GARNER, NC — This morning, the Grand Marquise Ballroom was filled with pride and gratitude as the community came together to honor outstanding public servants at the eighth annual Garner Local Heroes Awards Breakfast. Held on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, from 8–10 a.m., the event paid tribute to the brave men and women across Garner’s emergency response, law enforcement, and public safety teams—and celebrated their selfless service to the community.
Following a stirring National Anthem performance by Robert Hunter of the Wake County Sheriff’s Office and an invocation from Capt. Don Johnson of Garner Fire-Rescue, awards were presented to individuals across six key organizations:
- Garner Fire-Rescue: Retired Fire Chief Matt Poole
- Garner Police Department: Sergeant Joe Gomes
- North Carolina State Highway Patrol: Trooper Logan Torruella
- Raleigh-Wake 911 Communications: Heather Michetti
- Wake County Sheriff’s Office:
- Scott Schultz, Security Manager
- Leslie Helmick, Technician
- Ben Burkhead, Security Supervisor
- Jason Compton, IT Architect
- Logan Richmond-Grantham, OSSI System Administrator
- Sheriff Willie Rowe
- Maj. Christopher Creech
- Kanisha Taylor, Deputy Director
- Wake EMS:
- District Capt. Becky Lippert
- Advanced Paramedic Kevin Masterson
- Paramedic Anthony Forlini
- Paramedic Emily Tinney
- EMT William Cunningham
- EMT Bailey Willis
This year’s breakfast also served as a platform for giving back to causes supporting our community’s first responders and youth. $5,200 was awarded to each of three impactful organizations:
The 200 Club of Wake County, which provides immediate financial assistance to the families of fallen first responders in Wake County.
Garner Firefighters Association, dedicated to fire safety outreach and support for programs like the UNC Jaycee Burn Center.
Garner Police Athletic/Activities League (PAAL), a program to build trust between youth and officers through educational and recreational programming.
Special thanks go to the 2025 Event Planning Committee: Jenny Gorman, Kathy Taylor, Stefani Rich, Tracy Mathews, Lisa Jeffries Nobling, Alyson Woodall, Kim Woodard, Ashley Price, Stacey McIver, and Taryn Sanchez, whose leadership made the morning unforgettable.
The event was made possible by the generous support of presenting sponsor Anfesa’s Jewelry / Grand Marquise Ballroom and the following sponsors:
Gold Sponsors:
Blue Cross Blue Shield NC, Back the Blue NC, Capital Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram, Community of Hope Ministries, CPI Security, Garner Appliance & Mattress, Mohawk, North State Bank, Piedmont Service Group, TT&E Iron & Metal, NC FOP Wake Co. Lodge #41, Wegmans
Silver Sponsors:
Auburn Village, Ball Properties, Charles Ashley Mann DDS, Civic Federal Credit Union, Fidelity Bank, First Bank, Hendren Redwine & Malone PLLC, Jones Advisors, Lofts at Aversboro, Mike & Stacey McIver, State Farm: Matt Davis, Wingswept, York Properties
Bronze Sponsors:
AAMCO of Garner, Burn Boot Camp, Choose Local & Small Y’all, Curry in a Hurry, Downtown Garner Association, E2 Technologies, Edward Jones (Lonnie Hedrick), Hocutt’s Automotive & Tire, Hudson’s Hardware, Poole Family YMCA, Statewide Towing & Wrecker Inc, Taryn Sanchez Real Estate, United Community Bank, Whitaker & Hamer PLLC
In-Kind Sponsors:
Alyson Jean Events, Angie’s Restaurant, Aversboro Coffee, Bearded Bee Brewing Co, Capt. Stanley’s, Carolina Mudcats, Chick-fil-A, DJ Randy Sting, Creek Outfitters, Prime Butcher Shop, Olde Raleigh Distillery, Raleighwood Media Group, Stick Boy Bread Co, StudioEm, Sully’s Golf & Gather, Tax Pros HQ, The Tarva Group LLC, Unforgettable Food Affairs
📸 Photos courtesy of photojournalist Chad Flowers. For media inquiries, please contact Lisa Jeffries Nobling at 919-229-9725 or Lisa@RaleighwoodMedia.com.
2025 Event Photos
