Fallen officer's girlfriend speaks
 
By Brad Edwards
Wood TV8
     
 
GRAND RAPIDS -- Monday 24 Hour News 8's Brad Edwards took a look at the life of 29-year-old Bob Kozminski, a police officer in Grand Rapids who was fatally shot on Sunday.

Kozminski was the first GRPD officer killed in the line of duty in 21 years. The suspect is preparing for his first day in court.

The call to the police was a domestic disturbance that ended Mandi Demmink's domestic bliss. She was Kozminski's girlfriend.

"I can't, it's just unreal," Demmink said. "I've never been so happy in my entire life. He was the one."

Kozminski responded to the call at Emerald Avenue where Jeffrey VanVels was apparently despondent. VanVels' father said he was suicidal.

Officer Kozminski had been to the address before in November for another domestic disturbance call.

VanVels' divorce file, obtained by 24 Hour News 8, included a letter to the judge proclaiming his love for his wife.

Sunday morning, it is alleged, he aimed at Kozminski from the garage and shot him in the head.

"It's just, it's not right," Demmink said. "I hope he rots in hell, I do."

Demmink had recently moved in with Kozminski, a seven-year vet and Wolverine football fan who loved to laugh.

"Today I'm angry ... very sad," she said. "It just doesn't make any sense."

We're told Kozminski had recently began inquiring about rings.

"Now he's gone forever and I'm never going to get over that," Demmink said. "Ever. It kills me."
   
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