Miami Beach Police Department, Florida
End of Watch Thursday, June 30, 1988
Reflections for Police Officer Scott Richard Rakow
I heard your name mentioned while watching the very first episode of COPS from 1989. It was the Broward County Sheriff’s Office, and they were all wary of your recent killing and solemn in the wake of losing one of Florida’s finest. I am just beginning my career in law enforcement, and it is the legacy of brave men and women in law enforcement, like yourself, that have inspired me to undertake the same mission. Rest in Peace Officer Rakow, your sacrifice for the greater good will never be forgotten. In the hearts and minds of those you inspire, which is all of us who wear the badge today, you will live forever.
Officer John Morley
Department of the Navy Police
December 7, 2024
Rest in peace Detective Rakow and olav hashalom. A man named Glenn Gordon lived where you and Toni lived on Miami Beach. he stays with us. Never forgotten for being a Miami Beach hero,
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
July 1, 2022
Palmer Maree I think it's spelled this way and Pierson Scott are your two grandchildren, Detective Rakow. Olav hashalom and rest in peace. The little girl is older. Have not spoken with Erica or her mother your widow Toni who remarried since Mrs. Kate Klein's funeral that I officiated at Lakeside Memorial Park in the Degania section where you and your loving parents are buried. I do text Mrs. Anita Bernstein your mother-in-law exchanging holiday greetings.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
March 24, 2022
Today, I visited your grave Detective Rakow. Olav hashalom and rest in peace. I was performing a funeral at Lakeside cemetery.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
December 20, 2021
Rest in peace and olav hashalom Detective Rakow. A great family who loves and misses their hero very dearly!
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
June 30, 2021
RIP sir; Never to be forgotten.
Retired First Sergeant Thomas Webb
New York State Police - Troop "D"
October 8, 2020
Thank you for your service and please know that sacrifice will never be forgotten. Rest in peace always.
Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)
June 30, 2020
Rest in peace and olav hashalom Detective Rakow. Your daughter Erica and her husband, Scott have two children, Pierson Scott and a daughter I'll have to text your mother-in-law, Anita Bernstein, your widow, Toni's mother. From heaven you can soar and watch over your wonderful family. A sacrifice Miami Beach and Dade County will never forget!Your name carries within it a legacy of heart, sanctity and total professionalism. Your family are the loveliest of people.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
June 18, 2020
I stood by his side. After. I felt like I was honored to be your guardian. Those were my last days as a funeral attendant. My heart was not able to get me out of my bed the morning of your burial. I was buried.
In grief , I have shame .
I abandoned my post. I am sorry , I buried my self in the morning , mourning my life is not as easy as it was not Peace on Earth. I survived. Still guilty for every breath I take. Rest in peace Scott.
Howard Delovitch
Riverside Memorial Chapel
March 15, 2020
Rest in peace and olav hashalom Detective Rakow. I surely hope society can end these days of evil and bring a renewed sense of vitality back where it belongs. You started that process and while looking down from those skies above you can humbly watch over your loving family.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
March 14, 2020
Olav Hashalom and rest in peace Detective Rakow. I always give your mother-in-law Mrs. Anita Bernstein holiday greetings and inquire how your daughter Erica is doing now that you would be a grandfather.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
December 3, 2019
With the anniversary of your death in the line of duty, I just wanted to say Olav Hashalom and rest in peace Detective rakow. A courageous and honorable young man taken way too soon!
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
June 28, 2019
Detective Rakow, today as I celebrated my sixtieth birthday, I'm thinking about you and your lovely family. A terrible tragedy you cannot observe your sixtieth this coming July. Always a humble and honored hero of Miami beach. your mother in law, Mrs. Anita Bernstein , your widow, Toni's mom is very nice to me. You see a few years ago I reflected that I officiated at your daughter, Erica's great-grandmother, Kate Klein, Anita's mom. I always call or text her a happy Passover or Rosh Hashanah. She'a grateful I think about her and the family. Rest in peace and Olav Hashalom Detective Rakow. I'm sure Erica is doing well with her husband Scott and at WPTV Channel 5 West Palm Beach. I believe Erica if you read this you have my number and can always contact me. Your mother, Toni was very nice to me too. Memories are forever. It is a real crying shame what happened to a bright man and a very fine human being . Charming and humble.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
April 14, 2019
Was it not a capital crime? Why not death?
Kathi S Faith
Mother, Daughter, and granddaughter of LEOs.
June 30, 2018
NO MORE 3 HOTS (MEALS) AND A COT FOR KILLERS!
JUDGES ARE TOO USED TO SAYING "YOU ARE FREE TO GO" TO PERPS.
CAPITAL PUNISHMENT IS LONG OVERDUE.
SHALOM SHALOM, SCOTT RAKOW.
Richard Harris Freer
February 19, 2018
You will not be forgotten.
Officer Al Caba
Customs & Border Protection
May 29, 2017
Rest in peace and Olav Hashalom Detective Rakow. I said the hebrew memorial prayer for you and your beloved parents. You'll never be forgotten. Your character and courage have inspired many to succeed. Your daughter, Erica, works as a reporter for Channel 10. Your parents and family would be very proud of you and your accomplishments.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
February 20, 2017
Sadly, this past Saturday, I read that your mother, Dr. Barbara B.J. Rakow passed away. She was a very wonderful and loving mother to you and your entire family. I can see the value of honesty, class and receiving an education has helped mold your family. Rest in peace Detective Rakow, your dignity and integrity is now heroically together with both of your parents. As you were a most beloved gentleman, husband, father. brother and uncle the residents of Miami Beach and the Dade County community at large can certainly look back on your most accomplished life and career that had much more destiny left to fulfill. I was privileged to have met your mother at one of Dade County's Police Memorials at Tropical Park in Miami where you have been saluted and honored for your unselfish bravery.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
February 23, 2016
Yesterday, Detective Rakow, I officiated at the funeral of your daughter, Erica's one-hundred and five-year-old great-grandmother. Mrs. Kate Klein. The service at Lakeside Cemetery where you rest in peace along with your father was attended by about thirty people. I spoke with your widow, Toni and Erica briefly. You would be proud of them. Your daughter now works at WPLG Channel 10. A great woman. I still cannot imagine how she spoke of you are the police memorial in such humble terms. You were humble, respected and greatly admired. You were the cherished husband, father, brother, uncle and son and police officer they all came to know and to love. Olav Hashalom. One great family you have. I hope your mother is doing well these days. I met Mrs. Klein at The Court of Palm Aire where I lead Friday Sabbath services.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davi
October 12, 2015
Time may have passed but you are not forgotten. I believe as long as someone remembers you or speaks your name, you are still with us.
Thank you for your heroism.
GOD Bless
Detention Officer A.Zambito
Texas
July 4, 2015
Thinking about you today my friend!
I know you're still hear so keep talking because I am listening.
You are still a force! What kind of commotion are you causing where you are now? All those things we talked about when you were here are now your reality. I feel your peace! Was I right?
How proud you must be to see your daughters wedding. I know you are with her always. Nothing could stop your spirit. How about showing me the fan trick again. I know you are waiting for just the right time. I tell you this my friend, it could only be you.
Miss you here, but still happy I have you there.
Peace!
Joe Parisi
brother in spirit
May 12, 2015
Erica got married this weekend!
You would be so proud of her... She's smart, beautiful, and a dear friend of my kids!!! She was a beautiful bride...and I know you were there every minute!
Anonymous
Anonymous friend
April 26, 2015
R I P BROTHER
TRF OFC G V DAUNHAUER(RET)
JACKSONVILLE SHERIFF OFFICE
June 30, 2014
scott was a great father, husband and police officer we had some good times at some off duty jobs. he is missed and i think of him often.
jerry vanderberry
miami beach police ret.
February 4, 2014
Scotty,
I can't believe it's been 25 years, it seems like just yesterday. A few days before your shooting we were on different softball teams playing at Flamingo Park, having a blast. Your daughter has grown up to be quite the reporter. You would be so proud of her. Not a day goes by that I don't think about you, Don & John. You are truly missed and will never be forgot.
Officer Vincent Aprile
Miami Beach (retired)
June 30, 2013
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