Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

It is amazing how you have touched so many lives. You left your mark on the hearts of everyone you met and even on those of us who did not have the pleasure of knowing you personally. Tyler, Mason, and Thomas--the pain you are feeling now is unbearable. I hope you can find some comfort in the realization that your wife and mommy was truly a hero.

Karen McElroy
wife of retired officer, Mike McElroy

May 12, 2006

Vicky,
You are a true american hero. You rest in peace and keep a watch over us while you are in the great sky above.

Patrol Officer
Virginia State University Police Department

May 12, 2006

Vicky, I didn't know you but I've worked with your fellow brothers and sisters for 22 years and I've witnessed the 'family spirit' you all share. You've paid the ultimate price that we all think about but never mention... My heart goes out to your family, your babies, your coworkers and friends but I'm sure you're looking down on them all, still protecting. Godspeed, Vicky...

sue
PWC PD civilian

May 12, 2006

I send my condolences to the Armel family and friends. Rest in peace My Sister Vicky, you are a true hero and will never be forgotten for your honor, service and courage...God Bless

PFC Ariel J. Rodriguez
Fairfax County Sheriff's Office

May 12, 2006

It was stunned to hear of the death of detective Vicky Armel. I share with many the shock and sorrow of this tragic news; and my heart crys out in sympathy to you and to the family of detective Armel. She will be missed greatly. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers these days, and that I sympathize greatly with your loss. God Bless you and your Family.

Sincerely,
Daniel B Valentini

Reserve Deputy, Daniel B Valentini
Fairfax County Sheriff's Office

May 12, 2006

Several times a week we check this page and read of the officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice. We always prayed we would never have another one from our own department listed here. The greatest deed a person can do is to lay down their life to save a friend, and that’s exactly what Vicky has done. She gave her life trying to save the life of the wounded officer, and protect the other officers inside the Sully Station. Vicky was an outstanding wife and mother, one hell of a god cop, and a wonderful friend. To Tyler and their children, our thoughts and prayers are with you. The rest of your FCPD family is here when you need us. To Vicky, we’ll miss your warm smile, your wonderful laughter and your witty personality. You are a true hero and an example to every officer on our department. You exhibited the courage and bravery that every officer hopes they have inside of them. You will truly be missed, but you will never be forgotten.

Fellow Officer - Mclean Station
Fairfax County Police Dept

May 12, 2006

My most heartfelt condolences to your family. Your courage and devotion to duty will always inspire us and keep you in our hearts. God bless you and keep you.

Deputy John M. Weinstein
Falls Church (VA) Sheriff's Office

May 12, 2006

God bless Detective Vicky O. Armel, her family, and the Fairfax County Police Department

Corporal P.R. OLIVER
Royal Canadian Mounted Police

May 12, 2006

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. God Bless

Sean Hickman
Metropolitan Police Dept., D.C.

May 12, 2006

>> The Judgment:
The officer stood and faced her God,
Which must always come to pass.
She hoped her shoes were shinning,
Just as brightly as his brass.

"Step forward now, officer,
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To my church have you been true?"
The officer squared her shoulder and said,
"No, Lord, I guess I aint,
Because those of us who carry badges
can't always be a saint.
I've had to work most Sundays,
And at times my talk was rough,
And sometimes I've been violent
Because the streets are tough.
But I never took a penny
That wasn't mine to keep..
Though I worked a lot of overtime,
when the bills got too steep.
And I never passed a cry for help
Though at times I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God forgive me,
I've wept a tear.
I know I don't deserve a place among the people here.
They never wanted me around except to calm their fear.
If you've a place for me here, Lord,
it needn't be so grand.
I never expected or had too much,
But if you don't ... I'll understand.
There was silence all around the throne,
where the saints often trod.
As the officer waited quietly
for the judgment of her God.
"Step forward now, Officer.
You've borne your burdens well.
Come walk a beat on heaven's streets,
You've done your time in hell"

Go Bless, you will always be in our thoughts.

LT
Fairfax County Office of the Sheriff

May 12, 2006

Vicky,
Thank you for your unselfish contributions to the department. Your actions on that tragic day are truely heroic and speak volumes of your dedication to your brothers and sisters. There is a void left behind that will never be filled. May you rest in peace.

Tyler,
Brother, it hit me hard when I heard of your loss. I found your families contributions to this department quite evident on that day. From Vicky's sacrafice to the heroic efforts made by the very same detectives you are so instrumental in training. I have learned from working with you and learned from merely knowing Vicky. You should know that we are here for you now and will be in the long days ahead. May God Bless You and your dear family

Sgt. K.D. Barrington/PFC Liz Barrington
Mason/Fair Oaks

May 12, 2006

Vicky

I remember the first time I saw you at the Association Hall when you were a Deputy working at the Range, and I thought, “What a pretty girl.”

I remember when I saw you doing your drivers training so you could transition to the Police Department, and I thought, “What a skilled operator.”

I remember when you came to my Squad and Team and were being trained by Wild Bill, and I thought, “What potential.”

I remember working with you as a Road Dog, and I thought, “What a great Cop!”

I remember sitting at the back gate of the Station one night and while talking with you and I thought, “What a great Person.”

I remember walking into the Station for a Midnight Shift and seeing you there getting ready to do a Stake-Out and I thought, “What a dedicated Detective.”

And now as I sit here wiping the tears from my eyes after reading 19 pages of Reflections at four o’clock in the morning after finishing an overtime shift at your Station so the rest of the Brother/Sisterhood can prepare for your Funeral, my only thought is, “What a tragic loss.”

Lt. Victor LoPreto
FCPD

May 12, 2006

To the Armel Family, My heart goes out to you all. Det. Armel as a mother, wife, and special person who dedicated her time and effort not only to the sheriff department but also to the police department. Where ever you are this poem is for you.
Policemen's Prayer

Dear Lord, be with me on my beat
This day and every day.
Grant that each weary block I walk,
May ease a brothers way.



Let me be kindly to the old
And to the young, be strong
But let me triumph over those
Whose acts are cruel and wrong.



And if according to your plan,
I am to lose my life,
Please bless with your protecting hand
My children and my wife.

Deputy #0286
Sheriff Office

May 12, 2006

When I heard of the attack upon the men and women of Fairfax County PD, I was at work on the evening shift and I felt utter shock and disbelief of how this could happen. My heart goes out to the family, friends and co workers of Det. Armel. May you rest in peace hero. You are a shinning light in the fight for justice. God speed.

PO II RT Flynn
Lynchburg PD

May 12, 2006

I extend my heartfelt condolences to the family of Detective Armel and the Fairfax county Police Department. Our departments have been brought together by two tragic losses. Remember, It is not how Detective Armel and Officer Gary Skerski died that made them Heroes. It is how they lived. Detective Armel, may you rest in peace and along with Gary watch over us.

Detective John Halligan
Philadelphia Police Department

May 12, 2006

I believe this song by Vince Gill sums up all that I think needs to be said:
I know your life
On earth was troubled
And only you could know the pain
You weren't afraid to face the devil
You were no stranger to the rain

Go rest high on that mountain
Son, you work on earth is done
Go to heaven a shoutin'
Love for the father and son

Oh, how we cried the day you left us
We gathered round your grave to grieve
I wish I could see the angels faces
When they hear your sweet voice sing

OFC DS Ziants
FCPD MTV

May 12, 2006

My thoughts and prayers go out to your family and friends. Thank you Vicky for your dedicated and loyal service to the Commonwealth of Virginia and attempting to make this world a safer place to live. Rest in Peace and watch over us all. You are a true "HERO" Detective Armel!

officer John Lane
McKinney Texas PD (former Suffolk Va PD)

May 11, 2006

God Bless you and your family.. You are trully a warrior.. We will never forget you for paying the ultimate price.. Your time in hell is over and NOW its time to rest and look over your love ones.. Thank you for being my sister..

POLICE OFFICER DAN RAMIREZ
BELL GARDENS P.D., CALIFORNIA

May 11, 2006

Det. Armel, For nearly two decades you protected the citizens of Fairfax County as a Deputy Sheriff & a Police Officer, your dedication to duty and your heroism will never be forgotten. GOD Bless those who protect and serve

citizen of Fairfax County

May 11, 2006

Detective Vicky Armel,
On May 8, 2006 you went above and beyond the call of Duty. You stood in front of and took on a Police Officers worst nightmare. The citizens of Fairfax County should and will not forget your sacrifice, Husband and Children. Peace be with you.

A/Lt Mark Pacini
Ocean City Maryland Police

May 11, 2006

Godbless to the family, friends and co-workers of Detective Armel. Thank you for your service, RIP.

mjw643

May 11, 2006

Vicky

Even though I have only been on our department a few short years, I have seen you a few times. What always stuck out was what Steve mentioned, that you always had a smile. May God bless you and keep you may his light shine upon the road ahead for your family. This has been a terrible week but may you Rest in Peace with our Lord.

OFC DS Ziants
FCPD

May 11, 2006

On behalf of the Officers of the Prince William/Manassas Regional Adult Detention Center we extend our condolences to the family of Detective Vicky Armel and to our brothers and sisters serving with the Fairfax County Police department.

Rest in Peace, Detective, and thank you for your service.

Sgt R. Barker
Prince William/Manassas Regional Adult Detention Center

May 11, 2006

MAY GOD AND VICKI WATCH OVER THE ARMEL FAMILY, FRIENDS, AND THE DEPARTMENT AND PROVIDE THEM COMFORT AND SOLACE. I PRAY THAT THEIR GRIEF BE SHORT AND THEIR LOVE AND MEMORIES LAST FOR ETERNITY.

APO
FCPD

May 11, 2006

My sincerest sympathy to the family and friends of Detective Vicky Armel as well as to the Fairfax County Police Department. Rest in peace Detective Ormel, you are gone but will not be forgotten...

Dispatcher Sue Rusch
Punta Gorda PD, Punta Gorda FL

May 11, 2006