Police Officer Robert Anthony Kozminski

Officer Kozminski, i'm sorry for what happened to you on that night 18 years ago, as it should've never happened. There isn't enough words to fully say that what that suspect did to you was vile and cruel, as he never gave you the opportunity to fight back, which is devastating in itself. But from what i learned, i learned that the individual that took your life was willing to go out with a fight, but as it turns out, the suspect wasn't as brave as he thought he was, as he chose to do something cowardly; Which was to do what he did to you. There isn't enough words to describe it, but i think that the suspect should've been put in the ground on the spot, had there been another officer with you when you went around the back. But thankfully, rest assured, you've been avenged in death as the shooter was sentenced to life without parole, meaning he will never be released again. But honestly, i think it should've been different, though in the state of Michigan there is no death penalty, meaning that the suspect is gonna be left to rot in his cell until his time comes. I think that considering it's been well over 18 years, it still doesn't change the fact you were one of the good officers for the city of Grand Rapids. For one, it's a shame that your daughter unfortunately had to grow up not knowing much about her father at the time of your death, which is also unfair. But i'd like to think on the bright side, she's gotten much older now and knows who her father was, and she learned that her dad was a hero and was a wonderful public servant. From what i read, you were one of those officers that the public felt safe around, knowing you were there to protect and serve them, and considering you were well-liked and known by many, it explains why you're still talked about to this day, which describes the kind of impact and legacy you had among others. From what i could tell despite me never knowing you personally, i can tell you were one of the good examples of what it meant to be a good police officer and protect the public, and judging by one of the reflections i saw, i read that you helped somebody who was in distress and having a rough time, and instead of taking them to prison, you took them in to get help because you knew they needed it.I think just by doing that alone, it shows what kind of person you were at heart, as you could tell the difference between somebody who needed to be imprisoned, versus somebody who really did need help, and you did. Though it's one of the few things i learned about you, i think that there is many stories regarding your service, and how you made the city and people feel safer with officers like you roaming the streets and getting the bad people off the streets, like all officers do. To be honest, i don't think there's a proper explanation as to why people feel the need to harm officers who are doing their job. As i've said in the past, it doesn't make sense as to why people do what they do towards police, considering police are the main reason(s) why people can go outside and relax and feel protected while doing so. Then again, especially now in society, it's only gotten worse as some people nowadays are corrupted by evil and wrath. However, i'd like to believe that no matter what happens or how much time passes, you will never be forgotten as your name continues to be said. Another thing i learned is that your family named a scholarship after you, meaning that every year you're remembered and honored for everything you did, which goes to show that you will always be remembered regardless. But as of now, may you rest in peace knowing that your service will forever be cherished and remembered, and that the people of Grand Rapids and the state of Michigan are honored to say they've had officers like you protecting them at one point in time. I believe that as long as your name is said and that you're remembered, you aren't truly dead nor forgotten, considering your family is passionate on keeping your name alive, which they've succeeded in doing so as more and more people learn about you and who you were as not just a public servant, but somebody who would give their life up for others in a selfless way. I'm sure that your daughter is carrying you in her heart now, knowing that her father wasn't just an officer in a uniform, but was somebody who gave his life up for others and protected and served the people. Rest Well Mr. Kozminski

Morgan, a civilian supporter of the blue line

July 25, 2025