LANSING – Honoring the legacy of fallen Grand Rapids and Michigan police officers, State Representative Robert Dean (D-Grand Rapids) today voted for a bill that will allow citizens to make donations to the Michigan Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Monument Fund. The bill passed the House and will now go to the Senate.
"Our law enforcement officers put their lives on the line every day to ensure that our communities are great places to live, work and raise a family," Dean said. "Sadly, sometimes they make the ultimate sacrifice to keep us safe. This voluntary income tax check-off is an easy way for our residents to show their appreciation for our selfless law enforcement officers."
The Michigan Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Act created a memorial monument fund and established a commission to oversee the fund and construct a monument to Michigan law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty. This legislation will allow taxpayers to contribute $5 or more to the fund, or make a contribution that would be added to their tax liability. The donation is completely optional.
Last July, 29-year-old Robert Kozminsky of the Grand Rapids Police Department responded to a domestic violence report in Grand Rapids. The suspect was waiting for Kozminsky in the garage before ambushing the seven-year veteran of the police force with a shotgun. Kozminksy was transported to Spectrum Health, where he died from his gunshot wounds.
"We owe a great debt to Officer Kozminsky and the many other Michigan law enforcement officers who have given their lives to protect us," Dean said. "This monument will be a lasting testament to their sacrifice, and I am positive that many Michigan residents will be more than willing to donate a small portion of their tax refunds to honor our brave law enforcement officers."