Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I never had the privilege of meeting Officer Kozminski, but as a fellow police officer myself, I knew him well. Like any other man or woman who chooses to wear the badge & uniform, chooses to step into harms way for the safety of others, and goes to work each day not knowing if it will be their last.....I consider him my family.

In May of last year my department lost an officer, and I lost a friend in the line of duty, CPL Jason Makowski, so I have been where Roberts family, friends, and co-workers are now. I can only say that you are not alone!!! The following poem was sent to Jason's reflections from a fellow officer and I would like to pass it on to those closest to Robert.

"In the simple performance of duty,
he pinned on a badge,
checked his gear with a practical eye,
and kissed his loved ones good-bye.

In the simple performance of duty,
he reported for work,
joked with his buddies at roll call,
and made his last trip down the squad room hall.

In the simple performance of duty,
he answered the call
to help the helpless, to find the lost,
no matter the danger or how great the cost.

In the simple performance of duty,
he lay down his life,
for those in peril he tried to save,
our brave friend went to his grave.

In the simple performance of duty,
we honor his deed
as we carry him to rest in a flag-draped casket,
long after the world has forgotten, we shall never
forget.

Never judge or regret, what he did,
In the simple performance of duty.

CPL Keith VanValkenburgh
Dearborn Heights Police Dept

July 19, 2007

Koz was a humble guy. He was the officer that would walk all the way into the call with you and never leave till you were done. He was the officer that pointed out the loose step on the way up the stairs. He was the one that always seemed to be having a good day (not so much like the "game face" look he has in his picture). All of us that worked with him were fortunate to have crossed his path in life.

~Peace be to all of his family and his brothers in blue

Brigid Lockhart
Former GRPD crime scene

July 19, 2007

To the family, friends, and officers that knew Officer Kozminski, my thoughts and prayers are with you as you face the trying times ahead of you. Please know your not alone.

Here I am, lost in the light of the moon that comes through my window
Bathed in blue, the walls of my memory divide the thorns from the roses
It's you and the roses

Touch me and I will follow in your afterglow
Heal me from all this sorrow
As I let you go I will find my way when I see your eyes
Now I'm living in your afterglow

Here I am, lost in the ashes of time, but who wants tomorrow?
In between the longing to hold you again
I'm caught in your shadow, I'm losing control
My mind drifts away, we only have today

Touch me and I will follow in your afterglow
Heal me from all this sorrow
As I let you go I will find my way
I will sacrifice 'til the blinding day when I see your eyes
Now I'm living in your afterglow

When the veils are gone as I let you go, as I let you go

Touch me and I will follow in your afterglow
Heal me from all this sorrow
As I let you go I will find my way, I will sacrifice
Now I'm living in your afterglow

Bathed in blue, the walls of my memory divide the thorns from the roses
It's you who is closest

Erin
Wife of a CSPD Officer

July 19, 2007

Dear Family, Friends, and Co-Workers of Officer Robert Kozminski,

We are so sorry to here about your tragic loss of Officer Robert Kozminski. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you in support during this very difficult time. We know that sometimes there is little comfort that comes from words. Keep focused as you can on the memories and joyous times for these things may bring you comfort. Rely heavily on family, friends, and other law enforcement for support. Honor your fallen loved one, for their sacrifice will not be forgotten. Officer Kozminski is a hero.

Respectfully,

Alissa Scott
Widow of Beryl Wayne Scott
E.O.W. 09-10-02

Lisa Schultz
Widow of Don Schultz
E.O.W. 05-12-04

Co-Founders of Survivor Help Network

July 19, 2007

Your sacrifice will not be forgotten, Officer Kozminski. To your family and fellow officers of the Grand Rapids Police Dept I extend my famliy's condolences. Having been through the pain of losing a brother officer (Deputy Sheriff Jeff Matheny E.O.W. October 21, 2000) I know what you are going through. The pain never really goes away, but does get easier with time and with the mutual support that you will recieve and provide for each other. As a former resident of the Grand Rapids area (my family moved from Jenison when I was 9) I can say that it was the sight of a GRPD patrol car running code 3 to a call when I was a kid that first planted the seed in my head to pursue a career in public safety. Godspeed, Officer Kozminski, and if you run into Deputy Matheny say Hi from all of us down here.

Asst Comm Supervisor Rich Gordon
Craven County Sheriff's Office (NC)

July 19, 2007

I know how difficult it is to lose a loved one in the line of duty. I know the heartache and the pain. I know the tears and the unanswered questions that can burn into your soul. But, I know this too.... Your Officer's death was an honorable one. He made the ultimate sacrifice. He is a hero and that will be his legacy forever. May you find peace and comfort as the days and weeks pass. We will remember him.

Jennifer M. Mooney
Sister of DFC Hilery Mayo Jr. EOW 6/9/07 STPSO

July 18, 2007

Officer Kozminski
May you walk with angels. Our dept is still morning the loss of one of our officers as well from april 21st. i read this and was shocked being a former holland,mi resd. wlak the streets of heaven and continue your beat. you will be greatly missed.

Dispatcher A. DeVries
Mohave County Sheriffs office

July 18, 2007

My deepest thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Officer Kozminski, along with his fellow officers in the Grand Rapids Police Dept. It saddens me so to think that another hero has fallen. Even though I did not know Officer Kozminski or his family or his friends at the Grand Rapids Police Dept., I believe that all officers, whether known to each other or not are all brothers. My thoughts and prayers will continue through out the coming days as you remember Officer Kozminski.

Scott Shovlin/ Security Officer
Henry Ford Hospital Security Police Dept.

July 18, 2007

Praying for your family God Bless

detective
nashvile tennessee

July 18, 2007

Law enforcement continues to be a very dangerous career, but we are so grateful there are brave men and women willing to dedicate their lives to it. We are so sorry to hear of the loss of one our "family". Our prayers are with your loved ones during this devastating time. God Bless, Retired Chief Lowell E Henline & wife Joan

Retired Chief of Police Lowell E Henline
Wyoming MI

July 18, 2007

Americans think that sports figures and movie star are thier heros. When are they ever gonna get it right? Its the military person, the cop and the firman..............praying for your family, RIP.

Mike Flynn

Patrolman
Wyoming Police Dept (retired 89)

July 18, 2007

Mandi, I know that you were loved by Koz and he was loved by you.. Please don't feel lost in all of this .. You were not spoken about in the media ,right or wrong.. Those of us who have loved with all our hearts understand the feeling of wanting to shout ..."but we were in love" His family probably appreciated your love for him..Please know in my mind that you were his "Family" too. All of these remberances apply to you also.
Laurel Meyerholtz
Grand Rapids MI

LLM
Citizen

July 18, 2007

I had the privilege to meet and work a few times with Koz during my time as a Patrol Officer with D & R Security. I left the city and moved south and in that time I have become greatly separated from the happenings there. A friend recently sent me an email with a memorial video on it and it was the first I had heard.

My heart hurts, Koz. My prayers and wishes are with all of his family and friends, the GRPD, and everyone in that great city I still call home.

God Bless, Koz. Your watch has ended, and we shall continue to honor you everyday by getting in that car and going 10-41.

Capt Tim Gardiner
The Wackenhut Corporation (formerly with D & R Security)

July 18, 2007

I had the privilege to meet and work a few times with Koz during my time as a Patrol Officer with D & R Security. I left the city and moved south and in that time I have become greatly separated from the happenings there. A friend recently sent me an email with a memorial video on it and it was the first I had heard.

My heart hurts, Koz. My prayers and wishes are with all of his family and friends, the GRPD, and everyone in that great city I still call home.

God Bless, Koz. Your watch has ended, and we shall continue to honor you everyday by getting in that car and going 10-41.

Capt Tim Gardiner
The Wackenhut Corporation (formerly with D & R Security)

July 18, 2007

I offer my condolences to the family, fellow police officers and Grand Rapids community on the tragic loss of someone who offered their time to serve others in need.

For the family, may you find solace in each other's strength and love.

For the fellow police officers, may you uphold this man's memory by continuing your work to ensure that others remain safe & protected though your diligent efforts.

For the community, may you support and comfort those around you and remember in your life to thank those who provide their time & service to ensure that you have the freedom and safety that you deserve.

Tina Colliton
US Citizen

July 17, 2007

Deeply sorrowful, I leave a reflection about another brave soldier killed by a cowardly enemy. I hope the community will show appreciation for the sacrifice Officer Kozminski
has made, and outrage for this violent attack. To the citizens in this community, I ask that you do your civic duty and punish this ruthless criminal for the brutal murder of this decent son and father. With swift justice, sentence this murderer to the most severe penalty. Officer Kozminski, may the memory of your heroism, service and sacrifice remain forever. May God bless you, your family and fellow officers in the Grand Rapids Police Department.

Trooper
Pennsylvania State Police

July 17, 2007

To the family and friends, as well as our brothers and sisters with the Grand Rapida Police Dept., the Monroe County Sheriffs Office extends our deepest condolences regarding the loss of Officer Bobby Kozminski. I personally started my Law Enforcement career with the City of Muskegon Police Dept. and have a few friends currently working with GRPD. Unfortunately a lot of Officers on this side of the State dont fully realize how challenging / dangerous it is being a Police Officer in the West part of the State. Unfortunately it takes a tragedy like this to remind people. God bless the Kozminski family and remember that we will always be your family in your time of need. And God bless all the Officers in Grand Rapids, Muskegon, and all the other surrounding "West side" agencies. Keep your head's down and be safe.

Dep. Scott Hedger
Monroe County Sheriffs Office

July 17, 2007

I worked at Merl's towing and had the opportunity to work with Officer Kozminski on accidents and impounds. He was a very outgoing happy person who cared a lot about people. He loved his job very much. Although I have relocated to Tacoma,WA I heard the news from family in MI. I cried for awhile and then said a prayer for Officer Kozminski and his family. I know Bobby is in heaven at peace.
My heart goes out to his family and I will always keep them in my prayers
Ray Herring

Raymond Herring
Friend

July 17, 2007

God Speed Brother

Tina/Reserve Deputy
ACSO, SC

July 17, 2007

Officer Robert Kozminski,
Rest in Peace brother.

We have your back.
May God be with you and your family.

Dave Howell
Detective
Plano, Texas PD
Auto Theft Unit

Detective Dave Howell
Plano,Texas Police Department

July 17, 2007

Koz
I worked several years on the street with you before coming inside. I recall a quiet yet funny person. I met Heather and Kailee last year at the softball game and know they both have the strength to endure this. We are all family here and it hurts to see the hurt, however consoling to see the support. Take care Koz and we'll see you on the other side

Detective GRPD

July 17, 2007

Koz,
You are gone but never to be forgotten. We will all watch over your little angel. Rest in Peace.

wife
GRPD

July 17, 2007

My wife and I want to thank the G.R.P.D. and all service members who showed such great kindess to our friends Dick and Maria.
The care we saw at the visitation in church and again at the funeral service was outstanding.
Nikki shared with us at the visitation how much the family appreciated all the fine care and concern you guys showed her Dad and Mom.(We are Nikki's godparents).
Thanks again to you all!
Joe and Mary Anne Lange

Family Friends

July 17, 2007

Thank You. I will never forget you.

beth
wife of police officer

July 16, 2007

KOZ,

I miss you brother. You are a true friend and I will never forget you. I will miss those days of fishing, golfing and watching football. You are a true hero to me and my family. Your life here on earth was stolen from you, but now you have eternal life. I promise you that I will watch over your daughter and tell her that her father was the greatest hero that I know. Until the day that we meet again, rest in peace my brother.

Koz, will you try and help Michigan and get us another championship? Go Blue!

Officer Brad Heugel
GRPD

July 16, 2007