Vero Beach, Florida – Members of the law enforcement community in Indian River County, including the Sheriff’s Office, municipal police departments, and state agencies, gathered outside the Indian River County Courthouse to kick off National Police Week. The event was held to pay tribute to those who lost their lives in the line of duty the previous year. Among those remembered was Sheriff’s Cpl. Richard “Raz” Raczkoski, the sole deputy killed while on duty in the county. Deputy Raczkoski, aged 29, was fatally shot by a suspect on September 23, 1986.
A portion of State Road 60, spanning from Interstate 95 to 43rd Avenue, was dedicated in honor of Deputy Raczkoski. The tragic incident unfolded in the vicinity of a Zippy Mart where Raczkoski responded to a 911 call during the early hours of the morning. A confrontation erupted between him and the suspect, William Reaves, resulting in Raczkoski being shot multiple times. Despite being rushed to the hospital, he succumbed to his injuries on the way. William Reaves has been on death row since 1992 for his role in the incident.
Sheriff Eric Flowers recently petitioned Governor Ron DeSantis to sign Reaves’ death warrant on May 10, 2024. The ceremony, which took place on Monday, featured retired Judge Dan Vaughn as the keynote speaker. Vaughn shared personal anecdotes from his high school days with Raczkoski, reminiscing about their shared passion for basketball.
In addition to honoring fallen officers, the gathering also served as a platform for the community to express their gratitude and support for law enforcement. National Police Week holds a significant place in the hearts of many, symbolizing unity and remembrance for those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service of their communities.
As the week progresses, various events and activities are planned to commemorate the dedication and bravery of law enforcement officers across the country. The ceremonies aim to strengthen the bond between the public and law enforcement, fostering a sense of appreciation and respect for those who risk their lives daily to keep communities safe. The legacy of deputies like Raczkoski serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by those in uniform.