Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I found myself at the Observance of Peace Officer's Memorial Day Service at the Capital today and while the bag pipes played and they conducted roll call, I couldn't help but think of Vicky Armel. She was standing in our kitchen in Culpeper a week before the shooting while her children and ours played in the yard. We honor her memory, especially on this day.
- The French Family

The French Family
Friends

May 15, 2008

It was 2 years ago yesterday and as I drove to the Academy yesterday morning I could not help but think of you and Mike. It was a rainey day just like that day and as I drove down 29 and past Sully I flipped some radio stations only to hear 2 songs that were played at your funeral. It was an airy feeling and all I could picture was that tragic day. I only wish I could have made it to the scene just a few minutes sooner things may have been different. I miss you and Mike and hope you will continue to watch over us here and help us continue to heal.

FCPD

May 9, 2008

Vicky,
I went to visit you today to say Hello. We never met even though we worked on the same department but I feel I know so much about you. You are a true HERO, God Bless your family!

Officer
FCPD

May 9, 2008

Dear Miss Vicky,
I have only read 9 pages of reflections, but if I read them all, I'll be up all nite!
I remember your picture from the 700 Club. Our purpose in life is to glorify
God (and Jesus) and you succeeded! What we do for Christ is the ONLY thing
that will last forever. Thanks for sharing your love of the Lord. I think nothing is sadder than people having false hope that they will get to Heaven because God is a loving God and they are good, deserving people. Jesus is the ONLY provision for our salvation, eternal life and the reward of Heaven. Thanks for sharing the "Good News" and it will be amazing for you to meet people who will be in Heaven because of what you shared. Can't wait to meet you!!!! My thoughts are with all who knew and loved you.
Lynn Kole
Bellingham, WA

May 9, 2008

I remeber when this incident occured, Some other officers and I came to Washington DC for police week a couple days after the death of both officers. It was a sadder week that year because we lost two of our own during "Our Week". I still wear the T-Shirt that I bought the following year with both of your names on it.

You will never be forgotten.

Officer Kyle D. Matlock
Montgomery County Sheriff's Office, Ohio

May 8, 2008

Detective Armel,

2 years later and you and your family are still in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless...

Motor Officer
City of Fairfax PD

May 8, 2008

Hey Vick
We miss you so much. Always in our hearts and on our minds.
Watch over all of us.

Kristi & Mike

friend

May 8, 2008

As my wife and I made our annual trip to DC for Police Memorial two years ago, we had to take my parents to Dulles to catch a flight. We were lucky enough to be able to see your procession and the outpouring of support from the citizens of Fairfax for you.

My wife is a detective, as you were, and your courage and sacrifice will continue to inspire us both.

The bumper sticker dedicated to you and Mike is somewhat faded now, but will remain on my vehicle forever. God bless you and your family, and I hope they know that there are many members of their extended "blue" family that still think of them, although we have never met...

MPO Shawn Godfrey
Richmond, VA PD

May 8, 2008

Remembered today, remembered every day.

Shawnee Ryan
wife of FCPD APO

May 8, 2008

It's been two years and we still miss you I know you are still watching over Tyler and the kids.

A J Abdo
FCSO

May 8, 2008

It's hard to believe that it has already been two years...There isn't a day that goes by that I don't think of you. You've inspired me so, so much, and I know that you are looking down from Heaven, and watching over your family and friends. I know that your amazing, heroic sacrifice will never, ever be forgotten...there aren't enough words to express how much you've inspired an entire community...thank you.

May 7, 2008

Vicky,

Attended the Blue Mass in DC today. Said a prayer for you, Tyler and the kids.

We miss you.

Detective Eric Lemke
Alexandria Police Department

May 6, 2008

You inspired me more than ever to be a police officer. I will do your memory proud.
~Amanda L. Coleman
Criminal Justice Major

Amanda Coleman

April 26, 2008

"The Badge"

He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.

He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.

Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.

He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.

His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.

He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.

And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.

But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.

Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.

Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.

So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.

In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.

Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.

Written By:
David L. Bell
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1993 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

April 2, 2008

Almost two years has elapsed since that rainy day. Time has covered some of the scars, but your loss will always be felt.

I conducted an interview in the Conference Room at Sully Station last week. As I entered the room, my eyes filled with with tears. I was simply overwealmed by the memorial of photos of you and Gabby placed there by your friends; a testiment to your profession, your faith, and your sacrifice. Thank you Vicky. You are missed every day.

Detective/OCN
Fairfax County Police

March 30, 2008

Happy Easter, I know that you are watching over us with our Lord.

March 23, 2008

Hey Vicky,
Happy Easter. I ate a bunch of candy for you.I have been thinking alot about you lately. Hard to believe it is going to be 2 yrs.

March 23, 2008

Happy Easter young lady.

A J ABDO
FCSO

March 22, 2008

Vicki -- I retired from the Bureau in 1993 and have been serving as Pastor for the Westmoreland Campus of New Life Christian Church in McLean, VA for the last year. I was deeply touched to learn of your faith and will be referring to your story in my Easter sermon this year. Thanks for the encouragement you give me and for the example of what an impact one life well-lived can make. <><

Ron Furgerson, Special Agent, Ret
FBI

March 12, 2008

Hi Vicky. It's not a holiday, not your birthday; just a Wednesday. I think about you almost every day. I wish I could pick up the phone and just say "hey." Just like others have said, not many days go by without someone mentioning you. Your positive outlook and wonderful smile will always be remembered. Please watch over us. Love you.

Patti

March 5, 2008

Hey Vicky,
I've been thinking about you alot lately.I was at work last night and 4 different times people asked me about you.Heroes never die.

Sandy

February 21, 2008

rest in peace ,my fellow sister in blue

hagerstown,maryland

February 15, 2008

Hey Pretty Lady, not a day goes by that I don't think about you or talk about you to someone. Vern and I were just talking about the "Skeletor" sticker you put on his cruiser name tag all those years ago, and how precious it is to him. I still have a box of bullets that you gave me when you were cleaning out your locker before you left Reston. I look at your old locker and still can't believe that you're gone. But now I truly know that you are in a better place and that you are at peace. May God bless and keep you. You will forever be in our hearts and serve as a reminder to not take life for granted. Rest in peace. Missy

PFC FCPD
Colleague / Friend

January 29, 2008

Sending you and your family warmest blessings in 2008, I know you are watching over.

December 31, 2007

Hey Vicky,
Merry Christmas.Wish you were here.

Sandy

Sandy

December 25, 2007