In Memory: Gabe Zimmerman
Gabe Zimmerman. Photo courtesy of the Associated Press.
National Association of Social Workers member Gabe Zimmerman was among those killed in Arizona during a shooting at a public event held by Rep. Gabrielle Giffords (D-AZ).
Zimmerman, MSW, was director of community outreach for the congresswoman, who was shot in the head and remains in critical condition. This Azcentral.com article mentions the great work Zimmerman did in his community.
“Gabe was a master at dealing with people,” Giffords’ spokesman C.J. Karamargin said. “He truly cared about helping people. There were no politics involved in this.”
Speaker of the House John Boehner (R-OH) ordered the Capitol flag be flown at half mast Jan. 9 in Zimmerman’s honor (Click here to read a cafesentido.com article). NPR also ran an article and audio interview that spotlighted Zimmerman’s commitment to social work. To read and listen to that click here.
Our sympathies to Zimmerman’s family and the staff of Rep. Giffords.
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I am so glad to see that you have included something about this young man …it was a bit hard to find but I think it is important for people to know that social workers are sometimes in harms way…
RIP to all that so tragically lost their lives in this, another senseless shooting. Thinking of all of you.
Claire Jones
Melbourne Victoria
Australia
Dear Zimmerman’s… I lost My grandaughter to a madman shooting. She was 19 with a nice baby boy 10 month old ,it’s sad so many get killed by shootings…I am sorry that sould happen in this free country of ours. There is killing at war, but why here? We live in a good country where there is love and the respect. This we need take care of. Love from me Virginia Rose.God Bless You
As a social worker engaged in public policy, good government and advocacy, Gabe truly reflected the values of our profession – what a loss for our social work community and our nation. He will be remembered!
I am saddened by Gabe’s death–who so profoundly represented the profession of social work and the values that we promote. All social workers have a kinship in spirit and we know the risks we must take to advocate compassion, care and concern for all. Prayers for all the victims and their families including the perpetrator of these events and his family. May our country, our politicians and leaders–all of us– look deep into our souls and come together to debate…not hate. True freedom of speech represents the spirit of respect for differences of opinion and the ability to listen– remembering that words can either be a beacon or a bomb. We need to choose our words wisely and not allow political agendas become bully pulpits.