First Blood Drive Held In Honor of Slain Lincoln Investigator Declared a Success

Sept. 22, 2021, 2:45 p.m. ·

Press conference at Nebraska Community Blood Bank
Members of the Lincoln Police Department, Lincoln Fire and Rescue and Nebraska Community Blood Bank Commemerate the results of the first annual “12 Days of Hope Mario Herrera Blood Drive". (Photo by William Padmore, Nebraska Public Media News)

The Nebraska Community Blood Bank said Wednesday the first annual “12 Days of Hope Mario Herrera Blood Drive” was a success.

The 12-day drive was established in honor of slain Lincoln Police Investigator Mario Herrera, who was shot while serving a warrant and spent 12 days in the hospital before passing away from his injuries last September.

Nebraska Community Blood Bank spokesperson Kari Lundeen credits the generosity of the community and the support of Officer Herrera’s friends and family for the results.

“In total, over the 12 days, Nebraska Community Blood Bank saw a nearly 50% increase in blood donations over the same time period from recent years. That equated to over 1800 donors,” said Lundeen. 

Lincoln Police spokesperson Erin Spilker also thanked the Omaha Police Association, Omaha Police Department and Omaha Fire Department for working with LPD to make the event a success.

“ I think that's exceptional and extraordinary in itself," said Spilker, "We work with each other on a regular basis in a professional manner. But for them to step up and recognize not only our grief but find a way to be supportive of us in a positive way is just absolutely incredible.”

Spilker ended the press conference by challenging first-time donors who gave during the drive to make donating part of their regular routine.