A Valpo Life in the Spotlight: Linda Gurgel

linda-gurgelThere are many ways that one could describe Linda Gurgel – mother, grandmother, hard-working, selfless. Though she is all of these, she is above all else dedicated – dedicated to her family, her work, and her community.

Born and raised in Northern Indiana, Gurgel is the mother of two – a daughter and son – and welcomed her first grandchild just weeks ago.

"My daughter is a cardiac nurse and blessed us with a baby girl," Gurgel said. "My son is in college and works at a local hotel. I am so proud of them both!"

Currently, Gurgel resides in Valparaiso with her husband where she works for the Attorney General's office. Initially entering the Attorney General's office on a part time basis in 2002, Gurgel quickly moved into a full-time position the following year as a part of the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit. From 2006 until 2010, she worked in the private sector, then returned once again to the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit as a part-time transcriptionist. Finally, in 2012, she became a full-time Outreach Services Specialist, where she continues to work today.

"The goal of the Attorney General's outreach program is to protect Indiana residents from fraud, scams, identity theft, and abuse and neglect," Gurgel said as we discussed her current responsibilities as an Outreach Specialist. "We offer free services to educate Indiana residents on various crimes and to provide helpful information on how citizens can better protect themselves."

Recently, Gurgel has also become very involved with the Porter County Triad, which supports projects like Project Lifesaver, File of Life, Beacon Bulbs, and Energizing Indiana.

"The Porter County Triad had been dormant for a few years but with some renewed energy, it is again making a showing in the community," Gurgel said.

Currently, Gurgel serves as co-president with Chris Behrendt from Back Home Again, with Ron Donahue of Prompt Ambulance as VP, Charlie Moore of Comfort Keepers as secretary, and Betsy Cuellar of VNA as Treasurer.

Originally, the triad began with efforts between the county Sheriff, Chief of Police, and seniors.

"The purpose of the Triads is to educate and protect our seniors," Gurgel explained. "But it seems our group morphed, turning into something that the Sheriff and community leaders did, working on behalf of our seniors.

"I have had the honor of attending Triad meetings in Porter, La Porte, St. Joseph, Elkhart, and Starke Counties. They are each slightly different, but the purpose is always the same – assisting the community and focusing on seniors' needs," she continued.

When she is not working tirelessly with the Attorney General's office or the Porter County Triad, Gurgel is very active in the shooting sports. As a firearms instructor, she also works with the NRA and local shooting ranges to promote and instruct women in pistol shooting. Recently, she was named a leader for The Well Armed Woman – Northwest Indiana chapter and is the VP of the Women of the Indiana State Rifle & Pistol Association.

Gurgel unwinds after long days at home with her husband or mooning over her newborn granddaughter.