GRAND RAPIDS -- The father of slain officer Bob Kozminski thanked the prosecutor, the police department and the community in a short statement after Jeffrey VanVels was found guilty of killing Kozminski eight months ago.

"I'd like to say thank you to Mr. Bill Forsyth...for representing our son so well over this time," the elder Kozminski said. "I'd like to thank the whole Grand Rapids Police Department for their love and caring since the day our son was killed.

"Thank you to the community for their love and caring."

But in a halting voice, he thanked the jury for coming back with "a correct verdict."

"Justice was done," he said, "but the verdict can't bring back a father, a son, a brother or a friend."