Timothy Fjordbak, a 63-year-old male psychologist of Caucasian ethnicity, was tragically shot and killed on January 6, 2015, at the El Paso Veterans Affairs Health Care System clinic. Fjordbak, who had dedicated his career to helping veterans, was highly regarded for his expertise in neuropsychology and clinical psychology. He had left a successful private practice to focus on assisting returning soldiers after the September 11 attacks.
The incident occurred when Jerry Serrato, a
48-year-old U.S. Army veteran and former employee of the clinic, fatally shot Fjordbak before taking his own life. The motive behind the shooting remained unclear, although it was reported that Serrato had threatened Fjordbak over a year prior to the incident. The shooting led to a massive multi-agency response, including the El Paso Police Department, the FBI, and Fort Bliss's Military Police.
Following the tragic event, investigations were conducted to determine the circumstances surrounding the shooting. However, no further arrests or suspects were identified, as the shooter had already died at the scene. The incident prompted a review of security measures at the clinic and Fort Bliss, although no specific changes were publicly disclosed.
Fjordbak's death deeply affected his colleagues, patients, and the community, who remembered him as a compassionate and dedicated professional who made a significant impact on the lives of many veterans. His legacy continues through the Timothy Fjordbak Scholarship Fund at New Mexico State University, which supports psychologists studying for prescriptive authority who work or plan to work in public service.
In summary, Timothy Fjordbak's death was a tragic event that highlighted the challenges faced by mental health professionals working with veterans and the importance of ensuring their safety and well-being.
