Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

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

Rest in peace always and know that your service and sacrifice will never, ever be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

September 23, 2020

So sorry you were taken from this planet too soon. Your family and friends suffered a huge loss, and your brothers and sisters in green did as well. Although I was still a kid when this cowardly murder happened I am very proud to see that The Indian River County Sheriff Office has kept your memory alive all of these years later. Thank you for your service.

Deputy James Kane
Indian River County Sheriff Office

September 23, 2020

Raz,
Eventhough I have never met you, I see your picture every day hanging on the wall. I want to thank you for your service. You paid the ultimate sacrifice because some dirt-bag decided that he was going to kill you simply because you were doing your job. In the old west, he would have been considered a coward, which he is in my books. You were taken to soon, but that was all part of God's plan for you. Now you are doing work that is far more better than what can be done in this broken world, and he is going to be tortured and burn in hell for eternity. I believe that is equal justice. Rest easy my brother in green!

Former D/S Paul Button
Indian River County Sheriff's Office

September 23, 2019

Deputy Sheriff Raczkoski rest in peace.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

September 22, 2019

Raz,
Even though we have never met, I know who you are and will always remember the sacrifice that was made in the early hours of Sept. 23, 1986. I am thankful for your dedication to protect and serve our community. I know that GOD has wrapped his arms around your family and friends and provided them with the love and grace he has to make your loss easier. While you are gone, you are not forgotten!

Paul Button
Former Deputy Sheriff/Public Safety Dispatcher

September 24, 2018

Raz, 09/23/18

I listened to the radio that night when the call came in. I was working EMS/FIRE at the IRC Fire Department for ambulance runs. I can remember hearing Sargent Hamilton’s voice yelling for and ambulance and you were down. You will always be in my heart, and have been an Angel on my shoulder during my 30 in law enforcement! You had a pure heart and soul! I know your at the right hand of the Lord!!

Retired Police Officer Lesli Case Newman
Vero Beach Police IRC Florida

September 23, 2018

I was the secretary for the Uniform Road Patrol when Raz was shot and killed. I will never forget that night. I went into the office about 4am to be there for the deputies. I remember the camoflauge faces of the deputies as they searched for the killer of one of their own. So glad when he was captured and still waiting to hear he has been executed. God bless the deputies. Keep them safe. Will never forget you Raz.❤

Maddy Englehart, secretary
Uniform Division, IRCSO secretary

September 23, 2018

Raz,
I was one of the EMTs that responded to the call that morning. Out of all the calls that I have responded to as a first responder over the years, your call will always be etched in my mind and your memory has and will never be forgotten. Every call we answered together will always be remembered. The kindness you showed everyone and the joking way you had.
I know you have been watching over all your brothers and sisters. Rest in peace and Thank you for your service.

Richard Buzzell Former EMT
Indian River County Volunteer Ambulance Squad

April 26, 2018

You were a friend, co-worker and a kind soul. Having been on the other side of that radio that early hour is something I will never forget. It was nothing short of a horrible nightmare. You even referred to him as a "gentleman", moments before he would take your life. It shattered my heart along with so many of those who loved and knew you and worked alongside you. Our loss is Heaven's gain. Until we meet again Richard.

Former Dispatcher/Cathleen Reimsnyder
Indian River County Sheriff's Office

September 25, 2017

The Sheriffs of Florida and their deputies will never forget the sacrifice you and your family made to uphold our laws and protect society.

Your name has been inscribed on the Florida Sheriffs and the National Law Enforcement Memorial and in our hearts. May you forever rest in peace.

A scripture inscribed on the Florida Sheriffs Law Enforcement Memorial:

"Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they shall be called the children
of God." Matthew 5:9

Executive Director Steve Casey
Florida Sheriffs Association

August 20, 2016

You will forever be remembered and your name is set in stone with class 28 of the MPCTC Academy. Thank you for your service!

M. Leveille
MPCTC Academy 2014
Class 28

October 18, 2014

Thank you for your service and for helping to make America a safer place.

Deputy Brian Jones
Boulder County Sheriff's Office, CO

October 30, 2012

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 26th anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect. You will always be remembered and revered.

I pray for solace for all those that love and miss you for I know both the pain and pride are forever. Thanks to your friends for sharing their devotion in their loving reflections.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

September 23, 2012

HEROES live forever, and you sir are a hero, may you continue to rest in peace Deputy Raczkoski.

Deb Azure
Mother of Deputy Renee Danell Azure
EOW 08/06/02
Union County SO, Lake Butler, FL

September 23, 2012

Rest in Peace, Deputy Raczkoski. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

February 13, 2012

25 years ago today you were taken from our lives..You are still missed. Rest In Peace my friend. Sylvia

Sylvia
Friend

September 23, 2011

Continue to rest in peace Deputy Raczkoski, we will never forget the sacrifice that you and your family made for all of us. My prayers are with your family today as they face another EOW, God bless them all.

Deb Azure
Mother of Deputy Renee Danell Azure
EOW 08/06/02
Union County SO, Lake Butler, FL

Deb

September 23, 2011

Your life was cut short but you will not be forgotten. You touched so many lives and we all are greatful for the time we had with you.

Cathy
Friend

May 21, 2011

RIP

Anonymous

September 9, 2008

I didn't believe this happened then, and years later I still can't believe it. You were my fiancee, this happened on the morning of my 21st Birthday, and I still miss you so very much.
I miss you Richard.
I will always love you...

Wendy

Wendy H. Annand
Fiancee

May 28, 2008

"The Badge"
He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.
He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.
Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.
He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.
His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.
He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.
And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.
But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.
Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.
Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.
So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.
In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.
Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.
Written By:
David L. Bell
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

October 2, 2007

Raz,
One of the nicest, neatest Deputies I have ever known. Your tragedy was uncalled for. Your presence is surely missed.

Sergeant (Retired) Bill Reichert
Indian River County Sheriff's Office

July 5, 2006

Your sacrifice will never be forgotten brother. You are an example to us all. May god bless you.

Georgia Officer

September 6, 2005

Richard received a medal of valor that should not go unnotticed regarding this incident.I am a second generation at Indian River and my father worked with Richard. I was only 6 when the incident occured, but I will never forget the impact this incident had on everyone.

Deputy William Luther
IRCSO

April 13, 2005