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Incident
Police Officer Scott Rakow was shot and killed during a pursuit of a suspect following a major undercover drug sting in which an undercover detective was going to sell $100,000 worth of cocaine. During the sting, the drug dealers had spotters in high-rise buildings who observed the police sting and alerted the suspects, who then attempted to rob the undercover detective. One of the men fled in the undercover vehicle, while the other fled in the vehicle they arrived in. As other officers pursued the undercover vehicle, Officer Rakow began to pursue the other vehicle until it crashed at the intersection of NE 83rd Street and Bayshore Drive in Miami. As the suspect fled on foot, he opened fire on Officer Rakow, striking him in the head. The man was arrested a short time later after jumping into a nearby canal. The suspect and an accomplice were convicted of first-degree murder, armed robbery, weapons violations, and drug trafficking. They were sentenced to life in prison. Officer Rakow had served with the Miami Beach Police Department for four years.
Survivors
He is survived by his wife, daughter, parents, and siblings.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Police Officer Rakow gave the Miami Beach Police Department 4 years.
Thank you for your service to the Miami Beach community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Police Officer Rakow.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Miami Beach Police Department has lost 10 officers; 4 of them killed feloniously.
Scott is one of 536 officers killed feloniously in FL, 53.3% of the 1,006 remembered there.
Scott is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Scott is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1988, 10 officers in FL were killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
In 1988, 97 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 55th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1988, 105 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 58th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Scott was 29. Of the 496 killed feloniously in FL whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 44.3; the middle age was 36. Scott had served 4 years; the middle length of service was 5 years.
Scott was 29. Of the 14,220 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. Scott had served 4 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Scott was 29. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Scott had served 4 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
June holds 6.3% of these deaths in FL; April holds the most, 10.1%. Thursdays: 14%.
June holds 8.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Thursdays: 14%.
June holds 8.2% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Thursdays: 14.1%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 40% of all 10 deaths at Miami Beach Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 50% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 53.3% of all 1,006 deaths in FL, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 19% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 23.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
His people
Miami Beach Police Department has 10 officers remembered here, Scott among them.
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David C. Bearden
Mar 20, 1928
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William Lawrence Nichols
Feb 4, 1936
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Robert Boyle
Aug 31, 1936
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Donald Bernard Kramer
Feb 25, 1984
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John Carroll Koppin
Dec 26, 1984
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Robert E. Fitzpatrick
Apr 3, 1985
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Scott Richard Rakow
Jun 30, 1988
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Larry Emilio Marrero
Nov 28, 2018
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Edward Perez
Aug 19, 2021
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David Cajuso
Oct 28, 2025
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 18-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
9 officers from Miami Beach Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
