Today we’d like to introduce you to Argelia Arredondo.
Argelia, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
In 2007, I observed a sign where the police department was hiring. I thought to myself I could do that! Growing up in the Northside of Fort Worth, you hardly saw female officers. It was very rare I saw one. I wanted to contribute back to the community I once lived in. I spoke to my dad about it. My dad said I could do it. No matter what I do, I can do it. I then applied to be a police officer. I passed the physical test & continued on with the rest of the process. I graduated the police academy in May 2009. It was not easy. It was very mentally & physically challenging. At the time, I had two young daughters. I wanted to show them we could do anything we put our mind & heart too. I worked hard to provide for them. And I also made time for myself. I believe working moms & stay at home moms should always have the time for themselves. If it’s working out, going to dinner with friends, pampering yourself or a daily devotional. Ten years later, I’m still in the department. I currently assigned to the Tactical Intelligence Division. I am also in the hostage negotiation unit. And currently serve as the secretary for The National Latino Law Enforcement Organization for Fort Worth. Outside of work, I am part of the Fort Worth Mavens. Married for almost five years & with four children, ages ranging from 22-2, I try to show females we can do anything. That we can still have fun and enjoy life.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Honestly, I think any journey you start, it’s not as smooth as you intended it to be! At times, I thought I should give up the police academy. But that would be me giving in to the people who said I would not make it! I always keep pushing and working hard. I want to see the end of what I started. And to anyone who is just starting a journey, finish strong! Don’t give up! It sounds so cliche to always say stuff like that, but it truly helps! I don’t consider myself perfect. I try to keep it together at times! Having a full-time career, working seven days a week at times all while trying to maintain a household, it’s a challenge within itself. I am blessed to have a great support system!
Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I am extremely proud of being a police officer. I love serving the community I grew up in. I believe I bring gender diversity to a specialized unit that historically has been dominated by men. I hope to prove or provide a standard that women in this department or anywhere else are very capable of doing this job. Because of my upbringing and life experiences in an inner city high crime part of Fort Worth, I bring the unique quality of being able to relate which puts me in an advantageous position when it comes to interviewing and interrogating suspects.
Do you have any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general? What has worked well for you?
Keep meeting new people! If it’s thru social media or hanging out with friends! My mentors are people I work with. I typically ask them for work advice & they are a great support system. And basically, make sure I stay on a positive track.
Contact Info:
- Email: angie.guerra@att.net
- Instagram: argey4
Image Credit:
Elva Chavez-pic with jean shirt
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