Police rally to support officer

Law enforcers from across the Wasatch Front are rallying today in support of a fellow officer fighting a fast-moving form of cancer.

Midvale police detective Jose Argueta is considered a top notch cop by his peers.

"He was like a bulldog when he went after the bad guys," said Midvale Assistant Chief Tony Mason. "He worked his cases at 150 mph. He's one of the greatest detectives I've ever had the pleasure of working with."

In 2005, Argueta received both the Chiefs Award from the Midvale Police Department and the Latino Officer of the Year Award from the Utah Chapter of the National Latino Peace Officers Association.

Also in 2005, he was diagnosed with esophageal cancer, which has not responded well to conventional treatment, according to friends.

In addition to the emotional toll, treating the disease has become a financial burden for the Argueta family, whose medical bills continue to grow.

To help raise money for Argueta and to show their support, a motorcade will be held today starting at 2 p.m. at the Wal-Mart at Jordan Landing, near 7700 South and 3900 West just off Bangerter Highway.

The motorcade will consist of police and fire vehicles and will proceed to Argueta's house where several special presentations will be made.

In addition, a fund-raising barbecue open to the public will held for Argueta on April 3. Tickets to the event can be purchased at the Midvale Police Department.

Argueta believes he contracted his cancer from being exposed to dangerous chemicals used in meth labs. For several years he worked with the DEA task force and is currently a leader and trainer with Midvale's SWAT team.

A KSL-TV investigation found at least 84 current and former Utah law enforcers who have become sick, are dying or have already died. The common link between all the officers was their on-the-job exposure to meth labs.

Salt Lake County Sheriff's Lt. Robby Russo, a former narcotics officer, had a kidney, gallbladder and a rib removed after he was diagnosed with cancer. He said it's impossible to describe the sinking feeling one gets when the doctor calls and says to be in his office early the next morning and bring a loved one with you.

"It's sobering," he said. "I always wore my (bullet proof) vest when I went in (to suspected drug houses) and I ended up taking a cancer bullet. If I had known, I would have left the vest at home and worn a mask."