Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Rest in peace. Thank you for your dedication, service, pride, and bravery. May you always watch over us in blue....and one day we will all be together again.

Police Officer
Illinois

May 12, 2006

Vicky,
From the sentiments I have heard about you from fellow officers, I feel you and I would have been friends had our careers coincided. I don't know what it is in the depths of a police officer's soul that draws him or her to the flame, but I believe it is a yearning to work for the greater good. I believe, that those who have been left behind will be inspired by you to continue their respective missions. And I believe that you will continue to guide them. Your face is our face, Vicky. Your soul integrated with all the officers that have preceeded you and that will come after you. If there is some little good that I can do for those you love and for those who love you to help them carry the torch forward and make this world a better place too, I hope they will let me know. I regret, that I had already left the FCPD and wasn't around to become your friend - but I am grateful to be inspired by you...
Mary "Ragusa" Ahrens
Former FCPD Officer

Mary "Ragusa" Ahrens
Former FCPD Officer

May 12, 2006

To Vicky's husband - I did not know your wife, but having read many of the reflections from fellow officers and friends, it is obvious that she was a truly exceptional woman in all of her roles - wife, mother, detective, and mentor. Her life and tragic death exemplify the depth of her soul. You know all too well the risks of the job and I hope that you will find some comfort in the heroic actions Vicky took to protect fellow officers and citizens. Your police family is with you in body and spirit - call on us in your time of need.

To Vicky's children - You're Mommy is a true American hero. Her life has touched so many people, even people she's never met. She left you too soon, but even though it's hard to understand, she's still with you. I hope when you are ready, Daddy will bring you to these pages of reflections for you to see the love from friends, families, and people Mommy never met, and the awesome impact your Mommy had, still has, and will always have, on so many people. Always remember that your Mommy watches over you and protects you every day. No matter where you are, she is there to hear you when you are happy and sad. You can talk to her just by thinking in your head. She will wrap you in her love all the time. I'm a Mommy and a police officer and I know you're Mommy did not want to leave you on Earth so soon. But I know that she knew your Daddy will take really good care of you. Even though you don't see your Mommy, she is with you every day and loves you so much. Stay well and be at peace knowing that your Mommy and Daddy, and lots of people you don't know, love you very much.

To Vicky's fellow officers - your brothers and sisters in uniform join you in your grief. We are here for you and please know that you can call on any of us for anything you need.

Officer, mother, sister in uniform
Montgomery County Police Dept., MD

May 12, 2006

Vicky,
May God and the Angels in Heaven watch over you through eternity, and may all those in our profession who ended their Watch before you be with you during all your days in Heaven.

Joseph M. Hurtuk
Deputy Chief of Police (Retired)
Metro Washington Airports Authority PD

Deputy Chief (Retired)
Metro Washington Airports Authority PD

May 12, 2006

I am better for having known you. My Prayres go to your Husband, Children, Family and our Brothers and Sisters in the Law Enforcement Community whose lives you touched.

Officer Warwick Dale
Bushnell Police Department FL (Former Fairfax County Reserve Deputy)

May 12, 2006

My condolences goes out to her spouse, children and family.

Reserve Deputy Sheriff, Jerry McMillian
Fairfax County Sheriff Office

May 12, 2006

OUR LOSS IS HEAVENS GAIN, A GREAT MOM, POLICE OFFICER AND A GREAT PERSON. GOD BLESS HER FOR THE ALL GOOD SHE HAS DONE AND MAY GOD BLESS HER FAMILY

CAPT. TERRENCE McGRATH
BLOOMFIELD P.D. N.J.

May 12, 2006

Vicky,
Even though I did not know you personally, it seems the legacy you have left on fellow officers is indescribable. In the face of an unprovoked attack, you stood strong, didn't back down, and carried out your duties till the very end. YOU ARE A TRUE HERO. You go rest and let us take over the watch for you.
Tyler,
You and your kids will always be in my family's prayers. May God keep watch over your family in this devestating time.

POLICE OFFICER--M.P. CASEY
PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY PD/ FORMER FAIRFAX COUNTY DEPUTY

May 12, 2006

Godspeed Vicky Armel, Rest in Peace. You will not be forgotten.

Sergeant Christopher J. Vogel
Loudoun County Sheriff's Office/CID, Leesburg Virginia

May 12, 2006

Vicky, I miss you so much. Your positive energy and enthusiasm brightened a room whenever you walked in. I will miss our chats and Starbucks get togethers. I certainly am a better person for knowing you. You will remain in my heart forever. And your Police family will never allow your husband and children to be forgotten. I promise. Rest in peace, Vicky. Thank you for being my friend.

Patti Smylie, Admin. Asst.
Fairfax County Police Dept./Friend

May 12, 2006

Vicky I didnot know you but I know that you had to be one of the best to belong to the Fairfax County Police Dept. They only hired the best. To tyler and your children I send my deepest regards. I hope they know how much their Mother was loved by all that knew her,and that they know how proud all of the police department is of her. God Bless

Retired Sgt Mickey Basso
Fairfax County Police Dept

May 12, 2006

...oh God, this hurts.

Dispatcher
Fairfax County Dept Of Public Safety

May 12, 2006

My heart and prayers go out to the Armel family. I wish that there were words to say, but there are not...Det. Armel you will never be forgotten. Thank you for your service.

Sgt. Sean Flinn
Metro Transit Police Department

May 12, 2006

Armel Family:

My family's prayers are for you during this very sad time. We are very sorry for what happened.

Thank you for all the good things you do for the county in keeping us safe.

My your wife/mother find happiness and peace in heaven.

The Batchelder Family

May 12, 2006

I can not find the words to tell you how proud you have made every man, woman and child. Every child will learn to know your courage as an officer of the law and as a mother. Every man and woman respects you as a mother and law enforcement officer and are proud to call you friend. I remember the first time I met you as a recruit. You were professional but determined and I could not shake you. It was evident that you would make it in the jail. When I heard you were coming to the Police Department I knew you would have sucess. I am proud to have served with you, call you officer, call you friend and I know you had my back.

I have also known Tyler since he was a recruit and I will always have you, Tyler and your children in my prayers. You have made the ultimate sacrifice and I know our father has another role call for you in a better place. Tyler, if you ever need anything, you have my email address.

Retired Officer
Fairfax County Police Department

May 12, 2006

Detective Armel, I am deeply saddened by the tragic and senseless events that took your life. I have been struggling so much to understand why this happened, and how good people like you are taken away from us. I know it’s all God’s plan and while I struggle to make sense of it, I must accept that you are now in heaven looking over your fellow officers and your beloved family.

Although I am not a Police Officer, as a Civilian employee of FCPD, I take this tragedy very personally. I will always continue to appreciate and admire that you and others chose to put your lives on the line every day to be Police Officers. I have the absolute highest respect and appreciation for the job that you did, and for the job that your fellow Police Officers will continue to do in your honor.

Thank you for your smiles and your hellos whenever you greeted me. It was a pleasure to have met you and I will never forget your kindness. You are an inspiration to us all.

To FCPD Officers: I am so sorry for the loss of your Sister. I am proud of ALL of you, as I am of your fellow non-FCPD Officers, and I grieve with you. You are not alone in your pain. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for putting your lives on the line every day, just as Vicky did. Your sacrifice does not go unnoticed. THANK YOU!

To Tyler, Thomas, and Masen: I am truly sorry for the loss of your loving wife and your loving mother. I am sorry for your families and for their loss, as well. May you always be proud of the woman she became. May you always know that she will forever be known as a true HERO. God bless you and be with you always…

Go fly now, Angel,
spread your wings,
look over this mournful lot.
With each step they take,
your guiding light they will seek.
Forget you they shall not.

For your Brothers and Sisters
wish they were there
to stand with you in the fight.
Now all are left in sorrow and despair
seeking your guiding light.

Go fly now, Angel,
spread your wings.
Forgotten you are not.
Be with those you have left behind,
the brave, the mournful lot.
-ip

Civilian
Fairfax County Police Department

May 12, 2006

To the Armel Family: please accept my deepest sympathies. My prayers have been with you the past few days and I will continue to pray for you and your family as you face saying goodbye and life without Vicky.
The Vicky's fellow officers: I will continue to pray that God will comfort you and keep you safe. Thank you for working hard to keep us safe and accept my appreciation.
To fellow citizens: May we have a deeper respect, and love for our Fairfax County Police Department and all they do to keep us protected. God Bless you all!

Monica
Wife/Mother

May 12, 2006

Detective Armel, I am deeply saddened by the tragic and senseless events that took your life. I have been struggling so much to understand why this happened, and how good people like you are taken away from us. I know it is God’s plan and while I struggle to make sense of it, I must accept that you are now in heaven looking over your fellow officers and your beloved family.

Although I am not a Police Officer, as a Civilian employee of FCPD, I take this tragedy very personally. I will always continue to appreciate and admire that you and others chose to put your lives on the line every day to be Police Officers. I have the absolute highest respect and appreciation for the job that you did, and for the job that your fellow Police Officers will continue to do in your honor.

Thank you for your smiles and your hellos whenever you greeted me. It was a pleasure to have met you and I will never forget your kindness. You are an inspiration to us all.

To FCPD Officers: I am so sorry for the loss of your Sister. I am proud of ALL of you, as I am proud of your fellow non-FCPD Officers, and I grieve with you. You are not alone in your pain. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for putting your lives on the line every day, just as Vicky did. Your sacrifice does not go unnoticed. THANK YOU!

To Tyler, Thomas, and Masen: I am truly sorry for the loss of your loving wife and your loving mother. I am sorry for your families and for their loss, as well. May you always be proud of the woman she became. May you always know that she will forever be known as a true HERO. God bless you and be with you always…

Go fly now, Angel,
spread your wings,
look over this mournful lot.
With each step they take,
your guiding light they will seek.
Forget you they shall not.

For your Brothers and Sisters
wish they were there
to stand with you in the fight.
Now all are left in sorrow and despair
seeking your guiding light.

Go fly now, Angel,
spread your wings.
Forgotten you are not.
Be with those you have left behind,
the brave, the mournful lot.

- ip

Civilian

May 12, 2006

To the children of Vicky Armel:

Know that your mother did not die in vain, as she stands tall among all police officers, the first line of defense protecting the young,the innocent, and all the good and decent people in this country. Your mother died protecting everything that is worthy of fighting for in this country. She died for you and for me, and for all of us. There is NO DOUBT in my mind she is with the Good Lord, and both of them are watching over you.

To Vicky Armel's Husband:

Although I have never met you, I know I do not have to tell you that your wife and the mother of your children died for a worthy and noble cause. Know that she will never be forgotten, nor will the sacrifice she made.

God Bless you, your children, and everyone in this life who cares about her.

Deputy Chief Mark Mathews
City of Manassas Park Police Department

May 12, 2006

Rest in Peace, sister. You showed great courage and surely saved lives by engaging that animal. Our departments now share a tragic link. We lost a hero on the same day. May you and Gary look out for each other on Heaven's beat and look out for us as well.

P/O Joseph T. Leighthardt
Philadelphia Police Department

May 12, 2006

Having worked in DPSC for 32 yrs I'd prayed this moment would never come, that a Signal 13 wouldn't have a good outcome. My prayers, hugs and tears go out to Tyler and your children for strength and wisdom in all the coming days. My prayers go out for patrol and all officers who place themselves in a dispatchers care. May God protect and bless you every day. You are family. Susana

PSC3 Susana Tyler
Fairfax Co DPSC

May 12, 2006

....my thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of this servant of God. May she rest in peace...

Lt. J. Principe (Ret.)
NJ State Police

May 12, 2006

Detective Vicky O. Armel and family, I am moved to extend my condolences to the family and colleagues of a true American Police hero. It is obvious that Vicky's herioc actions diverted fire from her critically wounded brother officer giving him a least a chance to survive.

Captain F. Jack Caldwell (Retired)
New Jersey State Police

May 12, 2006

Vicky, By choosing the profession that you did, it shows that you are a person of of exceptional character. By doing what you did, day in and day out, you showed unwavering dedication, courage and professionalism as you did your part to help others and protect the citizens of Fairfax County. By reading the pages of reflections, there is no question that you raised the bar high and you are greatly loved. I wish I had the opportunity to know you!
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family!!

Thank you for all you did!

APO Larry Magni, Retired
Fairfax County Auxiliary Police

May 12, 2006

Vicky, words can not express how much you will be missed. You meant so much to so many people. You are a true hero and I was lucky to have known you. God bless you and your family. You will never be forgotten!!

Detective Loriann LaBarca
Fairfax County Police

May 12, 2006