Fairfax County Police Department, Virginia
End of Watch Wednesday, May 17, 2006
Reflections for Master Police Officer Michael E. Garbarino
May God send a calming peace to your family, friends, and fellow Officers that you leave behind as you move on to your reward, patroling the streets of Heaven. God speed to you, brave brother.
NNPD Officer
Newport News Police Department
May 21, 2006
Thank you for your sacrifice and may you be at peace now. Many thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Asst. Commonwealth's Attorney
City of Fredericksburg, VA
May 21, 2006
You have ended your watched.
To Gary's family and loved ones and to the man and women of Fairax County Police Department:
"May the Lord bless you and keep you; May the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious you; May the lord keep his face toward you and give you peace.
Numbers 6:24-26
You will forever be in my heart and prayers! God Bless you all!
Master Deputy Juan Romero Sr
Fairfax County Sheriff office
May 21, 2006
My thoughts and prayers are with the Garbarino family. I was lucky to work with Mike at the McLean District Station for two years while he was assigned to Pimmit Hills HS. He was one of the few officers who ALWAYS said hello and smiled when he walked past my office. I cannot believe this could happen to such a good person and dedicated officer. Rest in Peace Mike. You will be missed.
Former McLean District Crime Analyst
May 21, 2006
MPO, May God watch over you and your beautiful family. Your sacrifice shall never be forgotten. We are proud to have been a part of your services. You have truely touched the hearts and souls of men and woman everywhere. Rest in Peace my "brother", and please shine upon us as we put on the badge each day in honor of heros like you and Detective Armel.
FCPD HONOR GUARD TEAM MEMBER
May 21, 2006
Though I didn't get the opportunity to work with you for very long, I remember you always being positive and happy around the Mclean Station. In a job that can make you more cynical everyday, you never went down that road. FCPD and the community at large has suffered a tragic loss. You will indeed be missed but certainly NEVER FORGOTTEN...You are and will always be a hero.....
sean y.
former fcpd
May 21, 2006
"Safeguarding The Rights Of Others Is The Most Noble And Beautiful End Of A Human Being" - ( Kahlil Gibran ) GOD Bless Our Police Officers & Sheriff's Deputies. Thank You All For Your Sacrifices.
Civillian
Fairfax County Resident
May 21, 2006
My thoughts and prayers go out to the family of Officer Garbarino as well as to the Fairfax County PD. From all of us in Philly, we salute your officer. May the Lord bring justice on the sad excuse for a human being that did this.
FF. Gus Petrogiannis
Firefighter Bucks County, PA
May 21, 2006
Mike,
I don’t think I’ve ever met you; maybe just a quick hello in the Liaison office as we went to do battle with the defense attorney’s - I’m not really sure. But I, along with several of my shift mates, brought up the rear of your procession just a few hours ago. It was my privilege just to be involved. I’m still trying to comprehend how many police cars were in the motorcade. It was incredible. They came from everywhere! Dozens of different agencies, hundreds of officers… even the wrecker drivers! People lined up on the roadways to say their goodbyes, the FCFD were on every overpass standing on their trucks, when we drove past your station a bagpiper played, when we got to the cemetery the green lawns turned into a sea of blue… Of course, you know all of this, you were there! But for me, this was my first police funeral and with all of the tragedy of the circumstances in mind, I just wanted to say that I’ve never been prouder to wear my uniform than I was today. The support from the entire community was truly something special, but in particular, the people you worked with have left a lasting impression upon me. They have assembled your agency upon examples of leadership and courage that you and Vicky displayed right up until the end and it is my honor to work side by side with them everyday. Your sacrifices will not soon be forgotten and your memory will live on. May God keep you close and embrace those you’ve left behind.
Trooper
Virginia State Police
May 21, 2006
This is an amazing tribute... a different unit # maybe,
but it is evident that we all feel the same everywhere.
CONTROL TO 107
"Control to 107, location?"
"107, to Control, I’m in Heaven go ahead"
"Negative, 107, we need you here 10 4, Why did you leave us that horrifying day in May?"
"107, Control, God called me back to heaven for I paid the Ultimate Price, I laid my life down for my friends, My family, and My wife"
"No more working weekends, no more long cold winter nights, no more 10 - 46 keys in the freezing rain!, No more seeing children suffering from abuse, no more seeing people hurt in crashes, God needed me to walk the beat on the streets of Heaven,
and as I have done all my life so must
this call from heaven be answered
for I paid my dues
for my family for my wife and for them
I gave my life"
Control to 107,
"We miss you"
107 to Control,
"And I you"
"I was there on that calm and peaceful day nothing more honorable than the sea of grey, blue and brown, I heard the flags whisking in the wind and I knew that my service to my family, country, and community was fulfilled and my sword would be passed onto my brothers in blue whom still walk
"The Thin Blue Line"
I saw every tear, I touched every hand, I felt every heart, the line was not thin that day"
Control to 107,
"We love you"
107 to Control,
"And I you"
by Sgt Mike Nelson for:
Officer Scott Allen Hylton, Unit #107
Christiansburg Police Departmemt
Christiansburg, Virginia
End of Watch: 05-09-2003
May 20, 2006
It was a nice tribute today to your life that was cut oh so short. It has been said that time will ease the pain; however at this moment in time, it seems like nothing can ease it. I know you are with God in heaven watching down on us telling us it will be ok, but we miss you so much. I hardly knew you but the few times we met, your smile and kind heartedness was and is something that will stick with me. I wish I could have been there that fateful day to try and help, for your strength has helped pull me as well as other officers through these trying times. Rest in peace brother, we've got it from here.
"In valor there is Hope"
OFC DS Ziants
FCPD
May 20, 2006
I never had the pleasure of meeting MPO Garbarino. We were in Washington, D.C. paying tribute to our family member who gave the ultimate sacrafice when this senseless act of evil occured.
To his family, co-workers, and friends, our prayers are with you. We have also lost a husband, father, and friend so we know how you feel. May God be with you during your time of loss. This poem was left on my husbands memorial and I wanted to share it with you...
The policeman stood and faced God,
Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining,
Just as brightly as his brass.
"Step forward now, policeman.
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To my church have you been true?"
The policeman squared his shoulders and said,
"No lord, I guess I ain't,
Because those of us who carry a badge
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 awfully tough.
But I never took a penny,
That wasn't mine to keep
Though I worked a lot of overtime
When the bills got just too steep.
And I never passed a cry for help,
Though at time I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God forgive me,
I've wept unmanly tears.
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 a silence all around the throne
Where the saints had often trod.
As the policeman waited quietly,
For the judgement of his god.
"Step forward now, policeman,
You've born your burdens well.
Come walk a beat on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in hell"
MPO Garbarino, walk the streets of Heaven with my husband! Keep watch over us all...
Shelley Gonzalez
Wife of Sgt. Roy Gonzalez, Jr. FPSO EOW: 7/15/2005
May 20, 2006
MPO Garbarino (and family),
God bless you for your service to our country. God Bless and watch over your family for their ultimate sacrifice. It is difficult to stop the tears, but the outpouring of love that this great tragedy has brought, is a thing of real beauty. The streets were lined for you Mike, with salutes, and tears, and flags, and signs. Your sacrifice will never be in vain, and you will never be forgotten. Rest in peace, in the arms of all the angels.
Jennifer Thompson
Wife to FCPD officer
May 20, 2006
Our family grieves for the loss of Mike. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family, friends, Fairfax County Police Officers, and their families as well. We all know too well the fear that our loved one lies her life on the line everyday she wears that badge. Officer Garbarino gave his life protecting our community. It is time for him to rest and experience the peace he deserves.
Kathleen Gallagher
Sister of a Fairfax County Police Detective
May 20, 2006
Rest in peace sir. Thank you for your service.
Shannon
Collins Fire Dept (Mississippi)
May 20, 2006
Watching the procession this afternoon with thousands of other county residents I can say that you will never be forgotten. There is no way to repay the service and dedication that you showed. Thank you.
Caroline Morin
Fairfax County Resident
May 20, 2006
It was truly an honor to have known and served with you.
Rest in peace my brother.
MPO George Murray
Fairfax County P.D.
May 20, 2006
Michael:
Your actions no doubt saved others that day. You are a true HERO and you will always be remembered. Thank you for your service...May peace be with you!
Lead APO Larry Magni, Retired
Fairfax County Auxiliary Police
May 20, 2006
A hero in the true sense of the word.
My heart aches...
Rest in peace, brother.
A former Fairfax County resident,
Deputy R. Lamb
El Paso County Sheriff's Office, Colorado Springs, CO
May 20, 2006
THE MEMBERS OF THE NORTHEASTERN ILL. UNIV. POLICE DEPT. SEND ITS SYMPATHY AND CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILY OF OFFICER MICHAEL GARBARINO AND THE FAIRFAX CO. SHERIFF'S OFFICE ON THEIR LOSS.
REST IN PEACE HERO.
NEIU PD
CHICAGO,IL
NORTHEASTERN ILL. UNIV. PD
May 20, 2006
As we in Philadelphia deal with the loss of a great Officer in a similar manner, I can only say that I understand the amount of grief that your family and friends must be going through.
I am sorry for your loss and my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Officer Murphy
Police Officer Christine Murphy
Philadelphia Police Department
May 20, 2006
MPO Garbarino, your courage and strength will help us to heal from such an unnecessary loss. Thank you for serving the people for 23 years. You will live on in our hearts forever. Heaven has another angel.
Pfc. Leslie Sheehan
FCSO
May 20, 2006
MPO Garbarino:
We stopped by your Memorial at the Sully Station late last night to leave you some flowers. There are so many people of all ages and status grieving over the tragedy of losing you. There was a man sitting on the ground crying with his dog...I wondered who he was. We are all feeling it...we will never forget you. My five year old son stood quietly for a few moments in front of your picture, and then asked "should we sing a little song?" He proceeded to sing Jesus Loves Me...he says this was daddy's friend. His father, a police officer, a brother that didn't know you personally, knelt on one knee and wept.
There are so many tributes from individuals and Departments, officers and neighbors. I know you would be touched by it. You deserved so much more in this life. I am so sorry you didn't have the chance to enjoy another vacation, much earned retirement, another kiss from your wife, your kids, or to hold and love your grandchildren. We will never forget you - and the world is a better place for your having been here. Rest in Peace. I know you are in Heaven and we will see you again. I pray for love and peace in the hearts of your family - whisper in their ears when they need it most. You have been promoted to the rank of Angel now, and I know you will watch over us.
The Gulich Family
May 20, 2006
Officer Garbarino,
Your sacrifice will NEVER be forgotten. You and your family are in our prayers. Rest Easy Brother!
Officers Paul and Amy Sperandeo
Westwego and Gretna Police Depts, La
May 20, 2006
We are deeply saddened at Mike's loss.
--------------------------------------
We all recall you gave your best.
You did your job, now you can rest.
Your comrades now can cover your post
as you take your place with the Heavenly Host.
God Bless Our Fallen Brothers & Sisters.
---------------------------------------
Our prayers will be with you, your family, and co-workers!
Ptlm. P.K. Harding (Ret.)
Binghamton (NY) P.D.
May 20, 2006
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