Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Bobby

You were the kind of man any mother would want her son to grow up to be. One whose soul is filled with kindness and compassion, yet filled with courage and strength. Your little girl with have this wonderful trait, as she is part of you.

I thank you from the bottom of my heart for being the person that you were and to leave behind such a beautiful legacy is amazing. The people of Grand Rapids mourn your loss and embrace your family during their time of sorrow.

Godspeed to you Bobby

Julie
Citizen

July 15, 2007

Rest in Peace brother. We'll take it from here.
Deputy Sheriff Iowa

July 15, 2007

As I reflect on the past week since Officer Kosminski was taken so tragically while on duty, I truly can say that GRPD lost one of their finest that night. It takes a special person to be willing to "protect and serve", and Officer Kosminski was more than willing to take that oath. It is hard to comprehend by many that someone would be willing to give their life for another as Officer Kosminski did, and that he was prepared to do so every time he went on patrol. That is what being a public servant is all about, and Officer Kosminski was a shining example of that.
To his family I offer my prayers and sympathy. Though there are no words I can say that will take the pain you feel away, I can tell you that he is truly a hero in everyone's eyes and will be missed and remembered always. Also, thank you to his family for allowing the service to be televised so everyone could mourn with you. It truly touched everyones hearts to see the outpouring of officers paying their respects to a fellow officer that paid the ultimate price. What an honor to be a part of such a "Brotherhood" and what a tribute paid to Officer Kosminski! He truly will be missed. May Officer Kosminski rest in peace knowing that the "Brotherhood" will always be there for your family also.

Ruth Van Houten
Friend of Kentwood MI Police Officer Lester J. Barden, EOW 01-17-79

July 15, 2007

Dear Bobby,

I will always regret not being able to tell you goodbye. I am grateful for the time I had with you and I could never thank you enough for backing me up when I first hit the street on mine own out of FTO. I guess I wasn't really alone though, because I had you. Who you were as an officer and a person moved me, your passing has changed my life. God must have needed you for a special duty, and I have no doubt you will complete that task with the skill, personality, and compassion you showed in your earthly duty. At least I know if I have trouble finding my way home there will be a familiar flashlight ready to light my way. Below is a blog I wrote the night I found out.

**************************************************

"Until the day of his death, no man can be sure of his courage."
-Jean Anouilh, Beckett, 1959


My friend and former partner from the police department was senselessly murdered today. Robert Kozminski, or Bob, Bobby, or Koz, was a wonderful man. He was my back up at my first real call I took on my own and boy did I need his help. Wrestling a 250 pound naked mentally ill man is the kind of thing you need a friend to help you with. I wasn't Bob's best friend and it has probably been a good 5 months since I've even seen him. How sad that only now when he is gone I miss him so much. He got up to go to work like he did every day and he didn't know he wasn't coming back.

He was one of those people I always envied because he was fairly quiet and would come in with hilarious one liners that were masterfully timed. Bob always could make me laugh and he did make me laugh during some times that were very hard for me. He never let me drive and said I drove WAY too slow, which is ironic because I make my co-workers fear for their life now. I guess Koz taught me too well. Bob always made fun of me which I respected. I was so young and so nervous and was so careful and SO serious. I can remember being on foot patrols with Bobby and he would do something dumb like grab a big tree branch and hide behind it while we were walking. I needed that levity so badly.

I'm not sure what to say and nothing I could say would ever do you justice. Sometimes life, circumstances, or your position puts you in a place where you don't feel like you can say things. Now you are gone and I just wanted a forum to let you know I loved you as a person, which you probably never knew, and I will always remember you. I'm sorry you were taken before I could tell you.

I will see you again my friend.

Stephanie Ellinger
Kent County Animal Control

July 15, 2007

May God bless those who knew and loved Off. Kozminski. May justice be sought against the person who took his life.

Off. Hanes
Oklahoma City PD

July 14, 2007

My prayers go out to you and your family. I remember when I first heard of what had happened, I was at an explorer academy and we all took a moment to remember you. Police officers are a special breed of people. They do what they can for everyone. It hurts when you hear of an officer losing his life but it helps knowing they are in a better place and made life on this world every waking hour.

Officer Kozminski, thank you for your sacrifice. Watch over your fellow officers and the future law enforcement officers for they will need help from the evils some people display

"In valor there is hope"

Greg
Michigan

July 14, 2007

Bobby is a hero and this story brings tears to my eyes every time I think of him. It takes a very special person to do his job day after day. I do believe that he is a bigger part of God's plan than we all realize. His family and friends are in my prayers, but as for Robert, I know that he holds a place in Heaven.

Megan
Product of Domestic Violence

July 14, 2007

I am proud of this officer who had made the altimit sacrifice to protect and serve.

Andrew Mitchell
metro high school police acadamy

July 14, 2007

To The Kozminski Family
Your son is a true hero and will never be forgotten. The City of Grand Rapids was lucky to have an Officer like him protecting our city. His daughter will have many loving officers to tell her all about her father, although he will not be here with her, he will be with her in spirit. Our Nation needs more caring people like him and he will truly be missed. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers. Thank you for your son's service to our community! He will never be forgotten.

July 14, 2007

Koz
The world is a better place for having had you in it. R.I.P. brother. We've got it from here. Your family is our family and we will watch over.

Officer

July 14, 2007

To the family and friends of Officer Kozminski, especially his daughter Kailey, as well as the GRPD. My heartfelt condolences go out to all of you during this very dificult time. May the wonderful memories of Robert Kozminski keep you going when you are down. Officer Robert Kozminski is truly a hero and died making the ultimate sacrifice by protecting his city and community by doing what he loved. Rest in peace and watch over your fellow brothers in blue. You will never be forgotten.

Jennifer Swiercz wife of police officer

July 14, 2007

The Lord is my Shepard; I shall not want. He maketh me lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Psalm 23

God Bless you for the sacrifice you gave. May God bless your family through this very hard time. Just know that we are all proud of you for what you gave. You are a true Hero.

Corrections Officer Kevin Brecker
Montcalm County Sheriff Dept.

July 14, 2007

May God Bless your family and strengthen them in the road that lay ahead. I pray they lean on those of us who have walked the path they now face. There are many prayers for you, your department and your family that are flowing in from around the country.

Officer Kozminski, I am sure our Lord has smiled upon you for the job well done. A fine warrior and the protector of the thin blue line. We have taken up the guard. Enjoy your final rewards and I pray your loved ones know you are safe and you all will be reunited again one day.

Sgt. Mary Huggins
Orange County Sheriff's Office

July 14, 2007

Both my wife Miki and I are so sorry to have heard about Officer Kozminski losing his life in the performance of his duties. I have family who grew up in that area not far from where the terrible events of 8 Jul took place. I was just back there in Apr of this year to take some photos of Creston HS to place in our family book. During that visit I had the chance to stop in and visit the Grand Rapids Police Department and speak to the wonderful men and women who serve that community. The officers of this department are top notch. They are a great representation of the City of Grand Rapids as Officer Kozminski was. You are all heroes. We will continue to keep you in our prayers.

To the Kozminski Family - I was at the memorial service yesterday and I would like to say that our thoughts and prayers are with you, your family, and Officer Kozminski's daughter. May your son rest in peace. He is a TRUE HERO!

Ofc. Kozminski may your sacrifice not be forgotten our thoughts are with you. May you rest in peace Brother. May GOD be with you forever.

GO BLUE!!!

Ofc. Jeff Clemons
Waterford Police Department MI

July 14, 2007

No words can describe the sorrow I feel as I read about another HERO killed in the prime of life. To the family and agency-- my thoughts and prayers are with you. To the man who did this to this young Officer I am speechless. The only true justice for you will occur on judgement day. May God watch over the friends and family of this fine Officer and comfort them all in their time of grief.

Cpl Lisa S Satcher
Gainesville Florida P D

July 14, 2007

It seems like such a short time ago that I was sitting in lineup with you. I'll never forget your wit and sense of humour. We lost a good cop that night, but more importantly a great person. Rest in peace Koz. I'll miss you.

Scott Snyder
GRPD

July 14, 2007

To the family of Bobby Kozminski. There are no words to comfort, no way to help the loss you guys are feeling. Rest assured that your law enforcement family will always be there for you.
To the GRPD. I was born in GR and have a number of family members still living there. You guys are in their thoughts and prayers, and have their respect as well. I rode along with your department about 7 years ago while looking at a possible move, and you have a great department. My thoughts are with all of you.

Officer Jamie Buteyn
Sioux Falls, SD PD

July 14, 2007

Your bravery will not be forgotten. You paid the ultimate sacrifice so that others may be safe. Rest in Peace Officer Kozminski.

Brandon V.
Former Plano, TX PD

July 14, 2007

Rest in Peace, brother. Watch over us as you will be watching over your daughter. God Speed.

Class A Patrolman
Ohio

July 14, 2007

My heart goes out to the family of Officer Kozminski.
His sacrafice shows his true love for his fellow man. Thank you Bobby.
Thanks to each of your fellow police officers and those who put their lives on the line each day to protect and help us.

"Heavenly Father,
Please watch and protect all those men and women who daily
put their lives on the line to make sure that the streets are safe.
Be with Officer Kozminski's family in these dark days and give them Your Peace. Help them to comfort and guide Robert's little daughter as she grows. Help her to remember that her daddy was a hero.
Bless them all, dear Lord. In Jesus Holy name. Amen"

Barb Raak
citizen

July 14, 2007

My friend, my brother, I just don't know what to say. My words cannot bring you back, but your life was taken way too short. I can only hope that your family somehow gets closure, even though you can never be replaced. I can only hope that people realize what potential you had. Thats ok though, you still have that smile on your face.

CPD
CPD

July 14, 2007

I once wore the badge and I certainly feel the hurt whenever an officer is taken unexpectedly. You did what you loved,and because it was that which took your life, makes it a little eaiser to understand. You did not leave this world in vein. Your end touches many of us, and without a doubt,makes us all that much stronger. R.I.P and may your family find comfort in knowing that you are in a better place. 10-4

Former Patrol Officer
M.H.P.D

July 14, 2007

Thank you for your service. May you rest in peace. I will keep you and your family in my thoughts.

Deputy Elwaer
Kalamazoo County Sheriff's Dept.

July 14, 2007

To the kozminski family thank you so much for sharing Roberts day with everyone on TV it was an honor to be able to see the love and the support of the community. GOD BLESS EVERYONE.

Jaglowski's

July 14, 2007

To the Kozminski family: Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this most difficult time. God Bless you Officer Robert Kozminski! You will never be forgotten.

Cpl Jean Paul Rochat
Swiss Army, MP Service, Traffic Unit

July 14, 2007