Garner Local Heroes

05/14/2026

05/13/2026

Thanks to the generosity of our corporate sponsors, we were able to provide Garner Police Athletic/Activities League, The Two Hundred Club of Wake County and the Garner Firefighter's Association with checks for $5,200 each!

05/13/2026

2026 Garner Local Hero from Wake County EMS Ashley Auman.

Ashley is a dedicated member of the Wake County EMS IMPACT committee. She shows up every day and is committed to demonstrating the right way to empower her partner, students, patients, and the public. Ashley does her best to make sure that everyone she encounters feels seen and heard.

As a core member of the IMPACT committee, Ashley supports equal opportunity for growth and development at Wake EMS and recognition for those served by Wake County, including equal access to Wake County services.

Ashley was responsible for writing a proposal, which was approved by senior management, that allowed the IMPACT Committee to hold Focus Groups for early-career providers. This was a major project that required tens of hours of dedication and time to write, edit, and coordinate. As the focus groups were approved, Ashley was responsible for assessing who would be best to facilitate the groups and "interviewed" multiple resources throughout Wake County.

As facilitators were approved, Ashley coordinated space and time for the groups to be conducted, sending multiple emails and sign-ups for potential participants. As the focus groups were finished, Ashley collaborated with the team discussing the aggregate data with SMT. This year, the committee discussed the data and have three created action items that we are presenting to Dr. Studnek as a response to our data. Ashley's action items will help SMT move forward with creating a better work environment for all employees by rebuilding trust in mid-level and senior management.

05/13/2026

2026 Garner Local Hero from Wake County Sheriff's Office Senior Investigator Tina Byrd.

Investigator Byrd began her career with the Wake County Sheriff’s Office in 1999 and has faithfully served this agency for 27 years. She is currently assigned to the Warrant Unit and has dedicated her career to law enforcement and to serving others in our community. While serving warrants within the Wake County Detention Center, Investigator Byrd recognized a significant need. She observed that many inmates were being released without adequate clothing beyond what they arrived in.

Driven by compassion and a desire to preserve dignity, Investigator Byrd developed a vision to provide clean, suitable clothing to those being released from the detention center. She presented this idea to Sheriff Rowe last April, and it was immediately approved. The program was officially named the Clothes Closet.

From its launch, the Clothes Closet was embraced, and members of the Wake County Sheriff’s Office quickly came with donations and continued support. To date, the program has benefited hundreds of inmates, helping restore dignity, build self-esteem, and provide confidence as these individuals reenter the community.

Investigator Byrd has done an outstanding job bringing this vision to life. Her continued commitment to this program reflects her leadership, her compassion, and her unwavering dedication to helping others.

05/13/2026

2026 Garner Local Heroes from Raleigh Wake Communications

On November 8, 2025, WakeMed Officer Smith was involved in an altercation that resulted in the ultimate sacrifice. Call takers B. James and M. Campbell, along with Assistant Supervisors Jacobs and McDow and others, managed the 9-1-1 calls and remained on the line as events unfolded in real time. The team acted quickly to initiate an emergency response. Telecommunicator Piper Porterfield, working Garner Police Department dispatch, ensured an immediate response and maintained a focused role in communication and coordination throughout the incident.
In the face of these tragic circumstances, these ECC team members demonstrated professionalism, urgency, and steadfast support for their public safety partners when it mattered most.

05/13/2026

2026 Garner Local Hero from North Carolina State Highway Patrol Trooper Jakhari Shaw

On October 23, 2025, Trooper Shaw responded to a request for assistance from the Wake County Sheriff’s Office regarding an active pursuit involving a bank robbery suspect. The pursuit concluded when the suspect barricaded himself inside a local restaurant and threatened self-harm.

During the incident, the suspect repeatedly injured himself, sustaining life-threatening injuries. Once the suspect no longer had a weapon in his hand and the scene was rendered safe, Trooper Shaw immediately transitioned from a tactical response to medical intervention. Without hesitation, Trooper Shaw retrieved his medical bag and began rendering emergency medical aid to the suspect.

Through decisive action, sound judgment, and effective medical care under extremely stressful and dangerous conditions, Trooper Shaw was able to stabilize the suspect sufficiently for transport by emergency medical personnel. Trooper Shaw’s actions directly contributed to saving the suspect’s life for an additional 2 days and demonstrated exceptional professionalism, composure, and dedication to duty.

05/13/2026

2026 Garner Local Hero from Garner NC Police Jacob Gadwill

Prior to becoming a police officer, Officer Gadwill served four years in the United States Marine Corps, earning the rank of Corporal as a Personnel Retrieval and Processing Specialist. His military service instilled in him a strong sense of discipline, integrity, and commitment to others; values he brings to his law enforcement role each day. He consistently sets a high standard for his peers and serves as a model of excellence within the department.

Officer Gadwill demonstrates exceptional judgment, a strong work ethic, and a proactive approach to public safety. His ability to remain calm under pressure, combined with his keen attention to detail, has earned him the respect of both his colleagues and the citizens he serves. ln addition to his regular duties, he serves on the Wake Regional SWAT team, where he leverages specialized training and expertise to support high-risk operations and enhance community safety.

One incident, in particular, highlights Officer Gadwill's vigilance and commitment to proactive policing. On February 27, 2026, while conducting a security check at Capital Church, he observed an item in the parking lot that appeared out of place. Upon closer inspection, he identified the suspicious device as an improvised explosive device. Recognizing that this location hosted an active church, a food pantry, and an elementary school, Officer Gadwill understood the urgency of the situation and acted without hesitation.

Trusting his training and instincts, he promptly notified his supervisor, evacuated the food pantry, and then assisted with securing the scene. Multiple agencies responded to assist, including the Raleigh Police Department’s Hazardous Devices Unit, the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, To***co, Fi****ms and Explosives, the Wake County Bureau of Forensic Services, and the Garner Police Department's Criminal Investigation Division. Through coordinated efforts, the device was safely disposed of. A comprehensive investigation was conducted, leading to the identification and arrest of a suspect.

Officer Gadwill's attentiveness and decisive actions ensured the safe resolution of this incident and prevented what could have escalated into a significant and dangerous event. His actions underscore his dedication to duty and his commitment to protecting the public through vigilance and initiative.

05/13/2026

2026 Garner Local Hero from Garner Fire Rescue.

Firefighter Zack Georgopoulos has proudly served with Garner Fire-Rescue for the past three and a half years. Hired in 2022 as part of a group of nine candidates with no prior fire service experience, Zack quickly proved his determination and commitment by successfully completing the Wake County Fire Academy, earning all required fire service certifications along with his Emergency Medical Technician credentials.

Currently assigned to Fire Station 1 on Main Street in Garner, Zack has become a valuable member of the team. He has played an active role in Fire Prevention visits, helping educate the community on fire safety, and recently took the spotlight in the department’s Home Knox Box promotional video.
Zack is known for his professionalism, approachable personality, and natural ability to connect with both his fellow firefighters and members of the community. His dedication, perseverance, and passion for service set a strong example for others. In just a few short years, Zack has demonstrated remarkable growth, an outstanding work ethic, and has earned the respect and admiration of his peers throughout the department.

05/12/2026

There are so many people and businesses working behind the scenes who dedicate their time, products, and services to make this event possible. Many of them have been with us since day one, and we are so grateful for their continued support! This event would not happen without them!