Sheriff's Office

For Immediate Release

Washoe County Sheriff’s Office deputies issue dozens of “Second Chances” during third donation awareness event

Washoe County Sheriff’s Office deputies issued 43 “Second Chances Tickets” during the agency’s third donation awareness partnership with Donor Network West.

Commencing on National Donor Day, the Second Chances program took place between February 14^th and February 20^th, 2022. The program was designed to educate Washoe County residents about organ, eye, and tissue donation, and encourage more Washoe County residents to register as organ donors.

Deputy Sheriffs, at their discretion, were allowed to give motorists who were registered organ donors and who were pulled over for minor traffic violations a warning as opposed to a fine. In addition, Deputy Sheriffs were allowed to give drivers who were not registered organ donors a second chance in exchange for their serious consideration of becoming a registered organ donor.

Of the 43 second chances given – 39 drivers were in violation of speeding, five drivers failed to obey a traffic control device (example: stop sign, lane lines), one driver was using a cell phone, and one had a cracked windshield. A driver may have more than one violation observed during the traffic investigation, making it possible that one warning was given for multiple violations.

Thirty-two of the drivers who received a second chance were registered organ donors. Eleven drivers were not registered organ donors, but they committed to consider organ donation moving forward.

The Second Chances program was conducted in partnership with Donor Network West, the federally designated nonprofit organ procurement organization responsible for facilitating the recovery of organs, eyes and tissues in northern Nevada and northern California.

There are more than 600 Nevadans currently waiting for a lifesaving organ transplant and more than 100,000 people waiting nationwide. Sadly, approximately 20 people die every day because the organ they need was not donated in time. While 95% of Americans support organ donation, only about half are registered organ donors and of those less than one percent of people die in a manner that facilitates organ donation.

The Washoe County Sheriff's Office is dedicated to preserving a safe and secure community with professionalism, respect, integrity and the highest commitment to equality. Sheriff Darin Balaam is the 27th person elected to serve as the Sheriff of Washoe County since the Office was created in 1861. The Washoe County Sheriff's Office strives to ensure public safety by building trust and creating partnerships within the diverse communities in which we serve. We will promote the dignity of all people supported by our words and actions through open communication while fostering an environment of professionalism, integrity and mutual respect.

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