Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

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

GOD Bless You Brother. We Remember.

MDS. Rich Reeves (Retired) Fairfax County Sheriff’s Office

May 17, 2025

GOD Bless You Mike. We Remember

MDS. Rich Reeves (Retired) Fairfax County Sheriff’s Office

May 17, 2024

Gabby,
Think of you everyday... You are a true HERO!.

JW
OPSEC/SPC

February 20, 2024

I just visited your memorial God bless you.

Michael Ledoux
Nashua Police Department

September 15, 2022

GOD Bless you today and always Mike.

MDS. Rich Reeves (Retired) Fairfax County Sheriff’s Office

May 17, 2022

GOD Bless you Mike on this 15th Anniversary of your passing. We remember.

MDS. Rich Reeves (Retired) Fairfax County Sheriff’s Office

May 17, 2021

I remember this incident very well and the wake up call it presented walking out the back door of the Troop everyday. Thank you for your service and please know that your sacrifice will never, ever be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren. Rest in peace always.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

May 8, 2021

Rest in heavenly peace

Mark Mottola

May 17, 2020

You will never be forgotten. Our conversation about finally making our retirements will always haunt me. Thank you for your friendship over the years. Your loss will always be felt by those who had the privilege of knowing you. We will meet again down the road my friend. Until then, Rest In Peace.

John
Retired FCPD MPO

April 7, 2020

Rest in peace Master Police Officer Garbarino.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 30, 2019

Thinking of you today. You were and will always be a true hero.

M015
Fairfax County Police Dept.

May 17, 2019

Rest In Peace Brother LEO. Thank you and your family for your sacrifice and service. Never forgotten.

Officer Mike Robinson (Ret.)
Upland Police Dept. CA

May 8, 2019

Mike,
You are in my thoughts and prayers today. Your courage has not been forgotten.

MPO Jim Hepler (Retired)
Fairfax County Police

May 8, 2018

Rest In Peace Brother in Blue. Thank you and your family for your sacrifice and service.

Officer Mike Robinson (Ret)
Upland Police Dept. CA

May 8, 2018

Master Police Officer Michael Garbarino, Rest in Peace. You will not be forgotten

Retired Second Lieutenant Victor LoPreto
Fairfax County Police Department

May 8, 2017

You were one of my best friends in high school. I've thought of you many times over the years but think of you even more since this happened. Born one day apart I always say a prayer for you and your family on my birthday. You were a good kid Gabber and one of the nicest people I have ever met.

Harry Staub
childhood friend

April 16, 2017

Bless the officers and their families who put their lives on the line everyday to keep us safe. Our love is with those who carry this hero's memory.

A. Robinson
Local Citizen

April 6, 2017

I had an opportunity to meet Mike's wife Sue and daughter Kate this past Wednesday at a local fundraiser for the VPSF. They are two strong individuals who spoke so highly of their husband/dad. I never had an opportunity to meet Mike, but learned in a very brief two hours just how much he was and still is loved.

Bob Nelson
Originator of Law Appreciation Wednesday

February 26, 2017

IN HONORE CASORUM - Gone but not forgotten

Officer R. Miller
Durham NY PD

May 8, 2016

Thinking of you and Vicky this week Mike.. Always listening. And Never Forget..

MPO Terri Doyle (Ret)
Fairfax County Police

May 7, 2016

Your courage allowed you to warn your brethren, but in the process your life was cut to short. May the Lord bless your family always. Rest in peace my brother.

Sgt Don Barton
Garden City PD, Michigan

May 1, 2016

Thinking of you today... No particular reason. We will not give up the fight.

Anon

February 25, 2016

Gabby,
We attended the Academy together in 1983. I was there only part time, yet I do remember you to this day! Your personality was so welcooming and as a quiet soul, you offered me much support! Since that awful Day in May, I have prayed for your family! Rest In Peace, brother! May God continue to Bless your family.

Detective Carol Miller, RET
Arlington County Police Department

May 24, 2015

Time may have passed but you are not forgotten. I believe as long as someone remembers you or speaks your name, you are still with us.
Thank you for your heroism.
God Bless

Detention Officer A.Zambito
Texas

May 17, 2015