Midvale officer loses fight with cancer

A Midvale police officer known for always having a smile on his face as well as being a top- notch officer lost his uphill battle against cancer Thursday.

Jose Argueta, 32, was diagnosed in 2005 with esophageal cancer. The aggressive cancer did not respond to conventional treatments. Argueta, a SWAT instructor who also worked with the Drug Enforcement Agency, believes he contracted his cancer through exposure to meth labs.

"It wasn't a bullet. It was a silent killer," said Midvale assistant police chief Tony Mason.

His condition reportedly took another downturn a few days ago. He passed away at his home just after 4 p.m. Thursday. He is survived by his wife.

"Everybody is sad. It's quiet around here. Everybody just mulls around the office, doesn't say much. It's a smaller department, everyone is very close around here. Everyone knew him," Mason said describing the mood at the department Friday.

In addition to his law-enforcement skills, Mason said Argueta would be remembered as a person who was always happy, smiling and always joking with others. Even until the very end, Argueta kept a positive attitude, Mason said.

"I've never seen such courage right to the end," he said. "He'd never say he was not doing good. He'd say he's fine, 'I'm good,' but you knew he wasn't. You'd never know he was sick by talking to him."

Flags will fly at half staff at Midvale's city buildings until his funeral Tuesday. Because Argueta was so well-liked among law enforcers throughout the valley, a large turnout is expected for his funeral, which will be held at Hillcrest High School's auditorium.

In March, a large procession of police cars, motorcycles and fire trucks traveled from Jordan Landing to Argueta's house to present him with several plaques and to show their support.

---

E-mail: preavy@desnews.com