The idea of following in his father’s footsteps had always been in the back of one Ector County adult probation officer’s mind when setting a career trajectory.
Edward Guerrero is the son of Eddie Guerrero, who is a juvenile probation officer at the Ector County Youth Center. Edward said his father has been a huge influence on his life and the compassion Eddie shows for others is a trait he wants to emulate.
When an opportunity arose about eight years ago, Edward submitted an application to be an adult probation officer and has been with the county since. His father initially retired from his position after serving 27 years with the county, but Eddie came out of retirement about four months ago because he believed working as a probation officer is a worthwhile endeavor.
“I’ve always been a person that likes to help kids and I like to contribute as much as I can to the community,” Eddie said. “I think the enjoyable part is making a difference in their life, even if you can help just one kid.”
The same mentorship and guidance Eddie provided at work was applied in his home as well.
“Throughout my whole life he’s helped me,” Edward said. “There was a time in my life where I thought I was going to be paralyzed and he kept me strong during that time.”
Edward said he was diagnosed with a pediatric hip disorder when he was in fifth grade.
“Doctors looked at it and told me that I was probably going to be paralyzed,” he said. “I was devastated.”
Eddie went searching for answers and found a specialist at the Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children in Dallas who could perform a surgery on his son.
“He’s very strong-willed and once he gets his mind set on something he will get it done,” Edward said. “With that surgery, I was able to play sports after they didn’t think I was even going to be able to run or do anything like that.”
Sports quickly became a shared passion for the father and son.
Edward was able to participate in soccer throughout middle school and high school with ongoing monitoring and doctor visits until he was an adult. He also played for the soccer team at the University of Texas of the Permian Basin.
“A lot of it has to do with him because he would always push me, not only physically but mentally, that I was strong enough to get through whatever God was putting me though at that time,” he said.
Edward is sometimes recognized by adults placed on probation because they previously crossed paths with Eddie.
“My dad is definitely open minded and he is willing to listen,” he said. “He always told me to give someone else a chance because you don’t know their history and why they’re doing stuff. If he wasn’t doing juvenile probation work, I don’t think I would find myself at this spot. I’ve been blessed.”
Eddie said he was surprised when his son joined the criminal justice field because he never pressured him to do so.
“He has a good heart and he likes to work with people, I think that was why he chose it,” Eddie said.
Edward described his father as his personal hero. He said everyone talks highly of his father who has set the bar high, but he is trying his best to keep up.
