Fairfax County Police Department, Virginia
End of Watch Monday, May 8, 2006
Reflections for Detective Vicky Anne Owen Armel
I attended your funeral while in D.C. for National Police Week 2006, where we placed the name of my best friend, CPL Mark D. Jones, E.O.W. 2/27/05, on the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial. I attended with Sgt. Tim Herbert of the South Carolina Highway Patrol, who was also in town to honor a fallen comrade. Both of us were honored to be there to pay our respects to a true hero. As we were told what had happened by several of your fellow officers, I couldn't help but think about the day your name will be added to the memorial. Prior to moving to South Carolina, I worked for 12 years on the Loudoun County Sheriff's Office, and have been searching my memory to see if our paths have ever crossed. To your husband and children, I offer my condolences, and a reminder that we are all family, and will draw strength to carry on from each other, and from God, who is the only one that knows why things like this happen. I'm proud to serve in the same profession as you, and only hope if I am ever faced with a similar situation, that I will act as bravely and unselfishly as you did. God Bless you and your family.
PFC C.H. Shiflett
Hardeeville S.C. PD, former Loudoun Co. S.O.
June 22, 2006
Vicky,
Not a day goes by since May 8, 2006 that I have not thought about or been reminded of you. It has been 2 or 3 years since I last talked to you but I still can rember some of the happy times that I was graced to have known you.
I remember that you were the only good looking one on that entire shift at the ADC ( Sorry Ken and the rest of the guys!) I remember your first DWI arrest you brought in from Reston, I looked at that guy and thought "wow he's a good DIP" only to see you bring him into the ASAP room for a test, there you calmed him down and charmed him in to taking the test, I don't know how but you did it, I am sure he is still sitting somewhere wondering why he did that test.
I went to the range two weeks ago and said to myself that I would shoot a perfect score like you allways did in your honor. I know you were up there behind me in the red shirt and purposly made me pull those last few shots out of the "Q" and laughed about it, but don't worry someday I will get the 100 and I will put the can and brass with some nice flowers up at Brightview with a note on it for you.
I included those reflections becuase I hope that if we all can look back on what you and Mike paid for on that day in May and find some laughter or hope we can all strive to be better policemen and women, fathers, and people.It was a comfort to know that you had found faith in God and Jesus and it made your passing, while still oh so hard, just slightly more bearable knowing that you passed into the kingdom of heaven. I now go home and hold my wife ( also a police officer) that much harder knowing that our time here is brief and we need to make the most of our lives while we can. I hope Tyler and the kids can find some peace and comfort in the words that we write here knowing that you made such an impact on us all in your own special way.
I know that for the rest of my days every time I pop the cruiser door and hit the street or knock on that door in the night that you and Mike will watch over us all and protect us from the kingom of heaven and I am sure you will protect your family as well
You are and allways will be a bright and shining star never forgotten and allways remebered.
You go girl!
Alexy
Alexy J Abdo
HPD
June 21, 2006
Vicky, I remember you well when you worked in the ADC. You were always smiling and above all, your bubbly personality shined through all the time. Rest in peace. My prayers are with you and your family.
Sergeant
Fairfax County Sheriff's Office
June 21, 2006
The show of support from our brothers and sisters in the Law Enforcement community has been very moving. While the reflections are, at times, difficult for me to read, I know they come from the heart of everyone who has taken the time to write. So I will continue to read. These reflections will also help my children learn even more about their Mom and her job as they grow older. Thank you for that. God Bless. Tyler Armel
Detective Tyler Armel
Vicky's Husband
June 20, 2006
I did not know Vicky personally, but I was at her funeral and I watched from the stage the family and friends who came to honor her. It was an amazing testimony of how she came to know the Lord, and how in six minutes she was able to share the gospel with thousands of people that day. It was an honor to help out that day at McLean Bible Church, and I will always pray for the family and the 2 children Vicky leaves behind.
It is always sad to hear of such a story, but it is amazing to know the Lord used her experiencce in such a powerful way to show us his grace and love for all his people.
God Bless to you all, and please always know that Vicky was a light into a very dark world.
Heather
Heather
June 17, 2006
Vicky-
It has taken me awhile to get to this point;
I learned more about selflessness, sacrifice, duty and honor on May 8th in those minutes of horror realizing that it was happening to us, our family, our band of brothers... Your heroism, dedication and self sacrifice will never be forgotten. I resolve to be a better person, a better cop in your honor until my last day when I hope to see you again. Thank you for your service, your comradeship and the love you showed us all that day. "A hero is someone who has given her life to something bigger than oneself", we serve so that others may cherish the great freedoms of this country. “The legacy of heroes is the memory of a great name and the inheritance of a great example.”
Sleep well my sister.
Detective
Fairfax County Police Department
June 14, 2006
I come to the ODMP often to remember my late fiancé Dennis. Everytime I come here it breaks my heart to know that yet another officer has fallen and that yet another family has to live their lives without the woman they loved. My heart goes out to everyone who knew and loved Detective Armel, especially to her husband. Know that you are not alone in the "journey" that you walk. Should you ever need anything please don't hesitate to contact me. The Davis Co. Sheriff's Office in Iowa will always know how to reach me. You will be in my thoughts.
From reading all the reflections left for Vicky, she sounds like she was a great woman with a beautiful spirit. Those of you who knew her in life were so blessed to have been able to share in it. I hope that you will all continue to find a way to celebrate and remember Vicky's life and the WOMAN that she was. Remember that Vicky's life was about so much more than the way she died. Vicky will continue to live on as long as we continue to remember her.
Detective Armel, thank you for helping to make this world a little safer for us all. YOU will not be forgotten. Please continue to watch over all of us as only you can. If you happen to bump into my fiancé Dennis up there give him a big hug for me and the kids. It's been three years but we still miss him terribly.
Wishing you brighter and better days,
Jocelyne :)
"Forever Remembering 26-3"
Jocelyne Brar (Winnipeg, MB Canada)
Fiancee of Deputy Dennis Ray McElderry (EOW: 01/03/03)
June 10, 2006
One month and it still hurts so bad. I wish it was all a dream. God bless you. Take care of Gabby.
June 8, 2006
MY CONDOLECES GOES TO THE FAIRFAX COUNTY POLICE DEPT AND DET.VICKY ARMEL'S FAMILY,,REST IN PEACE MY TRUE HERO,NEVER FORGOTTEN
OFC.J.L."PEPE'"HERNANDEZ
ALBUQUERQUE POLICE DEPT.(NM)
June 6, 2006
Officer Armel,
Although I didn't know you personally, I was saddened to hear about your death. The morning after the shooting it was all over the news. My heart goes out to your friends and family for I too have lost several friends from my previous sheriff's department (Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department). Being a dispatcher, a piece of my heart goes out to all of you who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. You are my heroes! RIP and live on inside your two children who I'm sure will miss, love, and honor you forever!
Melissa: Telecommunications Equipment Op
Pentagon Force Protection Agency, and Fairfax County Resident
June 5, 2006
May GOD bless your family and friends now. They are in my thoughts and prayers. R.I.P.
Shirley Roberts
Aunt of Fallen Hero John Logan EOW-3-14-04
June 5, 2006
Detective Armel
Thank you and god bless
I Believe- Diamond Rio
Every now and then soft as breath upon my skin
I feel you come back again
And it’s like you haven’t been gone a moment from my side,
Like the tears were never cried,
Like the hands of time were pulling you and me.
And with all my heart I’m sure we’re closer than we ever were,
I don’t have to hear or see I’ve got all the proof I need.
There are more than angels watching over me
I believe
Oh I believe
Now when you die and life goes on, I
t doesn’t end here
When you’re gone every soul has found a flight
It never ends if I’m right.
Our love can even reach across eternity.
I believe
Oh I believe
Forever you’re a part of me,
Forever in the heart of me,
I will hold you even longer if I can.
Oh the people, who don’t see the most,
See that I believe in ghosts.
If that makes me crazy then I am
Cuz I believe
Oh I believe
There are more than angels watching over me.
I believe
Oh I believe
Every now and then soft as breath upon my skin,
I feel you come back again
And I believe.
Sydney
June 3, 2006
My thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Detective Armel. I know that she will be greatly missed. She will continue her watch walking the streets of gold!
Beth Anderson
Wife of Alcoa TN. police officer
June 2, 2006
I stood at Sully Station on the day of the funeral as thousands of law enforcement personnel streamed past. I stood long and I stood proud as I realized you now protect and serve God. I pray for you, your family, and the community for the loss of one of Fairfax County's finest. Rest well, Detective. . . your watch here has ended.
B. Clark
Fairfax HOG
June 2, 2006
When an officer stands their ground in the name of the law,
that officer is doing their duty.....when an officer dies going for it...it means a great deal more.
I am only comforted by the fact that the person responsible paid the ulitmate punishment.
FAIRFAX POLICE...Continue to hold your heads up.
You have my deepest respect and prayers.
S.A. Wilson
June 1, 2006
Dearest Vicky "O", Tyler and Family,
I had the distinct pleasure of being Vicky's Training Officer upon her arrival to The Sheriff's Office. That is when she gave me a little Pomeranian dog named "Reno". She turned out to be the love of my life, just like Vicky is to you. Well we lost Reno about 4 years ago, a tragedy that I took very hard. On May 8th came another tragedy. One we will never totally understand or comprehend. Not a day goes by that I don't think of you Tyler, or Vicky. My heart goes out to you, your children and family. Now retired I went out 5/24 and got a 3 month old Pomeranian and I named her Miss Vicky in memory of your loving wife.
God Bless to all Fairfax County Law Enforcement Officers!
E. Byram Sgt (Retired)
FxCo Sheriff's Office
June 1, 2006
"Death" is a heartache no one can heal,"Love is a memory no one can steal, Wilhelm Jonach.
xwjonac
st7
June 1, 2006
Vicky,I will miss your bubbly personality.I have the last memory of you in the conference room on May 8 just minutes before the shooting.Its a good memory of you - laughing and joking. I will miss having you here at the station to help out with the "girl" touches that we had to give things during the holidays. I will miss your office full of your children's Christmas presents and talking to you about them. You were so happy when you finally found out you were pregnant with Thomas. And then Masen. They were the stars in your eyes. You did what you did best on May 8 - you stood your ground and you gave it your all. I was heartbroke when I heard you had passed away, but I was also very proud of you. And like you had said on an email "Girl Power". That sums you up in every possible way. You will be missed Vicky, but never forgotten. It is an honor to call you my sister.
PFC Mary Hulse
Sully District Police Station
May 31, 2006
How saddened we were to learn of this horrific incident. I am a mother that also wore a uniform of service. Your sacrifice honors all who serve, and has protected more than we will know. God bless you and your family always.
Sandra Michelle Farr
Fellow Citizen of Northern Virginia
May 30, 2006
Thanks for your service to the County and to the Sully District. You will always be deeply respected and admired.
Steve Rutledge
FCPD VIPS (Sully Station)
Sully District Resident
Steve Rutledge - VIPS FCPD
May 30, 2006
My heart goes out to your family and friends. Words are just not enough, yet are all we have to offer at a time like this. From one sheepdog to another, I am proud to be part of that thin blue line with you.
SGT. Teresa M. Quinn
Mt. Olive Police Dept. NC
May 29, 2006
My families thoughts are with your family as they go through this time. You are truly a hero in so many ways, only last of which was coming to the aid of your friend/fellow officer. Thank you for your years of service to protect myself and my children, while we were living under your watch for so many years. You will be missed surely among your family, friends, co-workers...but also among your citizens that you served so proudly. May god bless you and hold your family's hand as they move through this.
Lee Anne Sorto
prior citizen of Fairfax County
May 29, 2006
My prayers are with the friends and family of Detective Armel. Never let your Department and community forget your fallen hero's.
Mike Bradford
Invest. Mike Bradford; Ret
Tallahassee (Fl) Police Dept
May 28, 2006
WE MISS YOU..YOUR THE PERFECT COP TO TO THE END.THAT THINBLUELINE..AND ILL READ "THE CASE FOR EASTER"..AND ILL SEE YOU IN THE AFTERLIFE...THANKS FOR YOUR COURAGE THAT DAY TO SAVE YOUR FELLOW FRIENDS/OFFICERS.
NEVER WILL YOU BE FORGOTTEN VICKY O!
GABBY IS THERE WITH YOU NOW TELL HIM HI AND,, I LOVE YOU GUYS!
SULLY OFC./FRIEND/
FAIRFAX FAMILY/AMERICAN
May 26, 2006
I would like to extend my deepest sympathies to the Armel family and the entire Fairfax County Police Dept. This is such a senseless and tragic loss that the entire law enforcement and corrections community is experiencing. We have lost another fellow officer, but in I know that Det. Armel is patrolling the streets of heaven, Cpl. Makowski was the true definition of a hero that will be deeply missed but never forgotten.
Heaven has called another hero to come across the Thin Blue Line
R.I.P Det. Armel
10-7, 10-42 God Bless
CO I
WV Division of Juvenile Services
May 26, 2006
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