Story Created:
Dec 5, 2012 at 6:42 PM CDT
Story Updated:
Dec 6, 2012
It's been one year since the tragedy at the Texas Health and Human Services office where a desperate mother took the lives of her two young children and then her own.
And one year later, the Texas Health and Human Services commission says there have been changes in their office.
Officials with the health and human services office say their employees were also impacted by the actions of Rachelle Grimmer.
But officials say employees did their job.
“We were impacted like anyone else. the work we do is about helping people and it did have an impact on our staff.”
Officials with the health and human services commission reflect on what happened at their Laredo office one year ago.
When Rachelle Grimmer demanded assistance at the office and held an employee hostage, eventually shooting and killing her two children and taking her own life.
Employees never imagined what would happen that day.
“The case was worked correctly. the staff did their job but there’s very little to take considering the tragedy.”
Changes have been made over the last year.
“Taken a closer look at our security measures in all of our facilities.”
More security cameras have been installed and a security guard is always on duty.
The office where the tragic incident happened never reopened. the office has since moved. Texas health and human services chose not to renew their lease.
But Garza says the move was already being planned even before the incident.
Garza says employees are moving forward with a constant reminder.
“We're constantly trying to improve our service. customers service is one of the biggest missions.”
“Our staff continues to learn and to improve on that mission.”
Garza says customer service at the Laredo office is the best it can be.
But any clients with issues at either of their offices are strongly urges to ask for a supervisor.
Garza says supervisors are willing to listen and help explain any case.
