Police, firefighters laud a peer fighting cancer

WEST JORDAN — A large procession of police cars, motorcycles and fire trucks with lights flashing and sirens blaring moved down a quiet neighborhood Tuesday afternoon near the Jordan Landing shopping area.

The vehicles filled the neighborhood street and officers surrounded the targeted house.

But this operation wasn't about illegal activity or fighting fires. It was about showing support for a comrade battling cancer.

A large group of law enforcers and firefighters from departments across Salt Lake County and Park City gathered in the front yard of Midvale Police Det. Jose Argueta's house Tuesday.

Argueta and his wife, Erika, fought back tears from their front porch as they watched the procession roll up. They greeted each motorcade participant with a hug.

In 2005, Argueta was diagnosed with esophageal cancer, which has spread quickly and not responded well to conventional treatment, according to friends. His cancer is believed to have been contracted through his years of being exposed to dangerous chemicals while busting meth labs.

Argueta, a SWAT instructor who also worked with the DEA, is considered by many law enforcers a top-notch cop. Tuesday, officers showed their love and support for him and tried to raise awareness of his situation and help raise money for his escalating medical bills.

"We are here today to celebrate life," said Midvale Assistant Police Chief Tony Mason. "We're here to honor a hero. A person who gave unselfishly to his community."

Argueta was presented with a shadow box of all his badges and patches as well as a plaque from the U.S. Marshals Service and the Joint Criminal Apprehension Team.

"I'm very overwhelmed," Argueta said, still fighting back tears. "Seeing this is way overwhelming. It reminds me we're one big family . . . one big brotherhood."

But, as is typical of Argueta's style, he remained positive and was soon smiling and joking with his friends.

"I don't know where my health is going. Hopefully it improves and I'll see you back out there soon," he said to applause.

Argueta admits his "outcome is really unknown" at this point. He just takes everything day by day. Last week he underwent a round of chemotherapy. But he said Tuesday was a good day.

"I hope to be back in uniform soon. It's what I love to do," he said.

Argueta's brother, Luis, an officer with the Murray Police Department, said it is Jose who keeps up the morale of all his family members rather than the other way around.

"He says, 'We're gonna ride this until the wheels fall off,' " he said.

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E-mail: preavy@desnews.com