Michael was known across the country as a legend. He possessed operational expertise and leadership qualities among his colleagues. Michael was a revered and respected agent In the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Michael’s family, friends, and co-workers saw him as a work of force, a jokester, always the go-to person, an all-around inspiration, humble, and the hero they all admired. He was a leader that never stopped learning; he encouraged others to learn not just by him but by studying the mission or operation at play. Michael constantly challenged himself in every aspect, from keeping in shape to becoming a better mentor, leader, and agent.

As Michael would often say:

“Just Do The Right Thing.”

“ It Is What It Is.”

During his High School and College life, he joined the Army Reserves and was awarded in 1991 The Army Achievement Medal. Michael was honorably discharged in 1993.

He attended Eastern Illinois University, earned a Bachelor of Arts degree, and graduated in 1992. Michael was committed to a career in public service and law enforcement. He served as a Police Officer in Nashville, TN, for 12 years, where he was recognized for his many accomplishments, including keeping illicit drugs off the streets.

On October 6, 2000, Louis Freeh, Director of the U.S. Department of Justice Federal Bureau of Investigation, wrote a letter to Detective Garbo. One quote entailed: “You have been an invaluable asset to the investigative team, which has benefited immeasurably from your hard work. I want you to know how much I personally appreciate your superb efforts. My associates in Nashville have enjoyed working with you, and they join me in thanking you for all you have done to help build a prosecutable case against the drug traffickers both in Nashville and elsewhere.”

Continuing on his quest for more, Michael joined the Phoenix Field Division Drug Enforcement Administration in 2005 after relocating his family to Tucson, Arizona. He exemplified honor and pride in serving as a DEA Agent and later a Group Supervisor for the division in 2018. Michael would serve for 16 years as his team looked up to him for guidance and leadership. During his service with the DEA, he volunteered to go on a tour to Kabul, Afghanistan, from 2009-2011. Although he had a tough time being separated from his family, he made incredible strides as he was recognized for his outstanding service and leadership by his team, known as the Jalalabad Enforcement Group. While his DEA team back in Arizona would recognize him as the “last one out,” his unit in Afghanistan would call him “The Last Caveman Standing,”; a suitable honor for Michael.

During Michael’s career with DEA, he received many awards for his exceptional work from DEA, HIDTA, CNA, and the Tucson Chief of Police. These awards were with the help of his team because Michael would say it’s a group effort. It takes a team to take down illicit drugs.

Michael was always that Group Supervisor who analyzed everything he did before any op. He did not want to miss anything, as he always had his team’s best interest and safety at heart.

The night before was like any other night as he sat with his best pal Leo, rubbed his head and neck, and gave him belly rubs with his feet as he looked at his wife and said, “I told you we would be the parents of Alexis’s dog,“ with his cute smirk. They laughed and said we wouldn’t change anything. Michael left his family on the morning of October 4, 2021, and ensured Vida he would be home in time to walk their dog LEO unless something came up. “You know how that goes,” with a kiss and an I love you. Michael did not come home that day as he had promised. Their world stopped that day.

Little did we know how all of our lives would change from that day forward.

The story of Michael’s death shocked the nation due to neglect of our justice system and current laws. His family founded the Michael Garbo Foundation to carry on his legacy by providing educational and Jiu-Jitsu scholarships to various agencies and his Jiu-Jitsu gym.

The foundation is raising awareness of security issues regarding guns and illicit drugs illegally entering our trains and buses. Illegal activity dramatically impacts the safety and welfare of our Drug Enforcement Administration and our Law Enforcement Officers.

“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