife, Karen personified what it means to care and share with others. You were raised in a devout home where religion was not just preached, but practiced actively with each other. You probably made many friends from the Visitation Catholic Church where you and Karen worshiped. God is of the world, constantly seeing, understanding and listening. These qualities are what guided you through the pathways in both of your professional and personal lives as a police officer and as a registered nurse. God's watchfulness afforded you and Karen, Officer Cook, the special uniqueness to sense when a situation was proper for you to pursue. Rest in peace Officer Cook in God's heavenly shelter and let your humanity, compassion, guidance and understanding flow continually down from above. We could all use some of these ingredients to help us navigate through each and every day that lies ahead. Keep our compasses turned in the right direction, as you have been doing for these last thirty-three years, steadily following our every movement and that of our law enforcement professionals. help show them the proper and decent way to conduct their lives, as you so bravery and with courage and conviction carried out your goals, dreams and aspirations. You were an inspiration to all. You and your father, Charles are now together helping patrol above with all of the officers who so bravely made the ultimate sacrifice that you made, as we try to get a proper balance of conduct and decency in making this world a safer and better place to prosper.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

November 19, 2012

Officer Cook, your dad, Charles preceded you in passing with all the blessings of good. He was a career military person I believe. You too served with distinction as a Metro-Dade Police Officer, and were blessed with goodness. You could probably have taught music at some school, but choose a more nobler path in life. The profession you followed was dangerous, but that was not how you looked at the job. You did not stray nor shy away from challenges. Rather, you looked at them as a way not only to make a living for Karen and yourself, but to serve the public interest. God gives us life, we can't ask for length of days, it's up to our Creator. The twenty-five rich and meaningful years you dedicated to helping others will never be forgotten. As I've reflected before, it's how you utilize each and every waking moment to accentuate positive outcomes that matters most in the end. My neighbor, friend and hero, Officer Cook, rest in peace and we should count our blessings, those of us privileged to have known and befriended you. I'm still sorry to this day that I never had the honor to have met you, even though our families lived around the corner from one another in North Miami beach,Florida.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

November 19, 2012

As confident as you were when you began your career with the Metro-Dade Police Department, so too were you, Officer Cook in all that you enjoyed. Your life of twenty-five years was lived with joy, pleasure, humbleness, and honor. For all that you sacrificed on our behalf, it's a shame you and your fellow officers who made the ultimate sacrifice could not be honored more than once a year. Your parents, sister, and wife, Karen, were very proud of what you stood for and how you accepted the challenges you faced on duty daily. I know we all have to live our lives, and I'm certain this is what you would want us to do. But we will never forget, nor in any lifetime could Dade County pay you back for your sacrifice. You richly deserve all the homage that is afforded you. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. You are greatly missed especially this holiday time of the year.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

November 19, 2012

I meant to say in my last reflection Officer Cook, the perfect innocence and righteous ways with which you took to work each day, should serve as a reminder that one never knows the perils that lie ahead of a person. You tackled your position with honor and integrity and your sacrifice should never be forgotten. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

November 19, 2012

The perfect innocence and righteous ways you with with you took to work each and every call will forever remain implanted in those who carry on with the arduous responsibility of serving and protecting others. To carry on after all these years that have passed since your untimely death is something that takes a supreme human effort to achieve. But, I know that you would want future officers to take the torch and instruct others on how to be an effective police officer as you were. You were very confident in your abilities, and I do not think for one moment that you doubted yourself that you could handle any task at hand. You were not afraid to go the extra mile to assist anyone and for this we need not forget your sacrifice. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. To be the torch bearer of your cherished name is a great onus but I believe we are up to the supreme challenge. You'll forever walk in perfection patrolling God's heavenly streets.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

November 18, 2012

Who is this, the man fearful of God, He will show him the way he should choose. His soul will rest in goodness, and his descendants will inherit the land. The secret of God is for those who fear Him, and His covenant is to let them know. My eyes are constantly towards God, for he will free my feet from the snare. Turn Your face to me and show me favor, for I am alone and I am afflicted. Because of the goodness and valor that you so displayed on duty, Officer Cook, you treasured soul can rest in peace. It is now up to your descendants to carry on your rich and precious life that you so fondly led. If you were her today, undoubtedly you would be very proud of how your family members are living their lives even in difficult and trying times. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. The community you grew up in would be proud to have shared you with others.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

November 18, 2012

Remember your mercies, God, may You remember for me for the sake of Your goodness. Officer Cook, you treated everyone with compassion when called upon. You gave us reason to think that what occurred that fateful day was your outstanding character coming to fruition in attempting to defuse a dangerous situation. You'll never be forgotten by my family, your family and colleagues who adored you and looked up to you as a treasure to be with. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

November 18, 2012

The knowledge you imparted to others will surely never be forgotten. Officer Cook was the officer that was looked up to in times of misery and distress. The sacred trust and onus that was placed on your shoulders is something that ordinary people may not comprehend the magnitude of. Evil and wickedness may never be totally eradicated from society, but my neighbor, friend and hero, you were never afraid to dig in and do what needed to be done properly to accomplish the task at hand. Rest in peace and assist us in trying to get a handle on the tasks at hand in this world. There is good in this world, sometimes one requires a searchlight to find it.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

November 16, 2012

Let all the world perceive and know that righteousness will bring salvation, that you reveal Yourself to those who seek You with a perfect heart. The honesty you possessed will one day bring the redemption of your blessed soul. I still miss you this day and your family should know I'll never forget that day. I sticks in my gut and it should stick in others guts too. Rest in peace among the righteous souls of your colleagues who made the ultimate sacrifice as you did to maintain law and order. Officer Cook, the photos you took of the beauty of this land should serve to remind us of all the good that exists in this land of the free and home of the brave. You were brave and valiant beyond any shadow of doubt.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

November 16, 2012

And we, like them make answer: and that the Lord has spoken we will do. Open our hearts to your great love, our eyes to the beauty of Your world. Help us, O God of revelation, to glimpse Your truth in every person and nation. Officer Cook, the day of your birth, your parents had a hint of the genuine success you would grow up to become. The thoughtful insight and intuition helped you perform your duties with maximum effort. You gave that very effort the day of May 16, 1979 when you made the ultimate sacrifice to help eliminate evil and your ingenuity will forever be remembered. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

November 16, 2012

One who shames any person in public is not worthy of a share in the world to come. Officer Cook, my neighbor, friend and hero, you only tried to assist people, and if you chose any other profession other than police work, you would have been a success. Cool, calm and collected is usually how to get the job done. I salute you on a job well done. Your name will live on in the hearts of those who were so dear to you. Your sacrifice on our behalf will never be forgotten Rest in peace.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

November 16, 2012

You are the fountain of all life: Your light illuminates our lives. Bestow loving kindness upon those who love You and Your righteousness upon the truly upright.Teach us all of our days, that we may attain a heart of wisdom. Grant us love in the morning, that we may rejoice and be glad all our days. Give us discernment and understanding. keep us from falling into sin, transgression, or iniquity. Bring us not to trial or disgrace. let no evil impulse gain mastery over us. Keep us far from wicked men and corrupt companions: strengthen our desire to perform good deeds, and bend our will to Your service Lead us back to You truly repentant. Heal us, O Lord, and we shall be healed, help us and save us, for You are our glory. Grant perfect healing for all our afflictions, faithful and merciful God of healing. O Lord consider us with kindness, as we have placed our hope in You. For all the training, the blood, sweat and tears you poured your very soul into your passion as a police officer, the very least we can do for you, Officer Cook, is to remember your exemplary service to Dade County and its citizens. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero in honor and dignity with those officers who have laid down their lives like you to make this world safer. Your very soul is what helps a person heal and the compassion you brought to policing the streets. The situation with President Obama's Secret Service Detail was such a disgrace, all of you fine men and women who gave your very souls would be turning over in your resting places. A real black eye to the law enforcement profession.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

November 15, 2012

Heavenly father, grant perfect peace to our people and their leaders, disciples, to all engage in performing their law enforcement duties, here in this land and in all other lands. Let there be grace and kindness, compassion and love for them and for us all. Grant us fullness of life and sustenance, save us from all danger and evil. Amen You saved us from evil with dignity , compassion and grace under fire. It's truly a crying shame, tragedy what happened on May 16, 1979. But, Officer Cook, my neighbor, friend and hero, you won't be far, as you are always on my mind along with my parents and other beloved relatives. Rest in peace.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

November 15, 2012

May the Lord open our hearts to His commandments and inspire us to love and revere Him, to do His will, and wholeheartedly serve Him, so that we may neither labor in vain, nor give birth to confusion. Amen My neighbor, friend and hero, Officer Cook, the six years of sweat and toil you gave as a Metro-Dade Police Officer was never in vain. You always looked out for us regardless of our circumstances. You stood for equality and justice the American Way and gave up your existence so we could pursue happiness and prosperity. You are a shining inspiration for your loved ones and colleagues from all across this great land of liberty, freedom, and opportunity. Rest in peace and may your soul burst through the clouds in happiness.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

November 15, 2012

May the King of the Universe extend your lives, increase your days and add to your years. may you be saved from all trouble and delivered from all mishap. May the Lord of Heaven be your help at all times and in every season. Amen. Officer Cook, I know of of those who you knew and loved would like for you to be alive and well today. We thank our Creator for putting such true men and women such as yourself in the profession of serving and protecting our interests. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. We will never forget your sacrifice on our behalf.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

November 15, 2012

Officer Cook, in one reflection today, I meant to say you were of upstanding and of fine character. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

November 13, 2012

As a drop of water in the sea, as a grain of sand on the shore are man's few days in eternity. The good things in life last for limited days, but a good name endures forever. The good name you personified Officer Cook, will last as your legacy for all your days. You family and friends are very proud to share your good name and professional accomplishments that were achieved with honest hard work, done so with morals and ethics. The dignity shown to all who you came in contact with will remain equally important. Rest in peace, in dignity and honor along with your father, Charles, my neighbor, friend and hero. Please send some more droplets of water our way.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

November 13, 2012

True instruction was on his lips and he did not give voice to unrighteousness. he walked with the Lord in peace, uprightly, and he turned away from iniquity. Truer words could not be spoken. Officer Cook, you were the upstanding police officer that all who knew you, still cherish and honor you memory through the great deeds that you performed daily. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

November 13, 2012

O Lord, who shall dwell in your sanctuary? who shall abide upon Your holy mountain? He who lives with integrity such as you, Officer Cook. You did what was the right thing to do that day and always dealt with others honestly. A vile person is to be despised, but God honors those who revere Him. You were very revered and you fine and upstanding character will forever follow you as you patrol heavens streets. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

November 13, 2012

Wealth and honor are yours to dispense. It is God who bestows greatness and a good name on a person. You utilized your mouth and lips properly all during your life, Officer Cook. When you needed to address a person on duty, I'm sure you were polite and yet firm when called upon. Submission is the character trait of humility. lowliness and felling insignificant. The character trait of a person's soul is humility which allows itself to manifest through one's actions. A person will speak gently and quietly, and will remain sweet-tempered, not vengeful and retaliate. Officer Cook, God provided you with loads of understanding and enduring compassion, and I can see why such a wonderful woman, your wife Karen , came into your treasured life. You and Karen uplifted each other daily through your compassion and devoutness to God. We all try to carry on that which you left for us and the valuable lessons of what it truly means to give up one's existence for others. Rest in peace and let your smile shine bright with humbleness and compassion for all to witness.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

November 12, 2012

The powerful person is one who can master themselves. Dedicating one's actions to God means that whenever one serves God- either publicly or privately-his intentions are for the sake of His Name alone and not to impress others. As devout a gentleman as you were Officer Cook, and the exemplary life you lived, you employed these particular steps to achieve success at work and when you and tour wife, Karen lived privately. You accepted God's Oneness. You had recognition of God constantly bestowing kindness your way. You served God as a devout person and public servant. Trusting God to help you through your shift. No one could harm you or your family without Our creator's will. To let praise and insult go to your head as so many believe they are better off this way. You remained humble and patient. You conducted your law enforcement affairs and stayed on the proper path and you let god guide you intellectually and accepted advice when you needed it the most. A veteran officer of thirty years still needs to rely on advice from time to time and make proper decisions accordingly. My friend, neighbor and hero you were wise and mature beyond your twenty-five years and it is this inane wisdom that allowed you to function with honestly, dignity and integrity throughout your distinguished career with the Metro-Dade Police Department. Rest in peace and your honor will forever be your legacy.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

November 12, 2012