Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Once again, the citizens of Fairfax County, the law enforcement community, and the members of the Fairfax County Police Department have been dealt a devastating blow. Many prayers were said for MPO Michael Garbarino for his recovery, and unfortunately the tragic events at the Sully station have again claimed a hero. My prayers to the family of MPO Garbarino and to all who call him a "brother". May you rest in peace and thank you for the dedication and ultimate sacrifice that you have given to your community during your watch. God Bless You.

Sgt. Lee Ann Gable
Loudoun County Sheriff's Office

May 17, 2006

My deepest sympathy to the family, friends and co-workers of Master Officer Garbarino. Your service and dedication will never be forgotten. Rest in peace Sir.

A citizen

May 17, 2006

What a tragedy. The law enforcement community has lost yet another one of its heroes to a senseless, preventable, act of violence. As the mother of a former FCPD officer (now with a Federal Law Enforcement agency) and the mother-in-law and aunt of current officers, I understand the anxiety that all police families experience...and accept. I could be no prouder of what they do. As I stood with my family along the route of the funeral procession for Det.Vicky Armel, our hearts ached for the families of the officers involved, as well as all the members all departments. As the procession reached the cemetary, a gentle rain began to fall from what had an hour before been a sunny sky. As I held my daughter, trying to quiet her tears, it struck me that the heavens were crying, too. Never have I experienced such a day.....such sadness, but such pride. I had hoped never to experience such an event again. But here we are. To the families of these fine officers, our deepest sympathy, understanding and love. If there is ever anything we can do give help and support in any way, we are here for you and yours. May God bless you and keep you, now and forever.

Susan Chadwick
mother, mother-in-law, sister, aunt, of law enforcement officers

May 17, 2006

I prayed everyday that you would live... but I also prayed that you're suffering would come to an end and if Heaven is where you needed to be that God would welcome you with open arms.

I hope God one day leads your family, friends, and coworkers to this site so they can see how many of us will never forget your sacrifice. This journey they are beginning is a difficult one, one only possible through God's help.

You will forever be one of the thousands of reasons for me to appreciate my daily blessings more and more. Those you have left behind have been added to my prayers as I kiss my LEO goodbye every night.

Thank you for your sacrifice. I'm so so so sorry your family will never see justice in a court of law. We, too, have been battling this same struggle. Our friend Peter was killed by a 17 year old who then turned the gun on himself. It's a journey I wouldn't wish upon anyone. It's been a little over a year since Peter was taken from us, and I cry everytime another just like him is lost in this battle. I'll be praying for your wife, children, your department as they deal with the loss of 2 of their fellow officers, and everyone who knew and loved you. GOD BLESS YOU. You will always be a hero to me.

LEO Fiancee and friend of Peter Grignon EOW 3/23/05

May 17, 2006

AMERICA LOST ANOTHER HERO, OFFICER GARBARINO GO PATROL THOSE GOLDEN STREETS OF HEAVEN, YOU DIED A HERO AND HAVE EARNED YOUR WINGS. MAY GOD BLESS THE FAMILY AND FRIENDS. R.I.P. BROTHER.

SGT.MARC RILEY
ARAGON GA POLICE DEPT.

May 17, 2006

God Bless Officer Garbarino and his family. Know that they are in our thoughts and prayers. Thank you for your many years of service. Your pain and suffering from the last 9 days has ended and you are now watching down over your family from heaven.

wife and mother in law of LEO's

May 17, 2006

When I heard what happened that day I was left speechless. Since then I had anxiously awaited your recovery, and in the meantime I heard from so many people how great of a guy you really were. I'm no poet, yet I felt it quite cathartic to finally be able to put down on paper what I had felt since Vicky passed away. This is what I wrote, hope it means something...



As I woke and heard the news today,
My eyes quickly filled with tears.
What I thought was just another day,
now realized by my worst fears.

On this day a Police Officer gave their all.
I still sit here in disbelief.
Though I know they answered duty's highest call,
it's little solace to my grief.

And here we all gather today,
To remember, and to mourn.
The spirit of this Officer will forever stay,
and hope won't be forlorn.

We share our thoughts, our tears, our pain,
but we must fight, we must refrain,
From losing the will to carry on,
Lest we forget, this death was not in vain.

SK Qureshi
former Prince William County/Warrenton Police

May 17, 2006

“REMEMBER ME”
Law enforcement officers are, indeed, a special breed of people. Ask anyone on the street and they will tell you that they would not have our jobs for anything in the world. It takes something special to do what we do and at the same time be able to even contemplate retirement. We try to be optimists. Unfortunately, there are a few of us who will never make that date with retirement. By the very nature of our job, we are at risk everyday of losing our lives, either at the hand of some deranged individual or in some other situation that we, by virtue of our occupation, may be unable to avoid. Some people have recognized the hazardous duties we involve ourselves in, the risks we take, and the pride we take in accomplishing that job. There is National Law Enforcement Week, dedicated to us who gladly accept the responsibility of protecting the citizens in our respective jurisdictions. National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Day is dedicated to those who gave their lives in the line of duty. These are but two examples of remembrances specifically for law enforcement personnel. Remembrances that come but once a year. We should remind fellow officers of another type of remembrance, one that will last a lifetime. Sooner or later, a doctor will pronounce us dead. It is inevitable. Regardless of whatever happens, death is the end we will all have to face.
“IT IS IN DEATH THAT WE CAN LIVE FOREVER”
Author Unknown

Jim Moore
New Orleans P.D., Retired

May 17, 2006

While we did not know you, we are truly grateful for your dedication, mourning your death; never forgetting your sacrifice! Not to worry, dear friend, your brothers and sisters in blue will carry on your watch for you ~ may you rest in peace.

Daniel & LaWanda Ross
Citizens/Iowa

May 17, 2006

MPO Garbarino,
I was very saddened by the news of you passing. I received this news on my way to work this morning and remembered that awful day hearing your radio traffic during the incident. I wish I could have some how been there at that moment to help you and Det. Armel. I have never felt so helpless than hearing the radio traffic and not being able to help. I prayed for you then and during your hospitalization. I now pray for your family in their time of loss. Like you, they have made the ultimate sacrifice for our community. I know you will be missed here, but God and Saint Michael will be lucky to have you by their side protecting Heaven from evil. God bless you and your family and may God welcome you with open arms.

PFC Greg Cordell
Fairfax County Sheriff

May 17, 2006

Eternal rest, grant unto them, O Lord,
and let perpetual light shine upon them.
May the souls of the faithful departed
through the mercy of God rest in peace.

Amen.

Mike - your death has left another void in the department and in the lives of your family and friends. You will always be remembered as a hero. Thank you for your service.

Jeanne Placon, MPO (ret.)
Vienna Police Dept. and Fx Co Sheriff's Dept.

May 17, 2006

Thank you for your service. Your life of honor, dedication, and sacrifice will live on. We will miss you, but never forget you. God bless you and your family.

Deputy John Weinstein
Falls Church, VA Sheriff's Office

May 17, 2006

My husband woke me to tell me the news this morning, and we are devastated yet again. My heart cries for MPO Garbarino's family and friends. My love and my prayers go out to all of you. To the Fairfax County Police Dept. I know this is hard day for you. It is hard to deal with another tragic loss and still do your job. May God bless you all and may these fallen officers keep watch over you and keep you safe. Your extended police family will always be there to support you and pray for you.
MPO Garbarino was our hero in blue and now He is our Angel in white.

wife of police officer
City of Fairfax

May 17, 2006

OUR PRAYERS AND THOUGHTS ARE WITH YOU IN THIS TIME OF NEED. MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILES.

LA PORTE POLICE HONOR GUARD

DET. G. KEENE
LA PORTE POLICE, TEXAS

May 17, 2006

You will be truly missed. Our prayers are with you and your family. May you rest in peace. God bless you. Now you know all the secrets.

Dawn S.
Wife of Sherriff Dep.

May 17, 2006

MPO Garbarino:

I am so deeply saddened to hear of your passing. You fought the good fight, you were and always will be a HERO. We will NEVER forget you. I am thankful, that although it was rough, you had a few days with your loved ones, so you could feel the strength, love and admiration from so many surrounding you. I pray for peace, comfort and faith for your family. I am so truly sorry. Godspeed...we will see you in Heaven.

"When I am gone, remember I'm with my savior;
then do not mourn because I've passed away.
Life holds so many griefs and disappointments,
and will you cry because I did not stay?
'Tis only for a spell we must be parted;
not many years on earth to us are given.
And when my Savior tells me you are coming,
I'll go with Him and welcome you to Heaven.
Grieve not because the eyes that looked upon you
shall never see your face on earth again;
Rejoice, because they look upon the Savior
who gave His life to ransom sinful men.
Weep not because I walk no longer with you;
remember, I am walking streets of gold."

Kelly Gulich
Reserve Deputy, Fairfax County Sheriff's Office

May 17, 2006

We are so sorry to here about your tragic loss of a loved one in law enforcement. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you in support. As we personally know, sometimes there is little comfort that comes from words. Keep focused as you can on the memories and joyous times for these things may bring you comfort. Rely heavily on family, friends, and other law enforcement. Honor your fallen loved one, for their sacrifice will not be forgotten.


Alissa Scott
Widow of Beryl Wayne Scott
E.O.W. 09-10-02

Lisa Schultz
Widow of Don Schultz
E.O.W. 05-12-04

Co-Founders of Survivor Help Network

May 17, 2006

God bless you and may you rest in peace

Anne (Civilian) UK

May 17, 2006

MPO Mr Garbarino,
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you through this
very tragic time. May God watch over us all. This will be again a very difficult time for your community, to bury yet another fine officer. We are all praying for your family, friends, co-workers and all the men and women in blue. Rest easy BLUE ANGEL

Mishawaka In

May 17, 2006

Rest in peace.

Offc. Michael Walker
Tallahassee Police Department

May 17, 2006

Our deepest sympathy goes out to the family, friends and all the members of the Fairfax County Police Department. We were made safer by his service and we all suffer their tragic loss. The family of Officer Garbarino deserves our appreciation and gratitude for their sacrifice. No greater love has a man than the will to give his life for another. In the days to follow, may you be strengthened by the fact that Officer Garbarino is a man distinguished by exceptional courage and will always be admired for his brave deeds and noble qualities. You, your family and your sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Tom Doyle
Cary Police Department, NC

May 17, 2006

My thoughts and prayers to the family, friends and co-workers......having personally been invovled in a shooting with a subject who used an AK-47, I understand the wall they were up against that dreadful day....Thank you for being the last line of defense!! RIP brother

Ofc. Daniel R. Jones #2079 (Med.Ret)
Columbus, Ohio Division of Police

May 17, 2006

The pain of our loss is deafening yet again.

Former Fairfax County Prosecutor

May 17, 2006

May God wrap his arms around those reading these pages and give you comfort. This is such a senseless tragedy. When I read of how MPO Michael Garbarino and Vicki were killed, I was stunned. As police officers, we all know there is danger lurking around every corner. But I have always felt "safe at home" when I'm at the station. That feeling has been taken away from all of Michael and Vicki's co-workers. This past week many from my department traveled to Washington for a memorial service like no other. One we have no desire to attend for obvious reasons, but yet are very honored that our loved one is being remembered in such a way. I am sorry that you will have that opportunity as well. It is bittersweet. I hope by the time you get there you will be able to smile and tell "Michael" stories without tears. Even though I know you are not doing that now, that time will come. That is when Michael will truely be remembered for the man he was, and all the new guys who never had the opportunity to work with him will get to learn about a truely great hero. God bless to his co-workers, family and friends.

May 17, 2006

God has called home another Angel, Master police officer Michael Garbarino, a true American hero. Although I did not know you my husband worked with you at Mclean station and thought of you has his friend, He had court with you on 05/08/06, and he told me that you had talked about your wife and girls and going on vaction, and just about everyday life. We have cried many tears for you and your family. God bless you and your family. You will never be forgotten. I believe you saved many lives that day, your family should be very proud of you "Gabby"

wife, sister, friend of FCPD

May 17, 2006