06/05/2026
Look, we will admit, we are a little biased when it comes to Detective Brittany Nestor.
She's one of those people who somehow manages to make everyone around her feel seen, encouraged, and capable of doing more than they thought they could. So when we saw that she had been named the 2026 Rob Apple Officer of the Year by Garner NC Police, our reaction was pretty simple:
Yep. That tracks.
What makes this award special is that it's not just another plaque on the wall. Named in honor of former Garner Officer Robert Apple, the award recognizes the officer who best embodies the spirit of law enforcement and community policing. Even more importantly, it's selected by fellow officers — the people who work alongside that person every day and see the character, consistency, and leadership that happen both in public and behind the scenes.
And if you've ever met Brittany, you know community isn't something she talks about. It's something she lives.
We've had the chance to spend time alongside her during Torch Runs, Polar Plunges, and community events over the years. What stands out isn't just her commitment to the badge — it's her commitment to people. Whether she's supporting a cause, cheering on a teammate, or encouraging someone who is running on fumes, she shows up with the same positive energy every time.
On a personal note, Brittany has been my unofficial Torch Run hype squad more than once. When the miles start feeling a little longer and the energy starts running a little lower, she somehow appears with encouragement, positivity, and the exact words you need to hear.
Frankly, I suspect it's her superpower.
The truth is, Garner is lucky to have her. The police department is lucky to have her. And all of us who get to know her beyond the badge are lucky too.
So from all of us at CLASY, congratulations Detective Nestor. Thank you for serving this community with heart, humility, and a genuine commitment to the people who call Garner home.
P.S. We figured the Town of Garner, NC Government could post the award picture... We wanted to show the community champion behind the badge. If y'all have pics add the below!