GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — The daughter of a Grand Rapids police officer will benefit from this year’s Robert Kozminski memorial basketball game.
The annual event will be held Jan. 31 and is put on by the Grand Rapids Police Department and the Kent County Sheriff’s Office.
The event is held in the memory of Robert Kozminski, a Grand Rapids police officer who was ambushed and killed while on duty in 2007. Matthew Staeven has been with the Grand Rapids Police for 17 years.
Annual Kozminski memorial game to help wife of GRPD officer
In 2024, his stepdaughter Ainsley was diagnosed with leukemia — a form of blood cancer.
Since then, Ainsley has undergone several blood and platelet transfusions. The family said being this year’s recipient means a lot.
“Humbled and honored, just because of how much Robert Kozminski means to our department and his family, it’s a true honor,” said Staeven.
“I feel very lucky and grateful that like Kent County and Grand Rapids has supported us through everything,” said Ainsley.
This year’s basketball games are being held at Kenowa Hills High School. The Kentwood Police vs. Kenowa Hills staff game tips off at 5 p.m. on Jan. 31, followed by the Kent County Sheriff’s Office vs. GRPD game at 6:30 p.m.
Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com.
