Dedication In Honor of
Michael Garbo
Embedded Files
NTOA Hero Workout
NTOA is pleased to introduce the “Hero Workout” to honor operators who are killed in the line of duty while serving in a tactical capacity. Based on input from the family members and friends of the fallen hero, the NTOA will develop challenging workouts that pay tribute to the courage, selfless service, and heroism of the operator who was killed during the performance of their duties. Our hope is that these workouts provide an opportunity for officers from around the nation to join together to remember and honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice while protecting our homeland.
These workouts are extremely challenging by design. The NTOA physical fitness section encourages you to use discretion in modifying or scaling the repetitions and weight as necessary while retaining the “spirit” of the workout. Also, in light of the fact that these workouts are meant to honor our brothers and sisters who are no longer with us, we encourage you to spend a few moments in silence before starting the workout in prayerful reflection of the fallen hero.
Our first Hero Workout, the “Garbo,” honors Drug Enforcement Administration Supervisory Special Agent Michael “Mike” Garbo. Mike, age 51, died in the line of duty on October 4, 2021, while serving the nation that he loved and colleagues that he considered dear friends at the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
As Many Rounds As Possible (AMRAP) in 21:00
400 Meter Run “Buy In”
10 Hand Release Push-ups
4 Strict Pull-ups
20 Kettlebell Swings (53lb. / 35lb.)
4 Kettlebell Snatches (Athlete Choice on Arm)
10 Kettlebell Goblet Squats
The GARBO challenge was designed by Michaels good friend DEA Agent Josh Novotny with the assistance of other agents who were all friends with Michael . All these men in their younger days as new agents would get together and meet up at the gym to do CrossFit. It became a ritual for this group to do before or after work . Michaels partners at the DEA will always remember him for his selfless leadership style ,courage in the face of danger, and commitment to excellence in every area of his life. Josh came up with the Garbo Challenge in memory of Michael, something he could not imagine doing for such a tragic loss of his good friend and work partner, he knew Michael had such talent, skills, good advice but most of all the friendship they had throughout his career. So In honor of DEA Group Supervisor Michael Garbo, Josh went to work with the help of Greg Amundson to design the challenge. On behalf of the Garbo family they would like to thank Josh for all his work in getting the first NATO challenge named after his good friend Michael which was published in the Tactical Edge Magazine. A special thank you to Greg Amundson for assisting at getting the NTOA to adopt and accept the The Garbo Challenge workout as the first NATO HERO WOD.
Dedication of the DEA
Drug Enforcement Administration Tucson Office Dedication in honor of DEA Supervisory Special Agent Michael Garbo.
DEA SSA Michael Garbo was remembered by the Drug Enforcement Administration and dozens of law enforcement agencies across the state, family, and friends on October 4, 2022.
A Ceremony dedicating the DEA’s Tucson District building in honor of DEA Supervisory Special Agent Michael Garbo, who was shot and killed while working a drug enforcement operation on the Amtrak train in downtown Tucson a year ago on this day. The ribbon cutting with SSA Garbo’s daughter Alexis and ASAC Polo Ruiz cut the ceremonial ribbon.
“Officially dedicating this building in Michale’s honor. He was an exceptional leader, mentor, and role model whom we all strive to emulate,” said Cheri Oz, DEA Special Agent in Charge.
Administrator Anne Milgram spoke about SSA Garbo and his ability to continue to inspire and motivate the men and women of DEA today and how he was all about the team, mentoring others to rise, and having a sense of determination.
SSA Michael Garbo’s wife Vida, his brother Terry, and ASAC Polo Ruiz’ spoke from the heart and touched every person in the room.
The DEA Black and Gold concluded the ceremony. (link the sound of blu and gold I sent to you. The first one after add, can you edit to only the song playing when they click on the link)
The DEA Survivors Benefit donated three benches in honor of SSA Garbo. One will be placed at the DEA Tucson District Office, one at the Tucson Amtrak train station, and another at the Nogales District Office. In addition, a plaque is posted at the entrance to the Tucson District Office, where each person who enters and exits the building will be reminded of SSA Garbo’s sacrifice and dedication to his community and colleagues.
Drug Enforcement Administration SSA Michael Garbo will never be forgotten for his heroism on October 4, 2021.
“It doesn’t take a hero to order men into battle. It takes a hero to be one of those men who goes into battle.”
- Schwarzkopf
Memorial Highway
State Rep. Adam Niemerg (R-Dieterich) sponsored legislation to honor Grayville native Michael G. Garbo who died October 4, 2021 in Arizona while serving as a Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Supervisory Special Agent. Special Agent Garbo died as a result of injuries sustained during a shooting while on the job and House Joint Resolution (HJR) 67 designates the section of Interstate 64 between mile marker 128 and 132 as the “DEA Special Agent Michael Garbo Memorial Highway.”
“We can never really know the full extent of the positive impact Michael Garbo had as a DEA Agent fighting the scourge of illegal drugs on our families in our country, but everything I have learned about his work and life tells me it is extensive,” said Rep. Adam Niemerg. “The naming of a section of I-64 is a way to honor Agent Garbo’s courage and sacrifice and celebrate his life as a loving husband, father, brother, and exemplary federal narcotics agent.”
Special Agent Michael Garbo was born in Grayville to Carol Ann (Young) Garbo and Larry Garbo on February 10, 1970. Michael Garbo graduated from Grayville High School in 1988 and then Eastern Illinois University. Garbo served with the U.S. Army National Guard and he resided in Sahuarita, Arizona at the time of his passing.
Special Agent Garbo was inspired by his late father, an Illinois State Police captain, and pursued a career in law enforcement including as a former police officer for the Metro Nashville Police Department. He was currently serving as a special agent of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) based in Tucson, Arizona, a position he held since 2005.
With unmatched talent, knowledge, dignity, and bravery, Special Agent Garbo dedicated his life’s work to combating drug traffickers, spanning from Kabul, Afghanistan to various locations across the United States. Special Agent Garbo was a dedicated father and husband who devoted his life to serving and caring for others he enjoyed practicing Jiu Jitsu and martial arts, spending time with his family, and watching his daughter succeed in every aspect of her life.
“My hope is that everyone who sees the signs along I-64 near Grayville with Mike Garbo’s name will remember him for all of the good he did in his life and the positive legacy he leaves behind,” added Rep. Niemerg.
DEA Building Dedication Louisville, Kentucky
Mrs. Garbo shared her heartfelt gratitude to all who worked to commemorate the naming of the Drug Enforcement Administration Building in Louisville after her husband, Michael Garbo. Mrs. Garbo shared her daughter Alexis’s sentiments and thanks on her behalf, as Alexis was unable to attend the event. She thanked Special Agent in Charge J. Todd Scott, Chief of Operations William Kimball, Special Agent Derek Brown, and Retired ASAC Jack Sparks for their tribute and memories of Michael.
Mrs Garbo was incredibly moved to share how much the naming of the Louisville Division Office after Michael meant to her and Alexis. She discussed how Michael was an exceptional husband, father, friend, true hero, leader, and mentor. He was a proficient, dedicated, and skilled Drug Enforcement Administration Group Supervisor who approached his work with unwavering passion daily. Michael’s passion for what he did was in his blood, just like his father, who also dedicated his career to law enforcement.
The DEA building will serve as a living testament to Michael's legacy, conveying his story to all the future and current agents passing through the Administration. They will never forget the sacrifices that Michael made, and those who walk these halls will also be reminded of his unwavering dedication. Michael remains our eternal hero; his memory and legacy will never be forgotten. He will continue to be an inspiration for all who knew and loved him and countless others within the Drug Enforcement Administration.
The commemoration was a testament to the enduring legacy of a man who touched many lives during his remarkable journey. Michael took great pride in his role, finding fulfillment in teaching, mentoring, and working alongside all of you each day. His dedication to the mission and his unwavering commitment to upholding the values of the DEA were evident in his every action.
Mrs. Garbo and Alexis sincerely appreciated the tremendous honor of dedicating the Louisville DEA building in memory of Michael. This tribute will forever hold a special place in their hearts, serving as a reminder of Michael's enduring legacy and the impact that he made within the DEA community. The building is a testament to his unwavering commitment to the community and will continue to inspire all who enter its doors. Michael's dedication to honor and integrity, coupled with his steadfast reliability, earned him the respect and admiration of all who worked alongside him. His sharp intellect, strategic and tactical skills, and strong interpersonal skills made him an invaluable asset, especially in the realm of disrupting drug trafficking organizations and fostering positive change within numerous communities.
Mrs. Garbo ended her remarks by sharing additional comments on Michael's legacy as a man of honor and pride, marked by his numerous achievements and awards throughout his career. However, she shared that Michael's true measure of success lay in his ability to be a team player and share credit with his colleagues. He possessed a humble inner quality that defined his character. Michael was a leader who led from the front and always looked out for the well-being of his team—Mrs. Garbo ended by wishing this trait to all of those who were present at the commemoration.
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