Each May, our Nevada Strong community comes together to honor the courage, dedication and sacrifice of law enforcement officers.
We would love to introduce you to and spotlight a couple of our partners who also take time to give back to our mission.
First, meet Public Information Officer and State Trooper for Nevada State Police, Shawn Haggstrom.
He shared, “I have worked as a sworn law enforcement officer for over 30 years. I have dedicated my life to public service. I am also an Eagle Scout and United States’ Marine (prior to going into law enforcement). I have always had the desire to protect and serve others to make our community safe. Every day in law enforcement is different, which means it is not routine work; it is incredibly fulfilling work. Law enforcement gives me an opportunity to develop valuable skills both personally and professionally while working in a team environment to combat crime. It is a noble and rewarding career path. On a daily basis, police officers of all types can make a difference in our community. They play a crucial role in upholding both laws and regulations in Nevada. Police officers work alongside their teams and will come across challenges and situations that are unique which require quick thinking and sound judgement. We consistently conduct ongoing training throughout our careers, enhancing both self-development and teamwork which helps gain valuable skills for real life situations. We also have the ability to serve in specialized units such as investigations, K-9 and more which can ultimately lead to positions in leadership. If you are looking for both a challenging and rewarding career that makes a difference in people’s lives, then law enforcement may be the career for you. National Police Week observes and recognizes officers who have given their lives in the line of duty as well as the brave men and women who continue to serve our communities with honor and integrity. I will always honor our fallen and support our mission which I took an oath to uphold. May our citizens rest easy while we protect and serve the communities we love. I want to thank all the men and women in blue for their bravery, commitment, courage and dedication to service. One part of my career that is very important to me as well is giving back to my community. I am proud to partner with Nevada Donor Network to bring awareness to organ, eye and tissue donation. I feel strongly that once our time here is done, we can create a legacy that continues through the individuals we can save and heal through donation. Being a hero means that your life continues as the ultimate gift to someone else. I feel that every time we speak about registering to be a heroic donor, we are helping them make an informed decision and bringing hope to the over 700 Nevadans who are in desperate need of a second chance.”
The next partner we would like to highlight is Reno Police Department Officer, Hunter Mercurio. Officer Mercurio has served our Nevada Strong community as a police officer for seven years. He was recognized as a finalist for Nevada Donor Network’s 2025 Donation Champion of the Year award. Additionally, Officer Mercurio played a pivotal role in the success of last year’s Living Donor Drive in partnership with Washoe County Sheriff’s Office.
He shared, “I am honored to serve our community as a law enforcement officer. If you have the willingness to run towards danger, love helping your community and would like each day at work to be filled with new experiences, this is the career path for you. It is the most rewarding job I can think of. I want to personally share my utmost gratitude with every police officer. They show up to work daily to keep our community safe not knowing how it will unfold. They work diligently to keep their partners safe, so they make it home to their loved ones. I encourage every law enforcement officer reading this to check in with your partner frequently, not only at work, but when they are off duty as well. We need each other and this support means more than you know. When a fellow officer is having an incredibly challenging day, it could be a simple message that impacts their feelings and thoughts. I am also honored to give back through my career. I am proud to partner with organizations like Nevada Donor Network because their work inspires me and makes a huge impact on our community. I have been able to witness stories of healing and triumph from grateful transplant recipients which are powerful to witness. I have also been able to see how a heroic organ, eye and tissue donor’s legacy lives on after their passing which inspires so many. I believe becoming a heroic donor gives you an opportunity to help someone and be a part of something greater than yourself! Everyone truly has no idea the impact they can have by saying ‘YES’ to donation. I encourage you all to be the difference you want to see in the world.”
Inspired? Learn more about our partnerships here!