Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I miss you.....

Detective
FCPD

September 28, 2006

God bless this wonderful person. I didn't know her but know she was a truely wonderful person and had a positive effect within her department and people around her. God bless this wonderful person..

September 27, 2006

I only met Det. Vicki Armel once and it was not on the best of terms. I was a young teenager living life as if I was invincible. Although I was not the teenager at my friend's house that morning that she was there for, of course I was questioned and strongly advised to make better decisions of who I associate myself with. That one experience changed my life, Detective Vicki Armel saved my life. Since, she has been in the back of my head always popping up whenever I have had to make the right decision, when many friends of mine chose the wrong one. Had I not encountered her at that very point in time, my life would have been taken down the wrong path.

Detective Armel's influence on me changed not only every future decision I have had to make but my outlook on life. I remember she asked that morning after I had gotten off the phone with my father, "What does your father think of you in this situation?" I responded that he was furious, disappointed, and hurt because he thought he had raised me to make better decisions, expecially when it came to (harmlessly) choosing friends. Then she asked me if it was worth it... Being as polite as I could I explained to her that my father's words don't mean anything to me, thats why I look to my friends. She asked where my mother was then. I told her she is who raised me and that she had passed. She asked what my mother would have thought about this. I told her I wouldn't have been here had my mother still been alive. Detective Armel then got down on my level and spoke to me with great sincerity and said, -Just because your mother is gone doesn't justify endangering yourself. You can still make good decisions and still make her proud. The so-called friends you have here have all bailed, and you are left here to speak to the police. They won't have your back so why continue having theirs. When things hit the fan your friends are answering to their parents and don't think twice about you or your well-being. Your parents ONLY have your absolute well-being in mind. Living or Dead. - Her words, that she absolutely did not have to speak, impacted me more than anyone has since my mother. It was the guidance, and sign that it was time, I needed to change my life. And I'm severely in debt to her for placing my life on the correct path and literally giving me the chance and guidance, out of one conversation, to do right from that point on.

Now I'm very regretful I didn't pay attention to the news after the first few hours on the day of the shooting in May. I heard officers had been shot and later that two had passed, but it was all clouded over in the media about the event rather than the individuals. It was 4 days ago that the Centreville Parade passed in front of my car in a Centreville shopping center. As I waited for the parade to pass, I looked to my right and saw a van parked with a bumper sticker that stated "In honor of Vicki Armel" and I felt like I had been punched in the stomach. So many thoughts ran through my head. How could I have not known that she was the detective shot months before, how could I have not done what I wished to do, by contacting her and thanking her for changing my life. I am just one young adult she touched and changed and influenced in 20 minutes, that has lasted and will last my entire life. Think about all the teenagers and adults even that she had touched in 17 years of service. Did she have family? How do I tell everyone I possibly could, all she did for me? And tonight I ran across this page online in remembrance of her.

To her family and friends: I can only say what she told me, that even if she has passed, you can still continue making her proud. Detective Armel saved me and I have never and will never forget her. Her life is one that has marked more people than imaginable and I personally give my deep condolences to her family. I am so grateful to have encountered her in my lifetime and although her time on earth was short, may she rest in peace in heaven.

I appreciate the opportunity to post this message. Thank you.

Jessica Butler
Wrong place at the wrong time

September 20, 2006

Thinking of you this day and everyday.

A Maryland Citizen

September 14, 2006

Every time I walk past your photograph, your brilliant blue eyes catch mine. Thank you for keeping me on the path.

Magistrate

September 12, 2006

Vicky,
I stumbled upon this today. Yesterday I was riding into Fairfax to see scott play and I saw a bumpersticker "In Rememberance of Vicky Armel". I welled up in tears. It had been a long time since I had seen you, but my memories are many.

k

Kelli
Childhood and adult friend

September 11, 2006

Last week, I was at an appointment for my daughter today, and I saw a women walk by with a FCPD badge and ribbon. Being me, I had to ask her about it, when she turned around, I felt that I had seen a ghost. It was your sister, with a calmness and strenght, I immediately admired. I wanted to hug her and see if there was anything I could do to help. Although, I am bound only by having a husband in the department, I felt compelled to do something. I think of your children often, and pray for you and the Garbrino's. My heart still goes out to them, and hope that somehow my prayers, are turned into compassion from God to hold them closely and ease their pain. God Speed!

FCPD Wife
Fairfax County Police Department

September 6, 2006

Thinking of you...

September 6, 2006

Thinking of you...

September 6, 2006

Vicky,

It has been months now and a day doesn't go by that you, Gabby, and your families are not thought of. The support has been suprising, but very welcomed. It makes me even more proud to put on this uniform everyday. I have the book you talked about and made a promise to myself to read it. I will continue to pray for you and your family. R.I.P.

PFC Fred Chambers
Fair Oaks Station

September 5, 2006

Thought of you today, hope Tyler and the kids are doing well.

September 3, 2006

Det. Armel, I honor your service and your sacrifice. "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called the children of God." Matthew 5:9.

Daniel
Citizen

August 29, 2006

Vicky,

I read "The Case for Easter" while on my vacation to Canada. I had started several times before but could never get through it for one reason or another. I made up my mind I was going to get it read on my vacation - and I did. As a christian, I never really examined the resurrection of Christ - but you gave me the inspiration to look at it through a police officers eyes - like you did. Thank you. I have found a peace inside the last few weeks. The 3 month mark was hard - but since that time, I have felt a calming. I think of you and Gabby daily - I work on your tribute books every day in one way or another. I feel that is my continuing bond to you both. You are missed. God bless you always Vicky.

Mary

August 28, 2006

My condolences to a fine officer, her family and department.

August 8, 2006

Three months, the pain is still so fresh. God Bless you.

August 8, 2006

Blue / Gray .... these colors don't run...Vicky proved it.

wildbill

August 8, 2006

Dear Vicky,
I left a post for you on May 9th, my daughter's 29th
birthday. I was watching the 700 Club today and recognized your picture and remembered leaving a
reflection for you. The video clip was about your testimony that was played at your funeral and the impact your life and conversion is still having on others.
Only Jesus can bring so much good out of such tragic
circumstances. Even your husband now has his name
writtten in the Lamb's Book of Life and you will be reunited some day. I know you prayed for that! Thank
you for being such a good witness for Jesus Christ, in
life and in death and for being faithful to those words
written in red. I am thankful for your fellow officer who
had the right words to share with you that one day you
were seeking answers and for your openness to the
gospel. There is nothing sweeter than hearing Jesus
say , "well done, my good and faithful servant. " Life
is so hard, but it is Jesus alone who makes it so sweet.
I'll come back another time and read all these posts.
There are 27 new ones since I left mine. Thank you for
impacting the world for Christ. I should be so bold! With love from one coast of America to the other.
Lynn Kole
Washington State

August 4, 2006

I had never heard of you or your courageous act until one night while at work with just a little time to spare, I started reading the reflections left on your page. There are no words that will bring you back, or to tell your family how sorry I am for their loss but I do want to take the time to thank you. Thank you so very very much for making that ultimate scrifice. GOD BLESS U AND YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS. REST IN PEACE SISTER!

Wilson County Kansas
Deputy & Sister of Blue

July 31, 2006

Hi Vicky-

I was with Tyler and Thomas the other day visiting the zoo. On the ride back Thomas asked if he could look at old pictures of you back at the house. Thomas didn't sound sad, he just wanted to see his mom and remember.

I remember when you and Tyler first met, your wedding, and the births of your children. You lived life to the fullest, loved your family, loved your work and laid down your life.

Each night my 2 and 4 year old end their night prayers asking God to "Bless Miss Vicky and Mr. Garbarino". Without a doubt their prayers have been answered.

You will be forever missed and never forgotten.

2nd Lt.
Fairfax County Police

July 27, 2006

Vicky

I was talking to Nancy yesterday, she finally made the move to personnel. We started talking about you and she told me about the veggie cake she made for your birthday.

I have spoken to Tyler a few times via email, he seems to be doing okay, you would be proud of him as he is of you. We all miss you and Gabby very much, things here at the station are moving forward, you will always be in our hearts.

Your Friend Vinnie

MPO Vincent DarConte
FCPD Sully Station

July 27, 2006

Vicky,
Happy Birthday!! Though I did not know you personally, not a day goes by that my family and I do not think of you, especially today on your birthday. You are a TRUE HERO!!! May you rest in peace and may God bless Tyler and the children. You are always in our thoughts and prayers.
Keep watch over us!!!

PFC J.S Morris
Fairfax County Police

July 24, 2006

Peace be with you always...

Mrs. Natalie Jensen
wife of Detective Jared Jensen EOW 2/22/06

July 15, 2006

Thank you for your service.

Ofc. S.L. Coffman #15174
California Highway Patrol

June 28, 2006

Tyler,

I waved at you the day Vicki's name was being engraved on our department memorial. I know you and your family have been surrounded by many so I have stayed away. In that quick wave, I wanted you to know how much my husband and I have been thinking of you.

As husband and wife officers, we share the same relationship as you and Vicki. We can only imagine the depth of your pain, not just for yourself but for your children. Even though I have not been able to say it directly to you, please know that a day doesn't go by that you don't cross our minds.

2LT
Fairfax County Police

June 24, 2006

I truely hope God has a special place for all our fallen Brothers & Sisters in heaven.

I also hope that God has a special place in Hell for those who kill inocent people !

Chief N. Horowitz (Ret)
Seaside Heights, NJ Police

June 24, 2006