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Larry Fowler Law Enforcement Hero Award
Katherine Buononato
PCSO Captain Tony Bilbay, Katherine Buononato, Drew Springer, Marsha Brown
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Although she is not from Parker County, or even Texas,
our 2019 Larry Fowler Enforcement Hero Award winner
migrated here as fast as she could, starting her career
in law enforcement after graduating from Weatherford
College, starting in April of 2015 as a telecommunicator,
eventually becoming a patrol deputy in 2017.
She considers her role model to be her grandmother
for numerous reasons, including her ability to never meet
a stranger and treating everyone with kindness. It was that
kindness trait that Buononato carries with her in her day-
to-day work, using the Golden Rule with everyone she
comes in contact with.
“I’m not certain if it’s heroic or not, but if responding
to every call with an open mind, vigilance and by using
your brain and relying on teamwork is heroic then we
have a good force,” she said. “I like treating people with
decency. Everyone deserves fairness, and it costs nothing.
Leave them with a smile. I pride myself treating everyone
with respect. I’m proud to be a part of that team.”
She would never consider moving and serving
anywhere else because of her love for the Texas, her team,
and her enormous pride for Weatherford. She wishes
she could change the stereotype that surrounds all law
enforcement officers, especially when people come in
contact with them.
“I want to change the public’s perception on how they
view us. I love my team. I love my fellow deputies. We
sincerely serve to the best of our capabilities,” she said.
Those who work with Katherine speak highly of her
ability to de-escalate situations while on patrol, something
that comes in handy when dealing with intense situations
with everyday criminals. Although she’s not currently
involved with extracurricular organizations, she was very
involved with individuals with special needs while living
in Utah.
“It is so rewarding. Their smiles and hugs are so genu-
ine. They never judge you. They just want to be your
friend,” she said.
If she ever found the time and decided to write her
own autobiography, she would base it off her can do
attitude, calling it Kat-Can-Do. “If you put your mind and
your heart into it, you can accomplish anything,” she said.
When asked what her favorite book was about her
profession, it was an easy and simple answer. “End of
Watch.” The comradery. It hits home, and it shows you
that through loss you have to step up to the plate and do
what is right,” she said.
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