Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Officer Garbarino,
You made the ultimate sacrifice, serving and protecting with honor. You held the guilty accountable and sought justice for the innocent. You will always be remembered as a hero. You exemplify the qualities of vigilance, courage, and bravery that the rest of your brothers and sisters in blue can look up to. We have the watch now, brother. Our heartfelt condolences to your family and the brave men and women of the Fairfax County Police Department who have suffered the tragic loss of two heroes. We stand with you and share your pain.

Detective Corporal Morgan
Park County Sheriff's Office--Colorado

May 18, 2006

To the family and friends of officer Garbarino, my thoughts and prayers go out to you as those of many of my fellow Trps. here in WA. State. From what I have gathered he was a fine man and all should be proud of his lifes work in helping others and protecting the public.

FCPD We know your hurting for the loss of your two outstanding officers. Stay strong and embrace the brother and sister hood of all your fellow officers from the agencies who are thinking of you and/or helping in your time of need. Trp. Jeff Pfluger

Trooper
Washington State Patrol

May 18, 2006

Mike,

Tonight at the candlelight vigil as I listened to people talk about your lifelong heroism, I felt so proud to have served on the same department as you -- and to serve with others like you. I found myself relfecting on whether or not I live up to those virtues. And while I found myself lacking, I determined to try to find those traits within myself and live to my potential. My prayer is that those who are left behind will re-dedicate ourselves to serving the greater good in whatever capacity we find ourselves. That is your legacy.

Mike, thank you so much for being you. Thank you for caring. Thank you for directing those so willing to rush into hell for you and Vicky and each other. That was the manifestation of true heroism - heroism that you embodied not just for a few minutes - but for 53 years.

I hope that the officers who responded understand that they too are heroes. They have walked through the fire, been refined, and emerged as gold.

To all of you at Sully Station that day - to Mike, to Vicki, to the unamed officers of valor - your brothers and sisters in blue, your friends, your community are proud of you. We thank you. We stand behind you. You have our support and admiration. We will not forget any of you. And, Mike, you will live forever in our hearts and souls inspiring us always...

THE LEGACY

As you leave my side today -
Don't be troubled that I cannot stay.
Just take a piece of me with you -
For I have loved you long and true.

Remember all the things I've shared -
The way I've lived and the things I've dared.
And now, I make one final plea -
While I live in you and you live in me.

As you roam about this earth -
Take my laughter and my mirth.
For all of that will live on too -

It's the legacy I leave to you.

Mary "Ragusa" Ahrens
Former FCPD

May 18, 2006

At the beginning of every shift, myself and the other officers on shift dedicate the day to the memory of a fallen officer.

Tonight, May 18, 2006 we dedicated the shift to the memory of Master Police Officer Michael Garbarino who died in the line of duty just yesterday.

When one law enforcement officer falls, we all stumble for a while, but we will carry on.

Officer Garbarino’s sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Sgt. Paul Bissonnette
Royal Canadian Mounted Police - Surrey, BC

May 18, 2006

You will never be forgotten by your brothers in BLUE!! R I P your watch is over we will take it from here. Your brothers in Michigan!!!

Ofc. J. Dixon
Brownstown Police Dept., MI

May 18, 2006

Officer Garbarino:
Thank you for you courage and bravery in protecting all citizens. May you have lasting peace. To the Garbarino Family: He will live with you in your hearts and memories.And will now be an angel looking after you from heaven above. May God grant you peace and strength.

Maria Maguire
Philadelphia, Pa. citizen

May 18, 2006

MPO Garbarino,

My heart is with your family, friends and fellow officers of the Fairfax County Police Department. You spent 23 years protecting and serving the citizens of Fairfax County VA with valor and courage.

Rest in peace my brother.

Officer
Metropolitan Police Department

May 18, 2006

When I read about MPO Michael Gaerbarino my first thought was No God not another hero from FCPD. Michael you may rest now and go to God and Detective Armel, from what I have read you two were the best of the best. I know there are no words to comfort the family, brothers and sisters in blue or friends. In time you will know peace and will know that your loved one died doing what he loved and that will some day help. My prayers are that this will be the last tragedy that the FCPD will have to endure. May God give all involved the strength, courage and support that you most need at this time and He will if you ask Him. God speed MPO Gararino enter now into His glory!

Michael Chapman, Chaplain
Athens PD, Alabama

May 18, 2006

May you rest in peace and god be with your family and department. Your duty and sacrifice shall not be forgotten.

Ofc. Aaron Sparks
Gilmanton NH Police Department

May 18, 2006

FCPD.....hang tough, our thoughts and prayers are with you. Ofc. Garbarino, rest easy brother, we'll take it from here.

"It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died. Rather, we should thank God that such men ever lived."
Gen. George S. Patton

bp 2422
CSPD

May 18, 2006

Mike, you and Vicky will be missed. Your family may feel safe and secure with your brothers and sisters in law enforcement looking after them in their time in need, as long as it takes.

Lt. Bill Thomas
Fairfax City Police

May 18, 2006

Mike:
Rest in Peace - you fought the good fight. Your service will not be forgotten. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.

Major Kelly H. Coffelt - Retired
Fairfax County Police Dept.

May 18, 2006

First Vicky and now you, why did the Lord decide to take two?

The Lord has called MPO Michael E. Garbarino home.
I guess he didn't want Vicky to be all alone.

Michael was known as a Police Officer's "Cop" , who worked hard with such dedication,
He started it in McLean and then brought it to the Sully Station.

To Mike, "MPO" meant "Must Politic for Others",
As he did so well in front of the Board of Supervisors.

An Excellent MPO, Incredible Road Dog, Husband, Father and Friend.
Your Watch on Earth has come to an end.

Michael, you have served Fairfax County proud.
Please watch over us, as we cry out loud.

In our sorrow, we can still learn a lesson.
Know the Lord, and you too can go to Heaven.

You will always be in our hearts and minds, especially during the month of May.
For the ultimate sacrifice you and Vicky had to pay.

Good-bye my friend and fellow MPO, you will always be remembered as a True Hero.

MPO Kevin L. Webb
FCPD - Mt. Vernon

May 18, 2006

To Mrs. Garbarino, your two children, the parents of Officer Garbarino, extended family and friends, I offer my sincere condolences. It is incomprehensible that a human life is held in such disregard and that the people that knew and loved him will be forever changed because of such a tragic, heartbreaking and devastating act. I had been praying that God in His mercy would bless and heal your loved one. I am truly sorry for your loss. I know the unbearable pain and overwhelming grief of such loss and I pray that God will bless your family with the graces needed as they cope in this most difficult and sad time. May God's perpetual light shine upon Officer Michael Garbarino and may he rest in His eternal peace.

With my deepest sympathy,

Mrs. Anita L. Culosi

May 18, 2006

My sincerest sympathy to the family and friends of Master Police Officer Michael Garbarino as well as to the Fairfax County Police Department. Rest in peace MPO Garbarino, you are gone but will not be forgotten...

Dispatcher Sue Rusch
Punta Gorda PD, Punta Gorda FL

May 18, 2006

Thank you. Thank you for years of service and sacrifice. God bless you my brother. I pray for your family and co-workers. Be at peace. I will see you at the gates.

Trooper
Kansas Highway Patrol

May 18, 2006

Gabby, I have been sitting here in front of this computer at the station looking at your smiling face and trying to come up with the words that best express how I feel. It took a while but I finally realized there are no words, there are however memories.
I'll always remember our converstions you and I have had car to car as you pulled into the Station on your way in to get your paperwork finished and end your tour, and I pulling out to begin mine. I think now of those conversations we had, some of which would last for 45 minutes (although it felt like 5). Most of them just the usual chit chat, most of them blend into one memory. But I will never forget the discussions we recently had about my upcoming role as a Dad. You told me, "Tommy, there is no feeling like it, I'm telling ya, it's the best feeling in the world. Your gonna love it!" You would always ask how the baby's room is coming along, and could always see the excitement in my eyes about it!
Gabby, you are a true gentleman and true friend!
I can only hope that one day I can be as good an Officer as you. And, if I'm lucky, I'll be half the man and Father you were.
Go now my friend, be at peace, but please look over us all.
I will never forget you Gabby, to have known you has been my honor.

"IN VALOR THERE IS HOPE"

PFC T.D. Thompson
Fairfax County Police Dept. - Sully Station

May 18, 2006

Thank You for saving lives, touching lives and giving your life for a job that you loved. You make me proud to put on my uniform everyday. A true HERO!

a proud officer
FCPD

May 18, 2006

Mike....it was a privilege to know you and an honor to work with you.
Slainte mhor agus a h-uile beannachd duibh

Rick Croy
FCPD [Ret.]

May 18, 2006

God bless you and your family at this tragic time.

Bud Gaylord
FCPD Retired

May 18, 2006

Mike,
I was at Mass on Sunday when I looked up at the window behind the altar where there is an image of Jesus surrounded by the words "Love one another as I have loved you" and in front of that was the crucifix depicting Jesus sacifice for us. I started crying for Vicki understanding how she loved, and how she brought life to what I was looking at. At work when the message went out about your passing away I remembered what I saw. It was so hard to keep dispatching knowing another ultimate sacrifice had been made to save others. I remmebered dispatching to you when you were out of Mclean and riding with you. You made my job easy and taught me so much, helped me laugh when things got difficult. Even though we ended up on different shifts I miss you..May God and St Michael watch over your families at home and on the street.

Susana
DPSC

May 18, 2006

Michael,
May you rest in peace. Our prayers go out to your family and friends.

Corporal
Airports Authority
Washington, DC

Corporal
Airports Authority

May 18, 2006

I pray for all of these people that just buried Vicky to find the strength to do this again. It is just horrible to have to bury two people in the same department.

There are lot of people thinking about all of you right now. My heart goes out to Officer Garbarino's family and friends, and coworkers.

God Bless all of you and remember that God needs you to continue to do what you do. Keep doing your job. You are a special breed.

Gina Pocceschi Boyle
Sister of VA Beach Fallen Officer Rodney Pocceschi (EOW 6/23/03)

May 18, 2006

Lord,
He was yours to give,
and yours to call home,
please stand by his brothers,
so they don't feel alone,
dry the tears of his family,
so they clearly see:
that he gave his all,
so all could have peace.
Blessed are they,
the children of God,
with heavy hearts,
and honor - they trod,
to pay their respects,
to give their salute,
and to ask for your mercy,
on heroes in Blue.
Amen.

Michael, rest easy brother, we have the watch.

Mesquite, TX

May 18, 2006

Officer Garbarino your work on this Earth as we know it is over. You are in God's Care now. May you rest in peace.

SGT. Daryl Brewer
Clarksville Police Dept. Clarksville, Tennessee

May 18, 2006