Aguero Is Responder Of The Week

Jose Aguero is a very busy man. Not only does he work a full time job with Scout Energy, he also serves as one of the Grant County Firefighters and a Grant County EMT.

Aguero started his stint with the fire department, where he is now one of the three lieutenants with the department, in 2014. He became an EMT in 2016.

"At Scout I work the night shift - four days on and four days off," Aguero said. "I work with the EMS when I am on my days off from there."

He works with the fire department, "whenever he is available."

His employer, Scout Energy, works with him on fire calls.

"If it is a big emergency like when we had that big fire a few months ago then I can leave work and go," Aguero said. 

Why did he decide to become a first responder?

"I got in to fire fighting as a way for me to give back to the community," Aguero said. "EMS I kind of got pulled in to it, but I ended up liking it. I felt it might be one of my callings because I was good at it as a patient advocate and treating patients. I do my job efficiently without distractions."

All of Aguero's experience as a first responder has been right here in Grant County.

Aguero says the hardest part about being a first responder is "being aware".

"Being aware of my surroundings and taking care of my guys," he said. "Working a scene and making sure all of the guys are safe and the job is being done correctly. With today's world like it is - watching out for my partner and getting the job done in spite of the things you see - sometimes you have to push through it."

One advantage he feels he has is that he is not originally from here so his bonds are not as close to local residents as some of those he works with. Aguero moved to Southwest Kansas from Wisconsin.

"Since I'm not originally from here I can push my feelings aside easier and do what I have to do," he said.

As for those he knows "back home" in Wisconsin, Aguero said "a lot of people never expected him to become a first responder."

Even though he may not have the closer connections that some of his peers have, he said the most rewarding part about being a responder is still - the people.

"Meeting people, helping people," he said. "A lot of people see first responders maybe as being a hero, but I see it as a way to give back to your community. Doing something good to me that feels good - just helping."

When he isn't working at Scout Energy or as a first responder, Aguero has other responsibilities that are "closer to home". He is the father of two children: Natalie, 12, and Mateo, 10.

His children like that he is a first responder.

"They brag about it all the time and every chance they get to participate in something like in a parade with the responders - they want to be involved," Aguero said. "My son talks about being a firefighter when he grows up and my daughter has mentioned maybe being a medic some day. It makes me feel good that maybe I'm showing them something good."

His advice to others considering becoming a first responder?

"At first it is hard, especially if you've never been exposed to this kind of stuff, it can be hard to adjust, but if you push through it and use the resources available to you, you never know what you can accomplish," he said. "I've heard some people say they didn't think someone was going to make it through it, but they did. They pushed through with peer support and became something good."

As for his future plans as a first responder, for now, Aguero is content where he is at.

"I have a good job with Scout," he said. "And in medical and fire service I am able to help the guys  and still able to treat patients. I could go up to a paramedic eventually - it's a thought."

For right now, however, Aguero said he doesn't want to take the time to go to school for it as it will take him away from his children more.

As to how he juggles everything with work, first responders and children, Aguero says, "I manage. I do what I have to do."

Send your medical or law enforcement nominations for Responder of the Week to news2@ulyssesnews.com or call (620) 356-1201.