FROM MY FILES FRIDAY: The senseless murders at the Navy Yard reminded me of another horrific shooting that deeply touched my family’s life. Seven years ago, Master Police Officer Michael Garbarino and Detective Vicky Armel were fatally shot by Michael Kennedy, a young man with untreated mental illness. They were the first Fairfax County Police officers kiilled in the line of duty in the department’s 67-year history. Here’s a slightly edited reprint of an article that I wrote for The Washington Post.
Thank You, Detective
Vicky Armel Took Up for My Son When the System Wouldn’t
By Pete Earley
Friday, May 12, 2006
Fairfax County Police Detective Vicky O. Armel, who was murdered Monday during a shooting rampage by a troubled teenager, had helped people with severe mental illnesses. I know because she helped my son.