INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — Twenty-five years to the day, those who served with and knew Deputy Richard Raczkoski gathered at the site where he was shot in the line of duty to remember his sacrifice.
A portion of State Road 60 between Interstate 95 and 43rd Avenue will forever be known as “Richard Raczkoski Memorial Highway.”
“It’s a good feeling,” Dep. Raczkoski’s brother, Marc Raczkoski, said after the dedication ceremony Friday morning. “Sometimes I think people forget. But there are so many people here today.”
Dep. Raczkoski left behind his parents, brother and his family, and a fiancée when he passed the morning of Sept. 23, 1986.
He had responded to a 9-1-1 hang up at the then-Zippy Mart, which has since become a BP gas station and Dunkin Donuts.
There, the deputy encountered a man later identified as William Reaves, with whom he struggled over a gun. Reaves shot the deputy four times in the chest and abdomen and fled the scene. Law enforcement agencies from around the county assisted in the search and investigation.
Reaves was later prosecuted and given the death sentence. He remains on death row.
“If you were down, he would pick you up,” Raczkoski said. “He was always good for a laugh.”
Undersheriff Bud Spencer recalled Dep. Raczkoski as “fun-loving.”
“He loved his career,” he said. “He was dedicated to serving the public. He was always willing to help.”
Being able to rename a portion of State Road 60 in the deputy’s memory is an honor, Undersheriff Spencer added.
“It just means so much,” he said.
Deputy Gordon Michael, who served with Dep. Raczkoski, worked to get the road renamed in the fallen deputy’s honor.
“I feel it’s way past due,” Dep. Michael said, adding that Rep. Debbie Mayfield helped to push the renaming through the State Legislature to get it done.
Dep. Michael said it is important to remember Dep. Raczkoski for the sacrifice he and other law enforcement officers make, in giving up their holidays and personal time for the community.
“He was one of the guys you always wanted as your best buddy,” Dep. Michael said, adding that Dep. Raczkoski always had your back, was always upbeat and outgoing.
