Master Police Officer Michael E. Garbarino

Officer Garbarino, i'm sorry for what happened to you that day 19 years ago, as you and Mrs. Armel's deaths were unnceccessary and unjustified. Luckily however, your killer was taken out afterwards, meaning he didn't stand a chance to get another breath of oxygen again. To be fair, i think it was best to put him into the ground, because clearly the shooter wouldn't ever change even had he gotten the help he needed. But nonetheless, it still won't make up for the fact he murdered 2 police officers and took away a husband, a father, a son, and more. However, i'm sure your kids have truly learned about their father's legacy, as it was unfortunately left behind due to a senseless coward who wanted to harm police. But all in all, you were a police officer for over 20 years, and reached the rank of Master Police Officer, which in itself takes a long time to reach and achieve, but it's only a hint of how strong and brave you were as an officer and a man, meaning you were a hardworker. But not only that, you spent some of your years providing for your children in the process, meaning you were selfless to those who you loved and cared about. During those 20 years as an officer, you made a quite larger impact than what you thought you did at the time of your death. I did learn that when the shooter began and you were struck, you were able to radio to the other officers to stay inside and be aware, which goes to show that even in your last moments you helped save the lives of others by warning them of the danger that was putting everyone's lives at risk that day. Although i never personally knew or met you, i can tell you were truly loved and well-liked by everybody in the city of Fairfax, meaning that there's people out there who have met you and got a glimpse of who you were as a police officer and as an individual, since those who met you can continue your memory of being alive by telling stories about you and the things you did during your career. But however, i do think that there could've been a different way for what occured on that day. From what i read, the teen who took you and Vicky's lives that day had a history of mental illness and was overall a untreated person. I think that had he gotten the help he needed and realized what he was capable of doing, it wouldn't have had to end up the way it did. Although his actions were vile and unlawful, i think that there could've been a different resort, had he gotten the proper treatment for his illness. But in conclusion, your service to the citizens of Fairfax won't be forgotten nor parished, as your service will always be remembered by not just those who met you, but the impact you left during your time alive. As of now, may you rest in peace knowing your service overall is appreciated, and that your killer is recieving his punishment in the afterlife for his actions, and that you won't be forgotten as long as everyone remembers you or says your name. Rest Well Mr. Garbarino

Morgan, a civilian supporter of the blue line

June 3, 2025