Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office Celebrates New Leaders and Heroic Service
The Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office (FBCSO) celebrated professional milestones and extraordinary acts of service during its annual Promotions and Awards Ceremony on December 10, 2025, held at the Gus George Law Enforcement Academy.
As the largest and most diverse law enforcement agency in Fort Bend County, FBCSO serves nearly 900,000 residents across 885 square miles, with more than 900 employees and 615 sworn peace officers. The agency’s long history—dating back to its founding in 1837—has shaped a culture of public safety, training, and community trust. This year’s ceremony reflected that legacy, highlighting rising leaders and honoring personnel whose actions made a direct impact on the community.
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Promotions Highlight Leadership, Experience, and Commitment
Lieutenant John Williams
Lieutenant John Williams, who began his service as a reserve deputy in 2011, was recognized for a career rooted in training, mentorship, and response leadership. After transitioning to full-time Detention work in 2012, Williams continued advancing through roles as Field Training Officer, Special Response Team member, and Special Response Team instructor. He earned his TCOLE Instructor License while serving as Sergeant beginning in 2018 and later completed the FBI LEEDA Supervisor Leadership Institute. Williams was pinned by his wife and children during the ceremony.
Sergeant Austin Eaton
Sergeant Austin Eaton’s career began in emergency medicine in 2005, where he served as a paramedic, FTO, and In-Charge Paramedic with specialized tactical and rescue experience. He transitioned into law enforcement roles in telecommunications and patrol, gaining hands-on expertise in SWAT, air support, crash reconstruction, and firearms instruction. Eaton holds multiple licenses—Advanced Peace Officer, Paramedic, Telecommunicator, and Jailer—and currently serves as a SWAT Assistant Team Leader and marksman. He was pinned by his wife at the ceremony.
Sergeant Larry James
A Fort Bend County native, Sergeant Larry James began his law enforcement journey in 2010 after earning his TCOLE certification through the University of Houston–Downtown Police Academy. With degrees from Prairie View A&M University and Texas Southern University, he served in leadership roles at the Hempstead Police Department before joining FBCSO in 2021. James now leads as a Nightshift Patrol Sergeant, and was pinned by his daughters.
Sergeant Jason Stevenson
With more than 20 years in law enforcement and service as a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, Sergeant Jason Stevenson has shaped countless officers through his work as an Adjunct Instructor and Field Training Officer. After graduating from the Gus George Law Enforcement Academy in 2005, he served across Detention, Patrol, and CID, earning both Basic and Advanced Instructor certifications and dedicating over a decade to officer development. Stevenson was pinned by his father at the ceremony.
Sergeant Sondra Zouzalik
A member of FBCSO since 1999, Sergeant Sondra Zouzalik began as a Corrections Officer before becoming a Deputy in 2001. Her wide-ranging experience includes 13 years overseeing jail kitchen operations, serving as a Mental Health Peace Officer, and spending eight years on the Crisis Intervention Team, responding to specialized mental health-related calls. With more than 3,500 training hours and both Master Peace Officer and Master Jailer certifications, Zouzalik brings deep institutional knowledge and compassion to her leadership role. She was pinned by her daughter.
Honoring Life-Saving, Valor, and Meritorious Service
Sheriff Eric Fagan also recognized individuals whose actions went above and beyond the call of duty. Awards included the Sheriff’s Commendation for Life Saving, Valor, and Meritorious Service, presented to:
- Deputy Natalie Clee
- Deputy Randy Glendening
- Deputy Taylor Glendening
- Telecommunications Officer Ashley King
- Lieutenant Richard Reiser
- Investigator Melissa Tobias
- Sergeant Terrance Wall
Their contributions highlight the dedication and readiness expected of FBCSO personnel across the county’s rapidly growing communities.
“Recognizing the men and women of the Sheriff’s Office for their remarkable achievements is a privilege,” said Sheriff Eric Fagan. “Their dedication, excellence, and steadfast service to our community reflect the very best of this agency.”
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
