Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Mike,
When I heard the devastating news, I became angry and then sad. You paid the ultimate price in saving your fellow officers and citizens on that dreadful day. As I, like so many others, are numb, I hope to understand the meaning of all of this one day, but I am grateful that you are no longer in pain. You will never be forgotten. As it is so eloquently posted throughout the County "Always in our hearts, now in Gods care"

PSC3 Susan Malone
Fairfax County Department of Public Safety Communications

May 18, 2006

Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
and where there is sadness, joy.
O, Divine Master,
grant that I may not so much seek
to be consoled as to console;
to be understood as to understand;
to be loved as to love;
for it is in giving that we receive;
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life

Police Officer
George Mason University Police Dept

May 18, 2006

Gabby,

I am so sorry. You did not deserve this. Of all the people I have met, you are one of the genuinely nicest ever. You made me feel right at home when I worked with your squad and your positive attitude always rubbed off on those around you. You are a credit to the profession and the department.

We will continue to watch over your family. Please watch over us too.

Thanks for everything.

Dan

PFC D. P.
FCPD

May 18, 2006

The policeman stood and faced God,
Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining,
Just as brightly as his brass.

"Step forward now, policeman.
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To my church have you been true?"

The policeman squared his shoulders and said,
"No lord, I guess I ain't,
Because those of us who carry a badge
can't always be a saint."

I've had to work most Sundays,
and at times my talk was rough,
and sometimes I've been violent,
Because the streets are awfully tough.

But I never took a penny,
That wasn't mine to keep
Though I worked a lot of overtime
When the bills got just too steep.

And I never passed a cry for help,
Though at time I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God forgive me,
I've wept unmanly tears.

I know I don't deserve a place
Among the people here.
They never wanted me around
Except to calm their fear.

If you've a place for me here, Lord,
It needn't be so grand.
I never expected or had too much,
But if you don't I'll understand.

There was a silence all around the throne
Where the saints had often trod.
As the policeman waited quietly,
For the judgement of his god.

"Step forward now, policeman,
You've born your burdens well.
Come walk a beat on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in hell"

GREGG HOUSTON
SOUTH CAROLINA

May 18, 2006

Garbarino,

I didn't have the opportunity to work with you, but I did see you often through the years. You always had a smile on your face and an upbeat attitude. Thank you for your dedication and service. You will be with us forever and I'm proud to call you my fellow brother in blue.

MPO RJ

May 18, 2006

MPO Garbarino,

We have lost another wonderful officer, husband, father and friend. I was so sad to hear the news of your passing. I had the distinct pleasure to meet you at the Police Academy, and you are, indeed, a wonderful person. I am blessed to have been able to meet you.

To the Garbarino Family,

I mourn the loss of your loved one. He truely served as a hero to the very end. I will keep your family and friends in my thoughts and prayers. May God give you the strength and peace through this difficult time. Please know that your brothers and sisters in law-enforcement will be here for you!

Another tragic day for law-enforcement.....

Deputy NJ Smith
Fairfax County Sheriff's Office

May 18, 2006

As expression of sympathy to the Garbarino family.

Lt. Colonel Thad Hartman
Fairfax County Deputy Police Chief, Ret.

May 18, 2006

Ofc. Garbarino:
I know you are resting in the arms of angels while we mourn for you, I promise you will not be forgotten. I have heard people saying that an angel gets his wings everytime a bell rings, well sir every time I hear a siren I think of you getting your wings. You were an angel on earth and now to our sorrow God has called you back to his service above. I want to thank you for the constant encouragment, kindness, support. On the days my world seemed so insignificant, you made me feel important, when I doubted you with a smile encouraged me while others offer nothing but critisism, and when the burden of being young and having a family seemed too much,you supported me. I will never forget our conversations about family, the importance of an education and life in genral. You always told me "You must be the change you wish to see in the world"; I promise I will not let you down and when we see each other again I hope you have a smile on your face because I made you proud. Ofc. G so long, until we meet again. Thanks again for being a father figure & mentor.
Sincerely,
Jackie-Former Pimmit Student.

Jackie
Former Student-Pimmit High

May 18, 2006

I would just like to say to the family of MPO Garbarino that I am so sorry for your loss. It is very difficult to lose someone in such a senseless manner. Lean on each other, love one another, and know that your loved one will never be forgotten!!

Huntsville Police Department

May 18, 2006

It was a shocked to hear of the death of MPO Mike Garbarino. I share with many the shock and sorrow of this tragic news; my heart CRYS! out in sympathy to you and the family of MPO Gabarino. Myshelf and to others he will be missed greatly. Pleasse know that you are in my thoughts and prayers on these days, and that I sympathize greatly with your loss. To Garbarino's Family and Friends God Bless you all.

Sincerely,
Daniel B Valentini

Reserve Deputy Daniel B Valentini
Fairfax County Sheirff's Office/Friend

May 18, 2006

You are a true hero for your years of service and sacrifice. May God bless you and your family at this time of pain and sorrow. You are in all of our prayers.

DE
St. Louis City Police

May 18, 2006

After just recently transfering from FX Police to Fire (civilian), I know how much of a loss this is to everyone involved, family, friends, fellow officers, the department, the community, and even strangers. This is truly a tragedy that will never be forgotten, I am so honored and humbled by the actions you and Vicky showed that day. Rest in peace!

LeeAnn McKenzie
Fairfax County Fire & Rescue

May 18, 2006

Your character has been expressed through the reflections of those officers whose lives you touched by your kindness and guidance. We thank you for being such a wonderful influence on, and friend to our son. You will live in our hearts forever. We are all honored to have known a true hero. God bless you and your family.

Steve and Bette Morris
Parents of FCPD officer

May 18, 2006

Mike,

There are no words that adequately display the pain and sadness that we are all feeling at this time. You stood strong against all odds and valiantly fought to protect your brothers and sisters of the FCPD on that fateful day. You warned them of the ambush and in turn saved many lives. You are the definition of a HERO.

Know that your family will be taken care of by your friends and family within the FCPD. Go rest now, your watch is over, but you will NEVER be forgotten.

“When I get where I'm going
On the far side of the sky
The first thing that I'm gonna do
Is spread my wings and fly

I'm gonna land beside a lion
And run my fingers through his mane
Or I might find out what it's like
To ride a drop of rain

Yeah when I get where I'm going
There'll be only happy tears
I will shed the sins and struggles
I have carried all these years
And I'll leave my heart wide open
I will love and have no fear
Yeah when I get where I'm going
Don't cry for me down here...

So much pain and so much darkness
In this world we stumble through
All these questions I can't answer
So much work to do

But when I get where I'm going
And I see my maker's face
I'll stand forever in the light
Of his amazing grace
Yeah when I get where I'm going
There'll be only happy tears
Hallelujah
I will love and have no fear
When I get where I'm going
Yeah when I get where I'm going” – Brad Paisley

Daughter of a FCPD Officer

May 18, 2006

Mike,
I remember many times sitting out at court and talkin with you in the liason office. However I never really knew you and couldn't put a face to the name over the last week and a half. Regardless you were still in my prayers and like the other 1300 of us we were hoping that you would pull through. Godspeed brother and watch over us.

OFC
FCPD

May 18, 2006

At 0200hrs I woke up for no reason. I finally fell alseep at about 0330. At 0445 my pager goes off. It was my boss. When I returned the call I was told to disregard the case. I was also informed of your passing. It hit me like a hammer in the chest. I told my wife. I got dressed and drove into work, I do not remember the ride. I felt anger,but then I remembered when I was tranfered in to sta 3 and meeting you. Your positive outlook on life, how much of honor it was to work with you. I will not rememer you as I saw you that day, but iwill remember the man who could make me smile no matter how I felt. I will Miss you Mike I know we will meet again. Go with GOD

Detective
Fairfaxcounty

May 18, 2006

Rest in peace knowing your brothers and sisters in law enforcement will proudly carry on in your memory serving and protecting the citizens of Fairfax County just as courageously as you did until the very end. Your legacy will be not only that of a husband, father, brother and son but that of a hero.

I will think of Detective Armel and MPO Garbarino each time I see my husband pick up his uniform and walk out the door. Please watch over him from heaven and keep bringing him home to me.

Shawna Johnson
Wife of FFX County Officer

May 18, 2006

Mike, this is devastating. We all hung on to the hope that you were going to be "okay" after showing signs of improvement over the last couple of days. We have been friends since the good ol' McLean days. I will miss your smile and great sense of humor. I feel so fortunate for knowing you. I feel comforted knowing that you and Vicky will be watching over all of us now. You will never be forgotten. May God Bless you and your family, always.

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

May 18, 2006

I salute you for your long and dedicated career to law enforcement. You are a true hero and will never be fogotten by those that love you nor will the Blue Family ever let you be forgotten. My deepest sympathy to your loved ones. Their lives have been changed forever all because of an individual that had no respect for human life. There are no magic words I can offer them to help them with their grief except to keep your memory alive. They will carry you in their hearts forever. Wrap your wings around them and protect them and help them with their grief. You are not forgotten.

Bob Gordon, father of fallen Chicago Officer
Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

Bob Gordon, Asst. Chief, Retired
Riverside PD, IL

May 18, 2006

My sincere condolences to the Family , Friends & Co-Workers of Officer Garbarino. May GOD be with all of you. Rest in Peace Officer Garbarino

Cpl Kevin D. Lampe K-9 Handler
Finney Co. Sheriff's Office (Ks)

May 18, 2006

In the course of our lives we are privileged to know many fine people. During my years at Fairfax County Police Department I served with the finest. I feel blessed to have been a member of a dedicated team of professionals who gave their all for the citizens of Fairfax County. Now I find my self coming to terms with the loss of two dear friends who exemplified the dedication and honor it is to be a Fairfax County Police Officer. Two outstanding people who only wanted to make a difference. As I grieve with my fellow officers, both active and retired, I try desperately to understand the tragic events. One thing I do take comfort in knowing, is the Armel family and Garbarino family will be provided for by their police family. We cannot replace Vicky and Mike, but I hope our outpouring of love and kindness helps bring their families support. I am grateful for the professionalism the officers and civilians of the police department have demonstrated throughout this ordeal. Having followed the events closely I cannot help but be proud of Colonel Roher. Never before has the Chief had to deal with this type of tragedy. He has demonstrated compassion for the officer’s families and their needs. He also has provided the strongest of leadership by recognizing the emotional needs of his police family while they grieve. I am grateful for the job he has done in recognizing the contributions of our fallen heroes. I say a prayer each day for the Armel family and now I add the Garbarino family. I also pray for our police family.

Thank you

Det. M.R.McElroy, Ret
Fairfax County Police Dept

May 18, 2006

Rest in PEACE my Brother! Your Brothers and Sisters took care of business the coward is no longer on our streets.

Hero's never die they just take on a new assignment!

GOD Bless you and your family.

Officer Paladino
Colorado Springs PD

May 18, 2006

Master Patrol Officer Garbarino, you have served your state and your county with honor and dignity, we will cary on from here. To the family of Master Patrol Officer Garbarino, you all are in our thoughts and prayer. To the men and the women of the Fairfax County Police Department you all have gone through a living hell this past week, but as you all carry on hold your heads high. Please remember that your brothers and sister of the Metropolitan Police Department are there for you all if needed. Stay safe. Rest in Peace Brother.

Detective First Grade Robert F. Jackson
Metropolitan Police Department Washington DC/Homicide Branch

May 18, 2006

My prayers and thoughts to all who knew and miss Officer Garbarino.

May God lay His healing hands upon the family.

Retired Captain Joe L. Gilliland
Danville, KY PD

May 18, 2006

Staff and members of the Fairfax County Police Department the loss again of another one of your family members brings pain to our hearts, Master Police Officer Michael Garbarino will be missed as is Detective Vickie Armel. Matthew 5:9 "blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the sons of God." Our tearful prayer, God provide to both immediate families as well as each of the extended family members of the Fairfax County Police Department, I pray for each of you daily, Be Safe. God be with you.

Chaplain Ron Thayer
Stafford County Sheriff's Office

May 18, 2006