THE QUIET ONES

A few of our regular readers noticed we did not have any entries recently regarding the tragic shooting of Grand Rapids Police Officer Robert (Bob) Kozminski.

Since you asked, we’ll address it.

We decided to leave this issue to the main media outlets to cover.  We couldn’t help but notice the high level of exposure this incident received in the G.R. Press, on local radio stations and of course, on t.v. stations 3, 4, 8, 13 and so on. Grief was expressed in normal ways;  anger that domestic violence took another tragic turn, sadness over the loss of an honored police officer – the first in many, many years,  words of condolences for a precious life lost, flowers of honor at police headquarters, photographs of the officer,  interviews with those who knew and  loved him and words of support and admiration for the life this officer lived.  All appropriate and expected outpourings of loss over the unexpected and heartbreaking death of a well respected public official, boyfriend, son and co-worker.

But, as the days went on, expressions of grief started to reach a crescendo we did not expect.  Flags were flown at half staff at many buildings.  Signs all around town had words of comfort for the fallen and for fellow officers. Television stations and radio broadcasts couldn’t seem to discuss any other topic. Interviews were being done constantly with friends, family, church members, etc. City buses were advised they needed to pull over for a moment of silence before resuming their route. Roads were closed off for the long procession of city and private cars involved in the open funeral ceremony.   The funeral was even broadcast on t.v. for anyone to view.

We chose to stay on the sidelines as the media frenzy ensued.

Our distance did not mean we did not feel similar sadness over such a tragic and unexpected loss of life – especially by a trusted public servant.  Our sympathy also goes out to the officer’s family and his fellow officers – those left behind.  I’m sure his loss will be a vacancy that will take many, many years to fill. As for Kozminski himself, he was on the job doing his sworn duty to protect the citizens of this city and lost his life in the line of duty.  He seemed to be a top officer and a quality human being.  We thank him for his service and his ultimate sacrifice.  May he rest in peace and have perpetual light shine upon him always.

We have no way of knowing if Officer Kozminski would have wanted such a public display of grief and loss on radio, t.v. and news print.  We’ll have no answer to that question in our lifetime.  We chose not to shine the media spotlight on him that way.   On the other hand, we hope he wouldn’t mind that each one of us says a private prayer on his behalf in our own quiet way.   

It’s at times like this, it’s important to remember the “everyday” people who are out there making a difference.  Doctors, nurses, ambulance workers, police, firefighters, security personnel, all branches of our military – Army, Air Force, Navy, Marines, National Guard and Coast Guard and more. Thank them now for their service, not after it’s too late.  Each one of these groups, along with everyday average citizens like you and I, make a difference in keeping our communities safe, healthy, clean and beautiful. We just do it in our own ways.  Most of us don’t loose our lives in the pursuit of these things. For those that do, we share with you our eternal thanks.

At The Local Area Watch, we may be quiet in our appreciation and remembrance of this honorable local officer, but it is there nonetheless. Our outpouring is simply more reserved and private than that of the general media.  I'm sure many of you agree.

Regards,

Bridget Dupont-Tingley
Editor
The Local Area Watch

Comments

[beentheredonethat]

Amen...

[Nick]

Well put.

--Nick
www.RightMichigan.com

[The Executive Director]

Let me also commend our Editor for her fine piece that gives proper respect to Officer Kozminski's public service. If I had written it, I would've excoriated the vile wretch who ambushed and murdered him. In doing so, I would have diminished Officer Kozminski's sacrifice.

Excellent work, B!

The Executive Director