Client News: Garner Local Heroes Recognizes Six First Responders at Annual Breakfast Program

Founded in 2017 to celebrate fire, police, highway patrol, 911 communications, the sheriff’s office, and EMS, the organization has recognized over 40 dedicated service professionals to date

GARNER, NC – On Wednesday, May 8, 2024, the seventh annual Garner Local Heroes Breakfast held its yearly gathering at Grand Marquise Ballroom, recognizing six local first responders: Garner Fire-Rescue’s Firefighter First Class Hunter Byrd, Garner Police Department’s Senior Officer Rodney McGee, North Carolina State Highway Patrol’s Trooper Ceon Cayco, Raleigh Wake 911 Communications’ Sophia Martin, Wake County Sheriff’s Office’s Deputy Louis Cubillos, and Wake County Emergency Medical Services’ April Wiseman.

Since its inception, $51,000 has been donated to local non-profit organizations supporting their work. This year, thanks to the financial support of sponsoring businesses and organizations, three charity presentations were made, including $5,500 to The 200 Club of Wake County, $5,500 to the Garner Police Athletic/Activities League, and $3,000 to the Garner High School Public Safety Academy.

“For the last seven years, we have been gathering on this day as a community to say, ‘thank you.’ The events of this past year illuminate the need to pause for moments like this,” remarked Jenny Gorman, board member for Local Heroes and Senior Paralegal at Hendren, Redwine & Malone, PLLC.

“In all, 57 businesses were involved in helping us honor and support the heroes at this year’s event. For 2024, we have the privilege to honor six heroes from our local first responder community who have gone above and beyond the call of duty,” shared Lee Marlow, MC for the event and Chief Culture Officer at Piedmont Service Group. “If you asked them, I’m sure they would say, ‘they were just doing their job,’ but we all know better. These folks show up every day, despite the difficulties and challenges that come with being a first responder.”

Platinum Sponsors:
Anfesa’s Jewelers Home of The Grand Marquise Ballroom
Rush Hour Karting

Gold Sponsors:
Charles Ashley Mann, DDS
Community of Hope Ministries
Garner Appliance & Mattress
Garner Chamber
Mohawk Wood & Laminate
North State Bank
Fraternal Order of Police Wake Couty Lodge No. 41
Piedmont Service Group
TT&E
Raleighwood Media Group + Raleighwood Event Group
Wegmans

Silver Sponsors:
Blue Cross Blue Shield NC
Carcosmotology
Cook Shack Catering Company
Curry in a Hurry
E2 Technologies
Hendren Redwine & Malone PLLC
Hocutt’s Automotive & Tire
Jones Advisors
Matt Davis – State Farm Insurance
Statewide Towing & Wrecker, Inc.
WingSwept
York Properties, Inc.

2024 Bronze Sponsors:
323 Sports
AAMCO
Ace Towing & Recovery
Aversboro Restaurant & Sports Bar
Baucom House
Bryan-Lee Funeral Homes
Burn Boot Camp Garner
Cassondra & The Key Team
Choose Local & Small Y’all
Edward Jones – Lonnie Hedrick
Historic Downtown Garner
HTR Commercial
Hudson’s Hardware
Tax Pros HQ
Mike & Stacey McIver
Thomas Moss
Zin Yoga & Wine

In-Kind Sponsors:
Averboro Coffee
Chick-fil-A Garner Towne Square
D.J. Randy Sting
Le Bleu of Raleigh
Unforgettable Food Affairs

The 2024 event was organized by an all-volunteer committee, including Jenny Gorman, Kathy Taylor, Stefani Rich, Tracy Mathews, Lisa Jeffries Nobling, Alyson Woodall, Kim Woodard,
Ashley Price, Stacey McIver, and Taryn Sanchez. Photos from the event are available at https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1E5jbXqdlV_6cCWVPNxVD-FOn7VFdwPuv?usp=sharing courtesy of Chad Flowers.

About Garner Local Heroes

Garner Local Heroes was founded in 2017 to support first responders and their families by celebrating excellence, providing monetary support, and building community. 44 first responders have been recognized and $51,000 has been donated to local non-profit organizations supporting their work. Learn more at https://GarnerLocalHeroes.org/.

• Category: Client Features, Events