Submitted Photo Ronald Raczka, left, listens as Lisa Vanstrom, center, reads a proclamation on behalf of New York State Senator George Borrello to recognize Raczka for over 42 years of service as a Court Officer with the Town of Dunkirk. Raczka retired on Monday.

After serving the Town of Dunkirk Justice Court for nearly 43 years, Ronald Raczka has finally decided it is time to say goodbye. Raczka was honored by the Justice Court and the Town of Dunkirk following his final shift on Monday.

A proclamation to honor Raczka for his service to the court and local police service was read aloud by Lisa Vanstrom on behalf of New York state Sen. George Borrello. Raczka is also a retired member of the Coast Guard as a Chief Warrant Officer. He also previously worked for the United States Postal Service, where he served as a rural carrier, postmaster and postal inspector.

Family and friends, as well as current and former employees of the Justice Court were in attendance to celebrate Raczka’s retirement. Town of Dunkirk Supervisor Priscilla Penfold also read a proclamation honoring Raczka. At the Town Board meeting the following night, she thanked the entire Board for attending the event.

“We had a really nice turnout, and I just so appreciate the Town Board for being there,” Penfold said. “It was a really great thing to do.”

Town Board member Shari Miller added, “It was a lovely celebration.”

Recognizing the importance of Raczka’s role, the Court moved quickly to fill the vacancy. At the recent Town Board meeting, upon the recommendation of Town Justice Christopher Penfold, the Town accepted the Court’s hiring of Michael Schwertfeger as Court Officer. He joins James Curtin as the second officer for the Town of Dunkirk Justice Court. Schwertfeger is an active corrections officer at the Lakeview Shock Incarceration Correctional Facility.