Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

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

Father God, You are always faithful and quick to show mercy. Our Brother-In-Blue, Police Officer Robert Anthony Kozminski, of the Grand Rapids MI Police Department, was suddenly and violently taken from us; Shot & Killed in the Line-of-Duty. Come swiftly to his aid, have mercy on him, and comfort his family, friends, and comrades by the power and protection of the Cross. I ask this through the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ, and by His Authority, I pray. Amen.

Please find Encouragement, Comfort, Support, and Hope from God's Word:

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.”
[Matthew 5:9 ESV];

"Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me." [Psalm 23:4 ESV];

"Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends."
[John 15:13 ESV];

"Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted." [Matthew 5:4 ESV];

"And he [Jesus] said to him, "Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise." [Luke 23:43 ESV], and;

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life." [John 3:16 ESV].

Chaplain Steven R. Closs, DDiv., NCCA, NACM
Ordained/Licensed Independent CGOM Clergy No. 36526
The Badge 183 Peacemakers Prayer Ministry
Member: Fellowship of Christian Peace Officers - USA

Captain Steven R. Closs (Retired)
Nashua NH Police Department (1974-1998)

July 7, 2025

It’s been several years since we lost Bobby, but his memory and impact remain strong. He served with honor, and his dedication to his colleagues and community will never be forgotten. We continue to remember and honor him. #NeverForgotten #InHonorOfBobby

Officer
Friend/Co-worker

April 28, 2025

Missing you my friend

officer
friend coworker

February 7, 2025

Thought of your sacrifice tonight. You will never be forgotten.

Deputy
KCSD

October 27, 2022

It is the day before your Murder. Again, I still think about you everyday and all of the "inactions" that carried on that night. You have absolutely changed peoples lives forever that night. The unanswered question of why you were in the back by yourself will live forever. The "inactions" will also live on forever. Stay Rested My Brother.

Still a Police Officer
Partner

July 7, 2021

Happy Birthday!

Pal

October 11, 2020

Rest easy

Mark Mottola

July 8, 2020

Happy Easter!

R
Friend

April 12, 2020

Merry Christmas. I can only imagine.

Love you forever.

Pal
Friend

December 25, 2019

Well partner, I haven't forgotten. I still live it every day. The wonders of why you were forgotten in the back by yourself. Continue to watch over us.

Still a Michigan Police Officer
Partner

July 8, 2019

Continue to rest easy brother. Watch over us

P.O.
Wayne State University PD

June 11, 2019

Happy Birthday!

Pal
Pal

July 8, 2018

Bobby,
It has now been 11 years since your murder. I was there that night. There will always be questions unanswered about what happened and why you were in the back by yourself. There were a lot of "people" on scene but only a couple of true cops were there. This incident has changed many lives forever. It's hard to understand stand how others can live with their "in actions". For that, I am sorry My Brother.

Still a Michigan Police Officer

July 7, 2018

42 pages. All we have is 42 pages this Christmas. I’m not sure why but it better be worth it. It’s been awhile.

Pal
Pal

December 22, 2017

Tell the Old Man happy birthday. Still don’t understand the plan.

Friend
Friend

December 22, 2017

I still remember and it still hurts. Thanks to all his brothers in blue.

Bill Neller
--None--

February 5, 2017

Praise to the King of Kings

Friend

October 10, 2016

Happy belated birthday. Christmas around the corner. However, it's just not the same without you. Someday we'll see each other again.

Love you forever,
Your Friend

P.S. A friend of mine joined you recently, tell him I said "hi."

Pal

December 19, 2015

Dearest Officer Koz, you are still at the forefront of the heroes. Can't wait to see you in Heaven.

Gene Tobin Retired
Grand Rapids Police

October 22, 2015

Time may have passed but you are not forgotten. I believe as long as someone remembers you or speaks your name, you are still with us.
Thank you for your heroism.
GOD Bless

Detention Officer A.Zambito
Texas

July 15, 2015

Always on my mind. Every second, of every minute, of every hour, of every day I think of you. I had a dream a few years ago and you were in it. I was there and He answered. How do I get there?

Friend

May 23, 2015

Still think about you everyday. Every shift.

Friend * *
GRPD

May 2, 2015

Grrreat thing you did God bless you

SGT VERN NORTH
NORTH SECURITY

March 28, 2015

Brother Koz,
Just stopping by to say hello. I check your page a few times and I want you to know that you and your family are prayed for. Rest in peace brother.

Tpr
Pa State Police

February 28, 2015