Deputy Sheriff Richard Rudy Raczkoski, Indian River County Sheriff's Office, Florida

Deputy Sheriff Richard Rudy Raczkoski

Indian River County Sheriff's Office, Florida

End of Watch Tuesday, September 23, 1986

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Richard Rudy Raczkoski

Deputy Sheriff Richard Raczkoski was shot and killed at 3 a.m. while checking on a suspicious person using a pay phone in front of a closed convenience store at 8200 20th Street in Vero Beach.

While waiting for a cab to pick the suspect up, a handgun fell from his pants. The suspect picked up the handgun and shot Deputy Raczkoski five times in the back as the deputy attempted to take cover behind his patrol car.

The suspect was apprehended in Albany two days later. An ex-convict who had been out of prison for five months, the suspect was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to death.

Deputy Raczkoski had served with the Indian River County Sheriff's Office for over three years. He was survived by his parents, brother, and fiancée.

Bio

Age 29
Tour 3 years, 9 months
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Handgun; .380 caliber
Offender Sentenced to death

convicted felon, suspicious person

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Most of society lives in a world that doesn’t recognize what gives them the comfort they live in. Because of you, and people like you, society can live that way.

You put the badge on to make the community a better place. You put the badge on for justice. You put the badge on to save life. You put the badge on for the principles it represents. The badges didn’t make you a hero, the badge was worn by a hero. To your family, and the generations that follow, thank you for your service. Be proud of this man.

The sorrow we share as a law enforcement family is enormous, but our love of your life is even greater.

Sergeant Christian Yanchula
Forensic Services
Indian River County Sheriff's Office

September 23, 2022