The Garner community came together this morning at the Grand Marquise Ballroom to honor the ninth class of Garner Local Heroes, recognizing first responders for their bravery and commitment to public safety. Supported by 55 local sponsors, the annual awards breakfast celebrated the essential bond between Garner’s citizens and the dedicated professionals who serve them.
The ceremony, held from 8-10 a.m., highlighted the extraordinary service of individuals across all six key emergency response and law enforcement agencies. This year’s event saw a significant outpouring of community gratitude, with local businesses and organizations showing record levels of support for those who protect the Garner area.
“Our local heroes show up every day, often in the most challenging circumstances, to ensure the safety and well-being of our neighbors,” said Jenny Gorman, chair of the all-volunteer event committee. “Today is our opportunity to stand together and say ‘thank you’ for that unwavering commitment.”
During the program, the event also paused to recognize the 2026 Event Planning Committee for their months of preparation: Kathy Taylor, Stefani Rich, Tracy Mathews, Kim Woodard, Ashley Price, Lisa Jeffries Nobling, and Stacey McIver.
2026 Award Honorees
The following individuals were recognized for their exceptional service:
- Garner Fire and Rescue: Firefighter Zack Georgopoulos
- Garner Police Department: Officer Jacob Gadwell
- North Carolina State Highway Patrol: Trooper Jakhari A. Shaw
- Wake 911 Communications: Briana James, Mike Suzik, Piper Porterfield, Samantha Cole, Julie McDow, Madeline Campbell, and Adam Jacobs
- Wake County Sheriff’s Office: Senior Investigator Tina Byrd
- Wake County Emergency Medical Services: Ashley Auman
A full program script is available for news organizations seeking expanded details on the specific nominations and the acts of service that led to each honoree’s recognition. High-resolution images from the event will be distributed later today.
In addition to the individual awards, the breakfast highlighted the community’s collective generosity through significant charitable contributions. A total of $15,600 was awarded to local support organizations, with $5,200 presented each to The 200 Club of Wake County, Garner PAAL, and the Garner Firefighters Association. These funds ensure that the support for our local heroes extends far beyond the morning’s ceremony, providing vital resources for first responders and their families throughout the year.
Save the Date: May 5, 2027, has been announced as the date for the tenth-anniversary celebration next year!
About Garner Local Heroes
Founded in 2017, Garner Local Heroes was established to celebrate and support the professionals across fire, police, highway patrol, 911 communications, the sheriff’s office, and EMS. The annual awards breakfast serves as the organization’s flagship event, bringing together residents and business leaders to honor those who go above and beyond the call of duty.
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