Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Master Police Officer Michael E. Garbarino

Fairfax County Police Department, Virginia

End of Watch Wednesday, May 17, 2006

Leave a Reflection

Reflections for Master Police Officer Michael E. Garbarino

I have just returned from Washington DC after attending the Memorial services for Fallen Officers,,,your fellow Officers services were held while I was there and your Chief later attended ceremonies despite that. I saw the pain in his face and eyes. Now I read that you too have fallen from the same engagement despite a heroic fight. The Fairfax County Sheriffs Office and the community have suffered and my prayers go out to them.While the line has thinned it will never break! Rest in Peace Sir,,,

Officer Thomas Wiederhold #1890
Fort Worth Police,Tx

May 17, 2006

May God watch over your family and friends during this tragic time. May He comfort your soul and keep you close to Him. You willbe in our thoughts and prayers.

Trooper
Pennsylvania State Police

May 17, 2006

After hearing the news of MPO Garbarino's passing, I heard this song on the radio. I think we all feel this way. Although we will never understand this tragic loss, may God's mercy and grace lift you up in the coming days and weeks ahead.

I was sure by now
That you would have reached down
And wiped our tears away
Stepped in and saved the day
But once again, I say "Amen", and it's still raining

As the thunder rolls
I barely hear Your whisper through the rain
"I'm with You"
And as your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise the God who gives
And takes away

I'll praise You in this storm
An I will lift my hands
For you are who you are
No matter where Iam
Every tear I've cried
You hold in your hand
You never left my side
And though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm.

I remember when
I stumbled in the wind
You heard my cry
You raised me up again
My strength is almost gone
How can I carry on
If I can't find you?

As the thunder rolls
I barely hear Your whisper through the rain
"I'm with You"
And as your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise the God who gives
and takes away

I lift my eyes unto the hills
Where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord
The Maker of Heaven and Earth.

Praise you in this storm
by Casting Crowns

Wife of a police officer

May 17, 2006

To the family, friends and colleagues of MPO Garbarino -

Hearing this morning of your tragic loss caused me to reflect on the events of the past 9 days - God Bless you for your strength to bear the pain you are experiencing. MPO Garbarino's actions last Monday exemplified what all LEO's stand for - protecting those you serve, no matter the pain, risk or result.

I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers as you mourn the loss of MPO Garbarino.

MPO Garbarino, as you join Det. Armel and all those LEO's gone before you - watch over us and keep us safe.

God Bless

Federal Agent
Washington, DC

May 17, 2006

My thoughts and prayers are with the family and department. God speed.

a citizen

May 17, 2006

My thoughts and prayers go to the family of Master Police Officer Michael Garbarino and our brothers and sisters serving with the Fairfax County Police department.
While Michael's service on this earth is completed, ours continues in his memory.

Master Trooper
Virginia State Police

May 17, 2006

Dear Brother Michael;

Your cause was noble. You stood between evil and the masses and you made the supreme sacrifice. Your name and your service will never be forgotten. Now rest in peace, my brother, as our brothers and sisters will carry on from here. May God embrace you and may he comfort your loved ones during this time of bereavement.

Rae Graves
Petersburg Pd. (Ret.)

Lt. F. McRae Graves, III (Ret.)
Petersburg Bureau of Police (VA)

May 17, 2006

I wish the best to the family of Master Police Officer Michael Garbarino. It is a shame that we have to lose yet another outstanding officer. I didn't know MPO Garbarino, but I am sure he was an upstanding officer.

Your watch is over sir, we will take it now. We will watch over your family and keep them safe.

Officer T. Houghtaling #632
Gallup Police Dept

May 17, 2006

Your day has now ended you will suffer no more, and even though your friends and family shall miss you we all know that you are heaven bound. Your number has been called and you answered dutifully. Now rest your weary soul for you have a new shift and area to patrol.

Well done thy good and faithful servant...well done.

Rhonda
FFX County Police--Civilian

May 17, 2006

Mike,
I was always amazed at the welcoming warmth and friendship you offered all those around you. You taught me through your example of strength, perspective, humor, and pure heart. Although I knew you years ago I still stand among many who counted you as a friend. Hopefully all those you touched in life will remember your example and work to fill the void left by the loss of such a kind and honest spirit.

Pete Coleton
Friend

May 17, 2006

MPO Michael Garbarino,

My thought and prayers are with you, your wife, children and the rest of the family at this time of loss. Please rest in peace.

Charlene Wife Of Lt. Bill Thomas
City of Fairfax Poilce Dept.

May 17, 2006

There is no greater love than this, that a man lay down his life for his friend.

Fellow Officer
FCPD

May 17, 2006

You are a hero. Thank you for your many years of service to the citizens of Fairfax County. Rest in peace my brother. May God bless you and your loved ones. May God give your loved ones the strength to get through this difficult time.

State Constable J.L. Green
S.C. State Constables

May 17, 2006

You'll always be remebered my friend. Thank you for the guidance and training that you gave me.The loss to your family and the family of this department has been a great one. You shall never be forgotten by Me and Grace. I know you'll be watching over all of us as you always have. Thanks Again Gaby, you will be missed. EC

Pfc. E. Cartagena
Fairfax County Police

May 17, 2006

TO THE FAMILY OF MPO MICHAEL GARBARINO,

JUST THIS MORNING I HEARD THE NEWS. MY FAMILY AND I ARE THINKING OF YOU WITH SYMPATHY AND PRAY YOU FIND COMFORT IN THE SPECIAL MEMORIES YOU SHARED WITH YOUR HERO AND OURS.


LISA
WHITE PLAINS MARYLAND

May 17, 2006

My deepest sympathy to the family, friends and co-workers of Officer Garbarino; may he rest in peace and always be remembered as a hero.

Cpl Jean-Paul Rochat
Swiss Army, MP Service

May 17, 2006

My thoughts and prayers are with Master Police Officer GARBARINO's family and fellow officers of the Fairfax County Police Department.

Although I did not know Master Officer GARBARINO I am sure he was an exemplary officer and great man. Although Michael GARBARINO is no longer able to be seen by us, he is still with us. Officer GARBARINO is the newest member of Heavens Police Department whose primary role is to ride unseen with us. Some people call it a police officers intuition, but the truth is, it is really Officer GARBARINO and his partners guiding us and attempting to keep us out of harms way.

Rest easy Michael GARBARINO.

Constable Nathan MCAULIFFE
South Australia Police Department

May 17, 2006

My thoughts and prayers are with Master Police Officer GARBARINO's family and fellow officers of the Fairfax County Police Department.

Although I did not know Master Officer GARBARINO I am sure he was an exemplary officer and great man. Although Michael GARBARINO is no longer able to be seen by us, he is still with us. Officer GARBARINO is the newest member of Heavens Police Department whose primary role is to ride unseen with us. Some people call it a police officers intuition, but the truth is, it is really Officer GARBARINO and his partners guiding us and attempting to keep us out of harms way.

Rest easy Michael GARBARINO.

Constable Nathan MCAULIFFE
South Australia Police Department

May 17, 2006

My condolences, and prayers for the wife and children and family and friends and police family of Officer Garbarino. Officer Garbarino, you will never be forgotten and will be in my daily prayers. Here in Philadelphia we lost an Officer last week. There are just too many names on the ODMP. God Bless you as you sleep in God's Love and Peace and thank you for your hard work and dedication and the sacrifice you made in protecting the citizens of Fairfax County. God Bless you officer Garbarino
Respectfully,
Kathi Halligan Phila PA wife and mom of LEO

kathi Halligan
Phila. PA

May 17, 2006

Blessed are the Peacemakers for they will be called Sons of God (Matthew 5:9)

How many others in Mike's situation would have had the internal fortitude, having been shot multiple times, to send a warning over the radio to his co-workers? How many lives did you save by just that action alone? We can't know, but as far as I'm concerned you exemplify the term Hero. I'm so sorry your family and friends must lose such a man. May God return to them your courage and strength, so that they may carry on with pride instead of despair.

anonymous
FFx Co. Sheriff's Office

May 17, 2006

Rest well Brother. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and the department.

Capatin Tony Arden
Loudon County SO, TN

May 17, 2006

We are sorry for your loss.

Sgt. Edward C. Schreier
Worcester County Sheriff's Office Md.

May 17, 2006

My heart is heavy as I type, for a second time in such a short space of time, to this "Officer Down" website. My heart goes out to Officer Garbarino's family, his friends and fellow officers. God Bless........

Civilian
Prince William Co Police Department

May 17, 2006

The news this morning reported MPO Garbarino's death with a tribute I don't even think they knew they were giving. When MPO Garbarino's rank was stated they mentioned MPO's serve as mentors to younger officers, and they could not have been more correct. When Garbarino was an SRO at Marshall HS in Falls Church years ago he offered to talk to my husband - who was applying with the department. Their talks were productive as now my husband has been on the department for over 9 years, and had the pleasure to work with MPO Garbarino for many of them at the McLean District Station.

Thanks Gabby - for helping my husband realize his calling and being his friend over the years. He will miss you, the department will miss you and you will not be forgotten.

My family will continue to pray for the Garbarino family. Rest in Peace Sir.

Cathy McNickle
Wife of PFC Kirk McNickle - FCPD

May 17, 2006

My family would like to express our deepesy sympathies to the family, friends & fellow co-workers of Master P.O. Michael Garbarino. You're in our thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time. May God give you the strength to carry on and help heal your hearts. May you find comfort and support with those around you. May God bless and watch over all the brave men & women in law enforcement as they sevre and protect those in their communities each day.
Rest in Peace, Master P.O. Garbarino.

Gail M Pabst
Aunt of fallen Detroit P.O. Jennifer Fettig eow 2/16/04

May 17, 2006

Want even more control of your Reflection? Create a free ODMP account now for these benefits:

  • Quick access to your heroes
  • Reflections published quicker
  • Save a Reflection signature
  • View, edit or delete any Reflection you've left in the past

Create an account for more options, or use this form to leave a Reflection now.