Larry Fowler Law Enforcement Hero Award - Ethan Stark
Growing up, Ethan Stark knew he would choose between one of two career paths.
“I knew I’d either become a preacher or a cop,” he said. “I was better with a gun
than a Bible.”
Stark joined the Parker County Sheriff’s Office over four years ago. Now 26, he’s
the youngest corporal at the S.O., something he feels good about.
“I worked hard and got promoted early,” Stark said. “I like leading my guys … I
believe that people go into law enforcement to help people.”
Stark understood in the beginning that h is chosen career doesn’t always show him
the best side of humanity and he works hard to avoid becoming cynical.
“My father was a big teddy bear who loved everybody, a tremendous people
person,” Stark said. “Then he went to work as an ER nurse. Things he had to deal with
changed him, caused him to become disgruntled when he saw what he had to deal
with. We’ve talked about that. I try my hardest not to be a cynic.”
What helps him deal with some of the horrors of the streets?
“Early in my career, at the end of the day a mom had gone to pick up her kids and
then gone to the grocery store,” Stark said. “She was gone about 20 minutes, but in
that time her house was burglarized.” Stark recalls seeing her child crying, afraid the
burglar would return and hurt them. During Stark’s next shift, he caught and arrested two burglars.
“It makes me happy when I can help solve problems for people,” he said. “It’s not every day that you’re able to help
people, but the days you do makes it worth it.”
Jerry Durant Philanthropist Award
- Misty Engel
Born and raised in Weatherford, Misty Engel has deep roots in the community. She is passionate about helping people and is a Certified Pre-planning
Consultant with Galbreaith-Pickard Funeral Chapel. In January she graduates
from a specialty school and will become a licensed funeral director. She is the
third generation of Plowmans working at the funeral home.
“When I was a senior in high school I opened a flower shop here in the
funeral home,” she said. “I graduated in 2000 and kept the shop till 2010.”
She sold the flower shop and became an employee of Galbreaith-Pickard.
Engel believes in making her place a better place for everyone. As part of
the local CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) organization she works to
ensure the well-being of the county’s greatest assets — its children.
“I want to continue serving families in Parker County and surrounding
areas,” Engel said. “That’s it.”
MAY 2016
PA R K E R C O U N T Y T O D AY
Ric Williamson Charitable Visionary
Award - Allison Willis
Who doesn’t love being recognized, but getting an award named for your
highly-regarded mentor is even better.
“This may be a little bit loftier of an honor for me because I used to work
for Ric Williamson,” Allison Willis said. “It’s more meaningful because when
I started in oil and gas it was working for Ric. He’s not just a name to me. I
have a lot of respect for the Williamson family.”
After graduating Henrietta High School, Willis earned her BBA in
Management from Tarleton State University.
Willis has called Parker County home for 14 years and currently works as
operations manager for OXXN, an oil and gas services and production company based in Weatherford.
She believes one should give back to the community.
“As a [Parker County Today] bachelorette I raised funds for Careity,” she
explained. “I look primarily at local charities because I think it is important to
support your local community where you can see your money changing lives
and growing the community.”
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