Garner Fire-Rescue and Town Announce 2026 Firefighters Festival and Downtown Parade

Garner Fire-Rescue and the Town of Garner announced official scheduling and opened public parade and vendor registrations for the 2026 Garner Firefighters Festival, scheduled for Saturday, October 3, from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Centered around historic Fire Station #1 at 503 W. Main Street, the long-standing annual festival celebrates the dedication of local firefighters and emergency personnel while serving as one of the town’s most cherished autumn traditions.

A centerpiece of the festival is the traditional community parade kicking off at 2:00 p.m. along Main Street, traveling west from New Rand Road to St. Mary’s Street, featuring vintage and modern fire apparatus, local civic organizations, school marching groups, and public safety vehicles. Throughout the day, attendees can participate in hands-on fire safety demonstrations, vehicle rescue simulations, children's bucket-brigade challenges, and equipment tours, alongside a bustling street fair of regional craft artisans and food vendors.

The festival provides an invaluable public platform for Garner Fire-Rescue—recently re-accredited by the Commission on Fire Accreditation International—to deliver critical home fire prevention education and recruit volunteer personnel. Municipal organizers have arranged free downtown parking and complimentary shuttle service from First Baptist Church of Garner along Benson Road to accommodate thousands of expected visitors, highlighting the close-knit partnership between town emergency services and Garner residents.

Town of Garner and Public Safety Agencies Hold 9/11 Memorial Observance at Lake Benson Park

On the morning of Friday, September 11, 2026, the Town of Garner joined together with Garner Police Department, Garner Fire-Rescue, Wake County emergency responders, and community residents for the annual 9/11 Memorial Observance ceremony. Held at the Garner Veterans Memorial within Lake Benson Park, the solemn gathering paid tribute to the 2,977 lives lost in the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, and honored the extraordinary valor of first responders.

The ceremony featured a formal presentation of colors by a joint public safety honor guard, musical tributes, an opening invocation, and commemorative remarks from local public safety officials and community leaders. Speakers reflected on the lasting legacy of unity, selflessness, and courage displayed on that day, emphasizing the vital importance of instilling those civic values in future generations. Attendees observed moments of silence synchronized with the national timeline of events from that morning in 2001.

Lake Benson Park’s Veterans Memorial served as a poignant setting for local families, veterans, and active-duty public servants to pause and reflect on shared loss and national resilience. Municipal leaders noted that the annual gathering strengthens the deep bond between Garner’s citizens and its frontline emergency personnel, offering a quiet, meaningful space to reaffirm the town’s enduring pledge to never forget the sacrifices made on September 11.

Stanley Cup Makes Special Community Appearance in Garner at Riccobene Associates

On September 8, 2026, Riccobene Associates Family Dentistry announced that the Stanley Cup, professional sports’ most renowned championship trophy, made a rare and celebratory community appearance at the organization’s Garner office. Hosted by founder and CEO Dr. Michael Riccobene, the special event brought together clinical providers, administrative staff, long-time patients, and local Garner residents to view the historic trophy in person and commemorate more than 25 years of local healthcare service across North Carolina.

The visit highlighted the organization’s roots and rapid growth since its inception in 2000, evolving from a single rural dental practice in neighboring Johnston County into one of the Southeast's prominent doctor-led multi-specialty dental organizations with over 100 practices and 1,200 employees. Dr. Riccobene reflected on his early work ethic in his family's bakery washing pots and pans, noting that championship sports and high-quality community healthcare share the core tenets of teamwork, resilience, and mutual dedication encapsulated in "The Riccobene Way."

Bringing one of North American sports' most prized cultural artifacts to Garner created significant excitement for local sports enthusiasts and youth while underscoring Garner’s appeal as a hub for regional business leadership. Team members showcased their tenures with the organization alongside the trophy, illustrating sustainable career development in the local healthcare sector. Community leaders and attendees praised the event for spotlighting how local healthcare partnerships contribute positively to community spirit and local economic vitality.

Town of Garner Issues Reminder About Data Center Moratorium Passed in May 2026

The Garner Town Council in May 2026 unanimously passed a temporary moratorium on the permitting and issuance of development approvals for data centers, data-processing facilities, crypto currency mining operations and other similar land uses.

The moratorium remains in effect until May 18, 2027, or until the Council approves Unified Development Ordinance amendments regulating data centers and other similar uses (whichever occurs first).

Here are next steps

• The Planning Department will continue studying the impacts data centers could have on Garner and compiling information about how other communities have sought to mitigate potential negative impacts through zoning regulation. This phase should wrap up by mid-fall.

• A subsequent phase will involve drafting UDO text amendments related to data centers and similar land uses. These proposed amendments then would be presented to Council for consideration.

Current Status and Legal Context

A memorandum from the Town of Garner Planning Department proposes a temporary development moratorium on data centers, cryptocurrency mining operations, and similar uses to allow the town time to study their impacts and develop specific zoning regulations.

• Existing Gap: The Town of Garner currently has no specific definitions or standards for data centers or crypto-mining operations. Under the current Unified Development Ordinance (UDO), they likely fall under broader industrial or flex space uses and could be allowed by right in Light Industrial (LI) or Heavy Industrial (HI) zoning districts.

• Precedent & Authority: Nearby jurisdictions (such as Apex, Wendell, and Chatham County) have enacted similar moratoria. North Carolina General Statute § 160D-107 grants Garner the authority to impose a temporary development moratorium provided specific statutory requirements and public hearing notices are met.

Key Concerns Driving the Moratorium

• Energy Consumption: The massive power demand from AI and data infrastructure strains energy supplies, requiring significant offsite power generation.

• Water Usage: Large facilities—particularly hyperscale facilities using 1 to 5 million gallons of water daily—can strain local public water and wastewater capacity and risk lowering local water tables.

• Environmental & Health Risks: Potential greenhouse gas emissions, leaks from stored coolants/fuels/battery backups, and risks of microbiological contaminants (like Legionella) in open-loop cooling systems.

• Low-Frequency Noise: Continuous noise from outdoor cooling towers, chillers, and backup generators often falls in low frequencies not adequately covered by existing UDO industrial noise standards.

• Land Use & Design: Unresolved requirements for setbacks, screening, architectural standards, and decommissioning plans.

Proposed Duration and Action Plan

• Term: Proposed for one year (May 19, 2026, through May 18, 2027), or until a zoning text amendment establishing specific rules is adopted—whichever occurs first.

• Months 1–6: Research the impacts of these facilities and analyze how other communities have addressed them via zoning.

• Months 6–12: Draft and propose UDO text amendments, allowing at least 3 to 4 months to complete the formal review process (public hearings, Planning Commission recommendation, and Town Council action).

Staff Recommendation

The Planning Department recommends that Town Council adopt the proposed moratorium ordinance and direct staff to research and develop a package of Garner-specific UDO text amendments to regulate these facilities.

South Garner High FFA Partners with Washington D.C. Agriculture Students Ahead of National Competition

Credit: FAA - DC FFA students care for ducks and other animals while learning leadership skills.

On September 7, 2026, WUSA highlighted an innovative agricultural education partnership between Future Farmers of America (FFA) students from Ron Brown College Preparatory High School in Washington, D.C., and students at South Garner High School in Garner, North Carolina. The collaborative initiative connects urban high schoolers with North Carolina students from a historically agricultural and rapidly growing community, bridging urban-rural divides ahead of upcoming national FFA competitive events.

The exchange pairs students to explore diverse farming models, sustainable horticulture, and practical animal husbandry. For the visiting urban students who lack everyday exposure to farm infrastructure, collaborating with South Garner peers provides valuable hands-on experience in livestock handling, poultry care (including managing turkeys and ducks), and agricultural problem-solving. FFA educators noted that the program reinforces essential leadership, teamwork, and active listening skills that translate directly into competitive readiness and broader scientific careers.

By serving as an agricultural mentor school, South Garner High underscores the continued vitality of career and technical education (CTE) in southern Wake County. The initiative fosters meaningful cross-cultural connections and breaks down regional stereotypes, demonstrating how agricultural science unites students across differing geographic backgrounds. Participants highlighted that the technical competencies and mutual perspectives developed through the partnership inspire students to pursue advanced pathways in veterinary science, agribusiness, and medicine.

Read the full story here

Johnston County: Construction Permitting Shifts Highlight Workforce Housing Constraints

Johnston County, positioned immediately southeast of Wake County, has been one of North Carolina's fastest-growing counties over the past decade, attracting thousands of Triangle commuters seeking relatively affordable home prices. However, mid-year permitting data released in July 2026 by county building officials revealed an 11.9% decline in new home construction permits during the first six months of 2026 compared to 2025. This moderation in construction activity has intensified local dialogue among municipal and county leaders regarding entry-level workforce housing availability, infrastructure capacity, and shifting market demand.

The mid-year analysis showed that residential construction remains heavily weighted toward higher-end, single-family detached homes, which accounted for over 81% of all residential units permitted in the county. Townhome construction, which often provides an accessible entry point for first-time homebuyers and cost-burdened workforce households, represented only about 11% of permitted units. Meanwhile, permits for single-wide manufactured homes saw a 19.2% increase, illustrating that lower-income residents in towns like Smithfield, Selma, and Benson are increasingly relying on manufactured housing as rising construction and interest rate costs keep conventional site-built homes out of reach.

The persistent tilt toward detached single-family subdivisions poses a significant challenge for Johnston County municipalities like Clayton and Smithfield as they seek to support local teachers, healthcare staff, and service workers. County commissioners and municipal planning boards are utilizing fiscal impact models and comprehensive land-use plans to balance rapid suburban expansion against municipal utility constraints. Local housing advocates are calling for increased regional collaboration, updated zoning standards to permit diverse housing typologies, and dedicated workforce housing incentives to prevent Johnston County families from becoming severely cost-burdened.

• Source: JoCo Report

• Publication Date: July 16, 2026
  

Garner Receives $850,000 in Federal Funds for Jones Sausage Road Improvements

From left: Council Member Elmo Vance, Council Member Kelvin Stallings, Mayor Buddy Gupton, Assistant Town Manager John Hodges, Police Chief Chris Adams, Engineering Director Leah Harrison, Congresswoman Deborah Ross, Town Attorney Terri Jones.

On July 27, 2026, U.S. Congresswoman Deborah Ross joined members of the Garner Town Council, and municipal staff at Garner Town Hall to announce $850,000 in federal community project funding. Secured through federal appropriations, the dedicated capital investment will directly finance safety enhancements, roadway capacity expansion, and multimodal improvements along Jones Sausage Road in North Garner.

The planned municipal capital improvement project addresses mounting traffic volumes along the major commercial corridor through road widening, additional dedicated turn lanes, and redesign of the heavily traveled intersection at East Garner Road. In addition to vehicular infrastructure, the project incorporates critical pedestrian safety features, including new ADA-compliant sidewalks, crosswalk upgrades, and transit accessibility enhancements to better serve daily commuters and workforce transit riders.

A key highlight of the infrastructure project is the creation of a dedicated greenway link connecting surrounding residential neighborhoods to the newly established Yeargan Park as well as planned mixed-use developments in North Garner. Town engineering officials and community leaders noted that the federal grant will significantly accelerate project timelines, mitigating congestion near major regional distribution hubs while fostering safer non-vehicular mobility.

Karen Padgett Named Recipient of 2026 Stevens Award

Karen Padgett

Post Date: August 26, 2026 12:06 p.m.

A Garner resident with more than four decades of wide-ranging contributions to the community has been selected to be the 2026 recipient of the James R. Stevens Service to Garner Award.

Karen Padgett was recognized for her service to the community spanning from her days as an educator to her more recent volunteer work of preserving and telling the story of her hometown and its rich history.

“What makes her especially deserve the James R. Stevens Service to Garner Award is not only the length of her service, but the spirit in which she served,” the award nomination says. “Her decades of meaningful service have touched students, civic organizations, cultural institutions, historical preservation efforts and community members. For these reasons, she is highly deserving of recognition with the James R. Stevens Service to Garner Award.”

Garner Area Historical Society

In recent years, Ms. Padgett has become best known for her work as one of the founders and key leaders of the Garner Area Historical Society (see her spotlighted in Our State magazine). From 2017 to 2025, she helped build the organization from its inception to the society’s successful creation of the Garner History Museum at the Depot, located in Downtown Garner at 106 Pearl St.

As the society’s first treasurer and vice president, Ms. Padgett provided essential financial leadership and helped create a strong organizational foundation, the award nomination notes. She also built the society’s website, recruited charter board of directors and founding members, supported fundraising efforts, created museum exhibits and arranged tours designed for visitors of all ages, the nomination adds.

“Through these efforts, she helped ensure that Garner’s history would be preserved, shared and celebrated for generations to come,” the nomination says.

Ms. Padgett continues to find new ways to serve the community by connecting Garner’s history to its evolving identity. Earlier this year, she provided essential research and historical context for Garner’s Juneteenth Celebration, which focused on post-Civil War property ownership in the Garner area.

Ms. Padgett's commitment to service goes back to her time as an educator at Garner High where she was class advisor for the Garner High School Class of 1986 and led class officers in activities involving homecoming week, the annual class fundraiser planning and decorating for prom and planning end of year activities.

Later, she helped Miss Garner Pageant Scholarship Association contestants prepare for interviews, chaperoned local events and supported participants at two Miss America Pageants. “Forty years later, one Miss Garner credits her ... encouragement and mentoring as a defining part of her Miss North Carolina experience,” the award nomination says.

Ms. Padgett’s professional background is in education, and some of her volunteer work has focused on education as well. She has volunteered as a teacher and mentor with Communities in Schools at Garner Magnet High School and served for three years on the Board of Directors of the Garner Educational Foundation, helping to bolster local education and community partnerships.

For 14 years at the Chamber of Commerce, she contributed to events and special projects including the Connect conference, Broadway Voices, Summit Awards, Business After Hours and the Chamber's annual meeting.

Ms. Padgett also has past experience volunteering with The Towne Players of Garner, working in ticket sales, as an usher and providing administrative services.

Ms. Padgett currently serves as a home and garden docent at the North Carolina Governor’s Mansion, and she was recently appointed to the Wake County Historic Preservation Commission.

Summing up Ms. Padgett’s commitment to the community, the award nomination states, “For many years she has given her time, talents and heart to the Garner community and beyond, not for recognition, but because serving others is a part of who she is."

About the James R. Stevens Service to Garner Award

The James R. Stevens Service to Garner Award was established by the Stevens family to recognize individuals who have made substantial, outstanding contributions to the Town of Garner over a period of many years. Preference is given to nominees with 20 or more years of service. Non-residents of Garner are eligible recipients if the award committee determines that they meet the criteria necessary to receive the honor. Individuals also can be recognized posthumously.

Via Town of Garner

Gov. Stein Demands Answers on WakeMed–Atrium Merger Ahead of Key Vote North

North Carolina's governor presses WakeMed leadership on pricing guarantees and board oversight before commissioners decide on the healthcare deal.

A proposed merger between Raleigh-based WakeMed and Charlotte-based Atrium Health is facing sharp scrutiny from state leaders, led by North Carolina Governor Josh Stein. Stein’s office sent a formal inquiry to WakeMed leadership posing approximately a dozen critical questions regarding the proposed combination. While the governor lacks formal veto authority over the transaction—which ultimately requires the approval of the Democratic-controlled Wake County Board of Commissioners—Stein’s political influence and prior record on healthcare consolidation give his office significant sway over the proceeding.

Governor Stein approaches the transaction with a long history of overseeing healthcare mergers, having served eight years as North Carolina’s Attorney General before taking office as governor. During his tenure as attorney general, Stein monitored hospital consolidations while advocating for state lawmakers to provide his office with stronger statutory authority to ensure transparency and protect the public interest. Building on this background, his administration's latest inquiry emphasizes that WakeMed’s critical role in regional healthcare demands strict oversight rather than an unexamined transfer of control to Atrium.

The central concerns raised by the governor, alongside other state and local officials, focus on the potential for reduced public oversight, higher patient costs, and the dilution of WakeMed's community-focused mission. Critics, including State Treasurer Brad Briner, warn that similar hospital mergers nationwide have led to inflated healthcare prices and reduced staffing. Furthermore, Stein’s office questioned whether Atrium’s corporate control would dilute county oversight, protect existing levels of charity care for indigent residents, or maintain affordable pricing for the broader public and the State Health Plan.

Garner Fire-Rescue Awarded International Accreditation Status for Second Consecutive Time

The Garner Fire-Rescue Department has been awarded accreditation status for the second consecutive time by the Commission on Fire Accreditation International (CFAI), a program of the Center for Public Safety Excellence (CPSE).

The department received its accreditation during a CPSE hearing on Aug. 18 at the organization’s headquarters in Rosemont, Ill. Garner Fire-Rescue is among the fewer than 1 percent of fire departments worldwide to achieve international accreditation through CFAI and CPSE.

“Achieving accreditation demonstrates our commitment to providing the highest quality of service to our community,” Garner Fire-Rescue Chief Barrett Penny said. “More important, it reflects the dedication of our members and our willingness as an organization to continuously evaluate ourselves.”

Accreditation is a voluntary, comprehensive process that requires an agency to take an objective look at how it delivers services, evaluates performance, manages resources, identifies community risks and plans for the future.

Deputy Fire Chief Jason Hathcock, who serves as Garner Fire-Rescue’s accreditation manager, said the process has provided the department with a valuable tool for organizational growth and long-term planning.

“We have been able to use the Commission on Fire Accreditation International’s process as a proactive mechanism to plan for the future of this agency and identify areas where we can improve the quality of the services we provide,” Hathcock said.

The accreditation process also strengthens the connection between the Fire-Rescue Department and the community it serves by incorporating community risk, stakeholder input, performance data and organizational planning into the agency’s decision-making process.

Accreditation is awarded for a five-year cycle. Garner Fire-Rescue first received international accreditation from the Commission on Fire Accreditation International in July 2021.

About CFAI and CPSE

The Commission on Fire Accreditation International (CFAI), a program of the Center for Public Safety Excellence (CPSE), is dedicated to helping fire and emergency service organizations achieve excellence through self-assessment and accreditation. The CFAI accreditation model provides agencies with a comprehensive framework for evaluating their performance, developing strategies for improvement and demonstrating a commitment to continuous quality improvement and enhanced service delivery.

via Town of Garner

Loophole Allows Developers to Avoid Fair Share, Threatens to Raise Property Taxes for Everyone Else

WRAL: https://www.wral.com/news/local/wake-county-affordable-housing-tax-exemption-loophole-march-2026/

NCNewsLine: https://ncnewsline.com/2026/03/09/affordable-housing-tax-loophole-threatens-to-drain-local-government-budgets-in-nc/

The Mechanism of the "Loophole"

In North Carolina, state law allows for property tax exemptions for real estate held by non-profit entities for "charitable purposes," which includes providing housing for low-income residents. However, developers have found a way to utilize this intended benefit for for-profit gains:

1. Joint Ventures: A private, for-profit developer forms a partnership with a non-profit organization.

2. The "Paper" Non-Profit: In many cases, the non-profit holds a nominal interest (sometimes as little as 1%) but is designated as the "managing member" or "sole owner" of the underlying land.

3. The Exemption Claim: Because a non-profit is the technical owner of record, the entire multi-million dollar apartment complex applies for a 100% property tax exemption—even if the developer is collecting the lion's share of the profits.

Why It’s a "Drain" on Local Budgets

Property taxes are the primary engine for local government services in North Carolina. When a massive development is removed from the tax rolls, the impact is immediate:

• Infrastructure Stress: A new 300-unit apartment complex brings hundreds of new residents who require road maintenance, police protection, and fire services.

• School Funding: Property taxes are a major source of funding for local school districts. These developments bring in new students without contributing to the tax base that pays for their education.

• The Burden Shift: Because the cost of providing these services does not disappear, the lost revenue must be made up elsewhere—usually through higher property tax rates for existing homeowners and small business owners.

The Legislative Conflict

Local officials, including many in Wake and Johnston counties, are pushing for the General Assembly to close this gap. The debate centers on two main perspectives:

• The Developer View: Proponents argue that these tax breaks are the only way to make "affordable" housing projects financially viable in a high-interest-rate environment.

• The Local Government View: Officials argue that many of these projects only offer a tiny fraction of units at "affordable" rates, while the rest are rented at market value, making the 100% tax break a massive corporate subsidy.

Proposed Solutions

To address this, North Carolina lawmakers are considering "The 51% Rule." This would mandate that a non-profit must own at least 51% of the project and receive a majority of the cash flow to qualify for the exemption. Others suggest a "proportional tax," where the exemption only applies to the specific percentage of units that are actually income-restricted.

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Potential Scenario Impacts on Garner

1. The Revenue Gap and the "Burden Shift"

Garner’s $90 million budget is heavily dependent on property tax revenue to fund essential services. When a large apartment complex—potentially valued at $40 million to $60 million—successfully claims a 100% tax exemption through a non-profit partnership, the town loses hundreds of thousands of dollars in annual recurring revenue.

• The Math: At current tax rates, a single large-scale development getting an exemption could represent a loss of $300,000 to $500,000 per year.

• The Result: To maintain the same level of service for all residents, the town may eventually be forced to raise the tax rate on existing homeowners and small business owners to make up for the "missing" revenue from these large-scale exempt properties.

2. Service Demand Without Compensation

Growth in Garner brings an immediate need for expanded services. Apartment complexes, while providing housing, also increase the "call volume" for municipal services:

• Public Safety: New residents mean more calls for Garner Police and Garner Fire-Rescue. If a property is tax-exempt, it is essentially receiving these services for free, while neighbors in single-family homes or standard commercial buildings pay the full cost.

• Public Works: High-density developments put more wear and tear on local roads and require more frequent trash and recycling logistics.

3. Impact on Infrastructure and "Parks & Rec"

Garner is currently investing heavily in its "quality of life" infrastructure, such as the expansion of the greenway system and improvements to local parks. These projects are often funded by a combination of property taxes and municipal bonds.

• If a significant portion of new growth is tax-exempt, the town has less "bonding capacity"—the ability to borrow money for big projects like a new community center or road widening—because the projected tax base is smaller than the actual population growth suggests.

4. Distortion of the "Affordable Housing" Goal

The primary concern for local officials is often that these loopholes don't actually produce "deep" affordability.

• In Garner, where housing costs are rising, the town needs genuine affordable housing for its workforce.

• If a developer uses a 1% non-profit partnership to exempt a 300-unit building, but only 20 of those units are actually "affordable," the town is effectively "trading" $500,000 in annual tax revenue for just a handful of discounted apartments. This is often viewed as an inefficient use of public "subsidies" compared to direct town-led housing initiatives.

5. Land Use and Zoning Pressure

Because Garner has significant land still available for development, the precedent set by one successful "sheep’s clothing" exemption can lead to a "gold rush" of similar applications.

• If developers realize they can bypass property taxes in Garner by using this loophole, it may incentivize a wave of high-density residential projects that the town’s current $90 million budget is not yet equipped to support in terms of staffing (inspectors, planners, and police officers).

Summary for Garner

For a town of Garner's size, the impact is one of disproportionate growth. The town would be adding the "costs" of growth (more people, more traffic, more emergency calls) without the "benefits" of growth (an expanded tax base). For a $90 million budget, losing even 2-3% of potential revenue to these loopholes could mean the difference between funding a new park or hiring additional first responders without a tax hike

Barrett Penny Named Garner Fire-Rescue's Next Chief

A highly respected and seasoned fire service leader with 27 years of comprehensive experience will become the next chief of the Garner Fire-Rescue Department.

Barrett Penny, who has been serving as the department’s interim chief since March 2025, has been selected to lead Garner Fire-Rescue following a national search. His appointment is effective Jan. 12 with a formal swearing-in ceremony to occur at the Jan. 20 Town Council meeting.

During his tenure as interim chief, he has overseen the finalization of Garner Fire-Rescue's merger with the Town, helping to ensure seamless transfer of assets, personnel and finances over to Garner’s municipal government. He leads a department of 89 staff with a current fiscal year budget of $12.1 million.

“The Town of Garner is very fortunate to have Chief Penny as our next fire chief,” Town Manager Jodi Miller said. “He has demonstrated his commitment and passion to Garner and the fire service over his past 27 years of service. His leadership skills, work ethic and love for the Fire-Rescue staff make him the right choice to lead the Fire-Rescue Department in the future.”

For Chief Penny, his new role represents the culmination of an impressive career serving his hometown and a nationally accredited fire-and-rescue agency that has grown and evolved to continue meeting the needs of Garner and the surrounding area within its service district.

"I am deeply honored to have been selected to serve as the next fire chief of our department," Chief Penny said. “As someone who was born and raised in Garner and has served in every rank within this organization, this opportunity is both humbling and deeply meaningful.”

Chief Penny started with Garner Fire-Rescue as a firefighter in 1998 before rising through the ranks as a lieutenant then captain. In 2011, he was promoted to battalion chief and served in that role until 2022 when he was elevated to assistant fire chief. As assistant chief, he supervised six battalion chiefs and led a staff of 78 personnel in emergency and daily operations.

“Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside nearly every member of our department, witnessing firsthand the dedication, professionalism and pride that define who we are,” Chief Penny said. “Together, we’ve built a strong foundation of service, integrity and teamwork, values that will continue to guide us as we move forward.”

Chief Penny holds an associate’s degree from Columbia Southern University and is a level 3 fire officer with the state of North Carolina.

He is a member of the Wake County Association of Fire Chiefs, the International Association of Fire Chiefs and the North Carolina State Firefighters Association. He also serves as a representative on the Wake County Fire Commission.

In 2021, Chief Penny became the first member of Garner Fire-Rescue to earn the Medal of Valor. The recognition was for a swift-water rescue conducted while he was temporarily serving as operations chief for the Clayton Fire Department. He also received the Garner Local Heroes Award in recognition of his exceptional leadership and decision-making while commanding high-stress, complex emergency incidents.

“As we begin this next chapter, my commitment is to lead with transparency, collaboration and respect for our shared mission," Chief Penny said. “We are dedicated to protecting the lives and property of our community by building our future on the foundation of our past. The future of this department is bright, and I’m excited for all that we will continue to accomplish together."

To learn more about Garner-Fire Rescue, please visit its website main page.

Garner Police Department Selects Its Next Deputy Chief, Katherine Christian

The Garner Police Department is pleased to announce that Katherine Christian has been selected as the next deputy chief and will begin in her new position on Jan. 12.

Ms. Christian has served with the Cary Police Department for more than 18 years, most recently as a captain and the South District commander.

She began her career at the N.C. State University Police Department in 2005. With over two decades of policing experience, she has served in various roles as an officer, sergeant, lieutenant and captain.  

“We are excited to have Deputy Chief Christian coming aboard,” Garner Police Chief Chris Adams said. “She is an experienced, proven leader and a perfect fit for our department and the Garner community. She embodies our values of commitment, integrity and professionalism and holds to a policing style based on compassion and accountability.”

Ms. Christian has a master’s degree in industrial and organizational psychology from Walden University. She serves on the board of the local Eastern North Carolina Chapter of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (ENC NOBLE), and is a member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF), the National Association of Women Law Enforcement Executives (NAWLEE) and the North Carolina Association of Chiefs of Police (NCACP).

“I'm honored and humbled to step into the role of deputy chief with the Garner Police Department,” Ms. Christian said. “This opportunity comes with both excitement and a deep sense of responsibility. Working alongside Chief Adams, my commitment is to earn the confidence of this department and our community through intentional leadership and service by showing up with clarity, consistency and respect for everyone inside and outside of the agency. I'm grateful for the trust, grateful for the team, and ready to get to work.”

For more information about the Garner Police Department, please visit GarnerPD.org.

WRAL: Federal Immigration Agents Plan Raleigh Operations as early as Tuesday (November 18th), Mayor Says

Federal immigration agents are on the ground in Raleigh and plan to conduct operations in the area as soon as Tuesday, according to Raleigh Mayor Janet Cowell.

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Federal immigration agents are on the ground in Raleigh and plan to conduct operations in the area as soon as Tuesday, according to Raleigh Mayor Janet Cowell.

Cowell told WRAL News that agents are “already in Raleigh and will be active tomorrow.” The move comes as Border Patrol agents are conducting operations in Charlotte, about 170 miles away.

"We don't know how many law enforcement officers are here," Cowell said in a phone interview with WRAL News. "We don't know how long they're going to stay.

"But, I mean, my sense is that they believe that there are ... folks [who] are here [who] have committed crimes and are in the country illegally, and they will probably going to parts of town where they feel like they can intercept those individuals."

Cowell said her goal is to keep people safe.

"We didn't ask for this presence," Cowell said. "We feel like the Raleigh police are doing a great job here locally."

Cowell noted that Raleigh's violent crime is down 2% and property crime is down 16% from a year ago.

The Department of Homeland Security last weekend arrested more than 130 immigrants in the Charlotte area who are believed to be in the U.S. illegally, the department said. The department sent agents to Charlotte despite objections from city officials, who claim the deployment is unnecessary.

Likewise, Cowell said city officials didn’t request help from federal immigration agents and aren’t a part of their operations. Federal agents have not informed Raleigh officials who they are targeting or when they expect to complete their operations, Cowell said. 

“The police will be doing normal patrols out in the community,” Cowell said. “The biggest message here is that we know some people will be concerned. Some will feel threatened. They can call the police if needed.”

The National Immigrant Justice Center published a list of things people can do to protect themselves and defend their rights if approached by an immigration agent. It includes:

1. Create a safety plan: Identify emergency contacts and memorize their phone numbers. Protect your child's school or day care with an emergency contact to pick up your child. Provide authorization in writing for your emergency contact to make medical and legal decisions for your child.

2. Defend your rights: All people in the United States have constitutional protections, including the right to remain silent when questioned or arrested by immigration officers.

Wake County Sheriff Willie Rowe provided WRAL News a statement.

"The Wake County Sheriff’s Office has not received any official notification from U.S. Customs and Border Protection," Rowe wrote. "However, if any operation or activity should occur, I kindly ask all residents to refrain from engaging or confronting Border Control personnel and allow them to carry out their official duties.

 "The safety and well-being of our community remains the primary concern of the Wake County Sheriff’s Office, and we strive to avoid circumstances that may lead to injuries or unnecessary arrests."

NC lawmakers, UNC professor react to immigration agents coming to Raleigh

Gov. Josh Stein provided a statement to WRAL News, saying his office is aware of the reports about Border Patrol bringing its operation to Raleigh.

"I call on federal agents to target violent criminals, not neighbors walking down the street, going to church, or putting up Christmas decorations," Stein said. "Stop targeting people simply going about their lives because of the color of their skin, as you are doing in Charlotte.

"To the people of Raleigh: remain peaceful, and if you see something wrong, record it and report it to local law enforcement. Let’s keep each other safe."

NCGOP spokesman Matt Mercer also provided a statement.

“If these reports are accurate, it’s a clear sign of the failures enabled by former Gov. Roy Cooper and radical Democrats will finally be taken seriously," Mercer wrote. "Cooper on three occasions vetoed bills to require local law enforcement to cooperate with ICE detainers.

"President [Donald] Trump promised voters his administration would remove violent illegal criminals from our country and he is following through and enforcing the law."

In November 2024 when Cooper was still governor, North Carolina lawmakers voted to override the veto of House Bill 10. It requires sheriffs to work with federal immigration officials to detain people who are in the U.S. illegally in some circumstances.

Under the law, county sheriffs need to hold in detention anyone who is in the U.S. illegally, if federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement requests it. Most North Carolina sheriffs already did this, but some — including those in Wake, Durham and Orange counties — have argued it’s unconstitutional to hold someone once they’ve made bail.

NBC17: WakeMed Garner shooting: Officer killed, suspect charged after hospital ER gunfire, officials say

By: Starletta Watson, Rodney Overton, Haylee Kennedy, Mary SmithPosted: Nov 8, 2025 / 09:48 AM ESTUpdated: Nov 9, 2025 / 08:02 AM EST

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A Wake County hospital police officer killed Saturday morning in Garner was a “hero” who likely prevented other deaths during a struggle with a gunman who shot the officer and was later charged with his murder, according to Garner Police and WakeMed officials.

According to law enforcement officials, the shooting occurred around 9 a.m. Saturday at the WakeMed Garner Healthplex on U.S. 70.

A statement from WakeMed said that Officer Roger Smith, 59, of Knightdale, died from his gunshot injuries at WakeMed Raleigh on New Bern Avenue. Authorities said a struggle broke out just before Smith was shot in the emergency department lobby.

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‘Shock’ and ‘sadness’ from friends

Steven Moore was a childhood friend of Roger Smith, the two graduating together from Garner Senior High School. The school is now known as Garner Magnet High School.

“It’s just been the whole gamut of shock and disbelief, sadness. Just to think something like that happened in our backyard. You just never think about it,” Moore said.

Friends and support organizations said they were heartbroken over the loss.

“It was just a gut punch, like it always is. You always hope and pray that the officer who is injured in the line of duty is going to pull through, and unfortunately, that doesn’t always happen,” said Lindsay LiCausi, founder of Back the Blue NC.

CBS 17 is working to learn what led up to the struggle between Smith and Martin, while Back the Blue, a non-profit dedicated to helping law enforcement families, is gathering support for Smith’s family.

The group has created a GoFundMe to assist Smith’s family.

“I found out that he was taking care of his elderly mother, and so now my concern is who is going to take care of her and who is going to help step up and support his family now that he is gone,” LiCausi said.

Moore described Smith as the perfect example of what a law enforcement officer should be.

“To me, when I knew him was the epitome of law enforcement. He was compassionate, caring; he wasn’t out here to make a name for himself. He just wanted to do a job and keep the community safe,” Moore said.

Garner Police Statement: Suspect Charged in Death of WakeMed Campus Police Officer

The Garner Police Department has charged an individual in connection with the shooting death of WakeMed Campus Police Officer Roger Smith, which occurred on Saturday, November 8, 2025, at the WakeMed Garner Healthplex located off U.S. Highway 70.

At approximately 9:00 a.m., officers with the Garner Police Department responded to a report of a shooting inside the emergency department lobby. Upon arrival, officers found Officer Smith, 59, suffering from a gunshot wound. Despite immediate life-saving efforts by medical staff and first responders, Officer Smith succumbed to his injuries.

Following an extensive investigation and consulting with the Wake County District Attorney’s Office, the suspect, Benji Martin Jr., 29, of Garner, NC, has been charged with murder in connection with Officer Smith’s death.

Medical personnel at the scene described Officer Smith as a hero whose actions likely prevented further loss of life. His courage and selfless service exemplified the highest ideals of law enforcement.

“This is a heartbreaking and senseless act of violence,” said Garner Police Chief Adams. “Officer Smith dedicated his career to protecting others, and even in his final moments, he put the safety of others before his own. Our condolences go out to the Smith family, the WakeMed Campus Police Department, and the entire WakeMed staff. The Garner community mourns alongside you today.”

Garner Police detectives continue to work closely with the WakeMed Campus Police Department, the State Bureau of Investigation (SBI), and the Wake County District Attorney’s Office to ensure a thorough review of all evidence in this case.

Additional information will be released as the investigation allows.

As Affordability Impacts Garner, Town Mobilizes to Help Partners Address Food Insecurity

The Town's food drive continues through Nov. 26. We plan to make additional deliveries of donated items to other Garner food pantries, including Community of Hope Ministries ,over the next three weeks.

The six dropoff sites (also listed on the flyer) are Town Hall, the Garner Fire Rescue Administration Building, the Garner NC Police Department, Garner Recreation Center, Garner Senior Center and the Public Works complex. Please look for the green recycle bins and food drive signs at each location.

The Town is collecting nonperishable items such as canned fruits and vegetables, beans, cereal, tuna, pasta, rice, peanut butter and more.

Please check the flyer for a full list of desired items.

Governor Josh Stein, Garner, and Wake County Community Come Together for WakeMed Whole Health Campus Ground Breaking

Town of Garner officials joined WakeMed, along with state and national leaders, to celebrate the groundbreaking of the new WakeMed Mental Health and Well-Being Hospital, a key part of the future WakeMed Whole Health Campus in Garner. The project marks a major milestone in expanding access to comprehensive medical and mental health care for the community.

The campus will be located on approximately 56 acres at the intersection of White Oak Road and Timber Drive East in Garner. It will be part of a larger 226-acre mixed-use community made up of residences and businesses with a healthy living focus, being developed by Wycliff Development.

Once complete, the campus will include a 150-bed mental health hospital and a 45-bed acute care hospital, made possible through collaboration among WakeMed, the Town of Garner, Wake County, the state of North Carolina and community partners.

Alongside $6 million in federal funding, $6 million from Wake County and an additional $6 million from the state of North Carolina, nearly $35 million in community support has been raised to date through the Courage to Confront Crisis Campaign, which has a $50 million goal.

We are proud to see this investment in health and well-being take root right here in Garner, strengthening our community and the region for years to come.

via Town of Garner

Garner Wins Statewide Award for Public Art

Garner Wins Statewide Award for Public Art

Garner’s growing efforts to brighten public spaces with art have earned some well-deserved statewide recognition.

The Town recently received the 2025 North Carolina Great Places for Public Art Award from the American Planning Association-North Carolina Chapter during the organization's annual conference in Charlotte on Oct. 15. 

The award, according to the APA-NC Chapter, “values a community's creative side.” To showcase Garner’s new burst of creativity, Planning Department staff submitted an award package titled Downtown Garner Public Art Initiatives that featured public artworks in the Main Street and Garner Road area.

The award submission highlighted these examples:

• the Wings of Hope sculpture unveiled earlier this year at the corner of Garner Road and Avery Street;

• the In Full Bloom mural on the Full Bloom Coffee building at Main and Purvis Streets;

• the Hidden Figures mural honoring some of Garner’s most venerated Black residents on the Locs, Naturals and More Salon and Academy building at Rand Mill and Main Streets;

• a new sculpture at the corner of East Garner and Auburn-Knightdale Roads commemorating the Auburn community’s railroad heritage;

• newly painted crosswalk art in Downtown in the area around the Garner Recreation Center;

• the Art Around Town initiative featuring 23 works installed in public locations in 2021;

• and the 2018 Pop-Up Art project, which featured fence posts painted by a cross-section of local residents.

“The Town of Garner’s Historic Downtown stands out as a truly exceptional location for public art due to its vibrant visual expression, deep cultural significance and strong community collaboration,” Planning staff said in the award submission. “What distinguishes this area is the intentional and ongoing partnership between the Town, local artists and the community to cultivate a thriving public art scene. Rather than taking a passive approach, the Town of Garner is proactively supporting and expanding public art initiatives as a key element of Garner’s identity and future growth.”

The award submission cites the “collaborative efforts between Town leadership, the Planning Department, the Public Art Advisory Board and the Downtown Garner Association.”

“From large-scale murals that celebrate the town’s cultural and historical roots to interactive projects like painted crosswalks and community art installations, Garner has prioritized accessibility, inclusivity and creativity in the public realm,” the award submission says.

The Town has ramped up its support for public art considerably in the past year. Most notably, in April the Town and Garner’s Public Arts Advisory Board unveiled the Wings of Hope sculpture by local artist Jeff Hurr. Located at the corner of Garner Road and Avery Street near the Garner Performing Arts Center, this sculpture—the first one ever to be funded by the Town—features bold, upward-reaching branches that are grounded in the natural world but reach up toward the heavens. Wings of Hope is the first piece in a planned future sculpture park on the property at Garner Road and Avery Street.

Over on Main Street, two large-scale murals painted in the past six years have become prominent visual landmarks Downtown. The Hidden Figures mural presents a colorful portrait of a young Black woman surrounded by four smaller portraits honoring influential Black residents throughout Garner’s history. The work blends imagery of local Black churches and references Henry Fort’s historic cabinet shop, the first known business to be established in Garner.

Just down the street is the Life in Bloom mural, which showcases North Carolina’s native birds and wildflowers, layered with motifs from Garner’s railroad heritage. The mural quickly became an iconic visual that has appeared in countless social media posts since its completion in 2019.

The Garner Forward Comprehensive Plan promotes an emphasis on the public realm, and Planning staff routinely suggest public art elements in their reviews. One of the recent fruits of these efforts is the abstract metal sculpture at the corner of Auburn-Knightdale Road and East Garner Road that honors the railroad heritage of the historic Auburn community.

The Town Council celebrated receiving the Great Places for Public Art Award at its Nov. 3 meeting. Council Member Kathy Behringer, who heads the Town’s Public Art Advisory Board and has long championed the cause of public art in Garner, said at the meeting, “Public art is a good thing to have. It makes your town look attractive, but it also makes people smile—and that’s what you want.”

via Town of Garner

Singleton and Stallings Run Away with 2025 Garner Town Council Election

Kelvin Stallings and Gra Singleton react to early voting results in the 2025 council race.

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Garner Voters reject negative campaigning and embrace its past and its future with election of Singleton and Stallings.

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In what was slated to be tight race of candidates with a mix of experience, tenure, and qualifications, turned into an end-to-end rout by incumbent Gra Singleton and first-time Garner candidate Kelvin Stallings on election night.

Unofficial results from the NC Board of Election.

Singleton and Stalling each beat every other candidate in every precinct in Garner. This after, as the results revealed, they had dominated early voting.

Endorsements and outside money seemed to play a rare and sometimes unwelcome role in this year’s election.

Singleton and Stallings both were endorsed by the Wake County Democratic Party, while McIver and Uzzell had been endorsed by the Wake County Republican Party.

The Mayor’s endorsement of new-comer McIver and incumbent Behringer seemed to have little impact on the outcome of the race, however, negative mailers targeting Gra Singleton from an outside group, seemed to have have the opposite intended effect on Singleton’s campaign efforts.

Stallings’ early campaigning, social media, and efforts on the ground in the community seemed to bear fruit as early voting and elected day unfolded.

Rex Whaley (unaffiliated), who had put up strong numbers in his 2023 campaign, couldn’t seem to get good footing on what had become a high turnout and more endorsement impacted race.