Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Mike,
I wish you Sue and the kids a very Merry Christmas.

A J ABDO
HPD

December 24, 2006

Mike, I just wanted to say Merry Christmas to you and your family. I have been thinking of you a great deal and I miss you dearly. Yesterday the Washington Post published an article about you and Vicky and the actions both of you took in an attempt to save lives.

I was lucky enough to work with you for many years and know how dedicated you are to both the public and to the greatest Police Department in this country. In your honor and Vicky's I have included the article from the Washington Post that shows the acts of bravery that you and Vicky took. I want the people who come upon your reflections and that of Vicky's to understand exactly what the two of you did.

You are my hero....Merry Christmas


Medals of Valor for Slain Sully Officers
Police Divulge New Details of May Shootout

By Tom Jackman
Washington Post Staff Writer
Wednesday, December 20, 2006; B01



When the shooting started outside the Sully police station May 8, Fairfax County Detective Vicky O. Armel could have ducked behind her car or run back inside. Instead, she tried to draw fire away from a fellow officer and decided to shoot it out with a deranged teenager carrying far more firepower.

The gunman, wielding an AK-47-type rifle, fired 20 shots at officer Michael E. Garbarino, hitting him five times. But Garbarino stayed on his police radio, instructing people how to respond and avoid danger, praying aloud and then staggering to a helicopter, vowing, "I'm not going to die here."

Armel and Garbarino both died at the hands of 18-year-old Michael W. Kennedy, who was then killed by two other officers. Fairfax County police yesterday revealed powerful new details of the historic shooting to coincide with the announcement of the county Chamber of Commerce's annual valor awards.

"My men and women on May 8 just responded with incredible courage," Fairfax Chief David M. Rohrer said. Rohrer listened to Garbarino's radio transmissions that afternoon, advising where a rescue helicopter could safely land and warning officers from a nearby federal agency to stay away.

"It's what you fear, as a chief," Rohrer said. "We heard this ongoing; we heard the gunfire in the background."

In an 18-page narrative, police filled in many of the missing pieces from their most tragic day, including how two officers from other stations came up with an impromptu plan to ambush Kennedy and end the siege at Sully.

Police said yesterday that Kennedy had tried and failed to steal two vehicles from his neighborhood in Centreville before stealing a white van on his third attempt. He wore camouflage-style clothes, kneepads, a ski mask and a vest loaded with ammunition. Police said he carried an AK-47 type rifle, a .30-06 rifle, four .22-caliber handguns and one .38-caliber handgun.

Kennedy drove the van into the back parking lot of the Sully station at 3:52 p.m. Garbarino, 53, and Armel, 40, had both walked into the lot about the same time and then walked to their cars in separate areas of the lot. Garbarino's shift had just ended, and police think he was sitting in his unmarked cruiser to log off his computer before getting into his car to begin his vacation.

Armel went to her unmarked car to investigate Kennedy's carjacking. She put on her bulletproof vest and was outside her car when Kennedy, on foot and just a few yards from Garbarino, began firing into Garbarino's car.

Garbarino called in the shooting and radioed instructions for a rescue helicopter to land in the station's front lot. Rohrer said Garbarino was probably in and out of consciousness.

"Garbarino prayed and asked God's forgiveness for his sins," the police narrative continues, "all the while continuing to guide his fellow officers."

Kennedy apparently had not spotted Armel. But she somehow attracted his attention to draw him away from Garbarino. She fired seven shots from her 9 mm handgun, police said, and Kennedy then directed his attack toward her.

"She could have left," Rohrer said. "She engaged Mr. Kennedy with a desire to save lives."

Armel was struck in the chest with a .30-06 round that pierced her vest, but she still made it inside her car. She fired four more times at Kennedy, even as she was hit twice more in the legs with AK-47 rounds.

Officer Richard A. Lehr was sitting in another corner of the parking lot, in his sport-utility vehicle, waiting for his shift to begin. He had no police radio and didn't know anyone else had been wounded. He climbed into the back of the vehicle, police said, put on his bulletproof vest, picked up his revolver and started shooting at Kennedy.

Lehr believed he had struck Kennedy in the upper body, knocking him down, police said. But Lehr soon ran out of ammunition. He darted into the station, barely evading Kennedy's gunfire, reloaded and, instead of waiting for the gunfight to end, went back outside.

Officers Mark Dale, a K-9 officer, and Jeffrey Andrea of the Mount Vernon station heard Garbarino on the radio and went to help. Meeting up along Stonecroft Boulevard, the two quickly devised a plan to enter the woods next to the parking lot. Dale had an M-16 rifle and a handgun; Andrea had a handgun.

The two officers began firing through a chain-link fence, woven with plastic slats, once they spotted Kennedy. Kennedy went down, and both officers jumped over the fence -- even though they had no idea whether Kennedy was dead or acting alone. The two are credited with killing Kennedy. Meanwhile, officer William F. Horn and Lt. Boyd F. Thompson led the effort to help pull Garbarino to safety.

Kennedy had recently fled from a mental health facility in Maryland, and was free on bond after a carjacking near the facility. His parents are being investigated by federal authorities for possibly allowing him illegal access to their cache of guns. Their attorney, Richard F. MacDowell, declined to comment last night.

Armel and Garbarino were the first Fairfax officers slain in the department's 66-year history. They and Lehr will receive the first gold medals for valor since 1997. Two others -- a Fairfax police officer in 1994 and a Fairfax firefighter in 1997 -- have received the gold medal since the chamber began recognizing public service bravery in 1978.

For months, Fairfax police declined to discuss the shootings. But they released the narrative yesterday to coincide with the chamber's announcement of the awards, police spokeswoman Mary Ann Jennings said. The awards will be given at a luncheon March 1.

MPO Perry Knicely
Fairfax County PD - Retired

December 21, 2006

Gabby, today the valor award recipients were announced. How we wish you and Vicky could be there in March '07 to accept your gold medals in person! You are my heroes...

Fairfax County Dispatcher
Fairfax County DPSC

December 19, 2006

Please know that you and Vicky are in our thoughts every day, especially now as the holidays are approaching. I know that you are watching over us. God Bless You! Merry Christmas to you and your families!

SRO
FCPD

December 19, 2006

Gabby it has been 7 months today that the Lord called you home, I know you are in a beautiful place, you are a Angel. My heart still hurts so much for what has happen to you and your family. I know you died doing what you loved, you are my hero and will always be. I pray your wife and girls have found some peace. That day in May changed everything, it really taught me how short life is. Please watch over your brothers and sisters on the street. God bless you

Proud wife of Fairfax county officer

December 17, 2006

Mike, God bless you and your family, not a day goes by that I don't think of you and Vicky...Thank you for everything you did for me, your kind words of support meant so much to me then and now. I read this poem yesterday and thought of you and about our conversations.

With the gift of listening comes the gift of healing, because listening to your brother's or sister's until they have said the last words in their hearts is healing and consoling.
Someone has said that it is possible "To listen a person's soul into existence". I like that... Catherine deHueck Doherty..
With the holiday around the corner I wanted to say Merry Christmas to you and I will always hear you.

Terri
RFPD

December 12, 2006

Gabby,
I will always remember our times together, specially 9-11.
You have set the example for the rest of us LEO's to follow my brother. Watch over us there and bless your family throught the holidays.....

"Heroes Live Forever"

December 12, 2006

"I give eternal life to them. They will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand." JOHN 10:25-28

Rest in peace brother.
"Heroes Live Forever"

December 12, 2006

Mike--
You are remembered each and every day. My children ask God to bless Mr. Garbarino and Ms. Vicki every night. It was an honor to meet you some 18 years ago. I am certain you are watching over your family and those you were forced to leave behind.
May you rest in peace knowing your actions saved so many many lives.

Lt. Bill Desmond
FXX Co PD

December 4, 2006

Gabby,

With the Christmas season coming up, you are thought of fondly. I still miss our talks but I feel very fortunate for the ones we did share. I came across a poem that so reminded me of you and Vicky during this time of year. It's called "Merry Christmas From Heaven":

I still hear the songs
I still see the lights
I still feel your love
on cold wintery nights

I still share your hopes
and all of your cares
I'll even remind you
to please say your prayers

I just want to tell you
you still make me proud
You stand head and shoulders
above all the crowd

Keep trying each moment
to stay in His grace
I came here before you
to help set your place

You don't have to be
perfect all of the time
He forgives you the slip
If you continue the climb

To my family and friends
please be thankful today
I'm still close beside you
In a new special way

I love you all dearly
now don't shed a tear
Cause I'm spending my
Christmas with Jesus this year.

(Unpublished work, copyright 1989, John Wm Mooney, Jr.)

You are missed every day Gabby. Your laughter and humor stills lingers in the hallways of the station. Merry Christmas Gabby. May God bless you always.

Mary

November 29, 2006

As I read ODMP this morning, with my coffee, I realize how fortunate I am. The memory of this horrific event comes rushing back. My thoughts and prayers are for your family,friends and colleagues that are left to move on. You will be forever remembered with love by them and with gratitude by the rest of us. You are a hero for your service. Your sacrifice will not be forgotten.

Sergeant Brian Bowman
Toronto Police Service, Canada

November 27, 2006

Some walk the earth and only do for themselves, Mike walked this earth and gave something to us all. Your wife and kids glow with the pride of having you as a husband and dad. We love you and miss you brother.

Friend from Sully
FCPD

November 26, 2006

Happy Thanksgiving Mike.

Alexy Abdo

November 23, 2006

Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
God Speed.

wife
FCPD/NTPD

November 23, 2006

Gabby,
We miss you. My 3 year old daughter remember "Uncle Gabby" each night. You are a true Hero, "Heroes Live Forever". God bless you always, watch over our families, brothers and sisters.

November 17, 2006

I was at Sta1 the other day. I just looked around and reflected.

November 7, 2006

Oh Gabby, still wishing this was a bad dream, time marches on, but things will never be same. Why do people do bad things to such good people.

November 7, 2006

Thinking of you today. Thank you for your service.

Maryland Citizen

November 4, 2006

I was saddened to hear the tragic news. I had the pleasure of working with Mike at McLean Station from 85-87. He made a great impression on this rookie patrolman and was a great role model. My thoughts and prayers are with the Garbarino family and the FCPD family.

Detective Jack Gordon
Melbourne Police Dept. FL

October 24, 2006

Mike it still hurts and I miss you

Detective
Fairfax County Police

September 29, 2006

I still remember when this shooting came across the teletype at the Troop and the feeling of vulnerability that came across me knowing that it occurred right at the station. You are a true hero and will always be remembered for your sacrifice.

Cpl/1 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police

September 28, 2006

Gabby thinking of you, and praying your wife and girls are doing ok!

September 28, 2006

Dear Mike,

You were like my 4th son. I love you dearly,

Love,

Your second Mom.

Elsie Schneider
Family Friend

September 23, 2006

Hello, my name is Bonnie. Mike was my two older brother's (Steve & Dave) best friend growing up in North Jersey. I have three brothers but always felt like I had a 4th in Mike. Even as a child he was the most pleasant person with a heart of gold, which followed through to adulthood. My heart as well as my families heart's are broken over the loss of Mikes life, he will never be forgotten - we love you Mike!

Bonnie Schneider Tomasello
Family Friend

September 23, 2006

Gabber,
I know I talked you into becoming a police offier. You make me feel so proud of you!
I will always cherish our childhood memories, especially hunting and fishing. I remember a certain day we went trout fishing at Ringwood in our hip boots. It wasn't long before you fell in and your mother had to take you home to get changed. You came right back and fell in again!
Also, the time we were swinging on the rope across the stream-----and you fell in.
What was it with you and cold water?
Then there was the time we were sleeping out behind your parents house. You were half asleep and thought that slug was a peach. Now, that was funny!
You always have been and always will be my oldest and dearest friend. Walk with God forever!


Love, Steve S.

Steve S.
N.J. Dept. of Corrections, friend and classmate from kindergarten on..

September 22, 2006