Softball game raises money for slain officer's family
 
By Roel Garcia
Holland Sentinel
     
 
The police officers and firefighters battled it out Monday in the heat for the third annual Guns & Hoses softball game.
The cheers, runs and catches boded well for the Holland Police Department, who won the softball fundraiser fr the third-straight year, 23-12.

"We're praying for rain," said Holland Fire Chief Dan Henderson.

Despite the jeers, humor and enough bragging rights to last until next Labor Day, the game struck a somber note this year.

Money raised for this year's game went to Kailey Kozminski, the three-year-old daughter of Grand Rapids Police Department Office Robert Kozminski, who was shot and killed in the line of duty July 8.

"This game is something special," said an emotional Holland Police Officer Adam Sokolove before the game.

More than $5,000 was raised for the child, who was in attendance with her mother and grandparents.

Richard and Maria Kozminski appreciated what the firefighters, police department and the Holland community did in remembering their son and his daughter.

"It's an honor (so much) love and kindness has been shown to our family. The Holland community is wonderful," Richard Kozminski said.

Grand Rapids Police Officer Joe Trigg, partner to Robert Kozminski, participated in the game, batting and taking the field with the Holland police officers.

Sokolove, who helps organize the softball fundraiser with firefighter Tom Achterhof, went to college with Trigg. He felt this year's money should go to Kailey Kozminski.

Trigg was touched by what Sokolove did for his former partner's daughter.

"We know what we have to do. We put our lives on the line every night. ... Things can turn bad very, very fast," he said.

Still, the game was a way for the city's firefighters and police officers to get together and enjoy themselves along with their families and friends in a non-stressful situation.

"This is a good way to keep morale up within our departments," said fire department Lt. Brendt Sheridan.

"There is a good relationship between the police and fire departments and this is a great way to raise money."
   
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