For Capt. John Backer of the University of Nebraska–Lincoln Police Department, regularly donating blood aligns with everything he is about.
“I do this job to be of service to others, and donating blood is another way that I can be of service and give back,” he said.
A native of Bridgeport, Nebraska, and Husker alumnus, Backer said he had never really thought about giving blood until he went with his first college roommate and still close friend, Tyler Anderson, who was a regular donor. Now Backer is a double red cell donor (through which a donor gives two units of red blood cells instead of a single unit of whole blood), and he gives every 16 weeks.
He plans to donate next later this month as part of the We Give Blood Drive, a campaign by Abbott and the Big Ten Conference that runs through Dec. 5.
Huskers are encouraged to donate blood and log their donations to count toward Nebraska's total in the 2025 We Give Blood campaign through Dec. 5. Nebraska won the friendly contest and the $1 million prize from Abbott in 2024. As of the evening of Oct. 9, Nebraska is in second place with 5,771 donations in the 2025 contest. Wisconsin leads the Big Ten with 6,523 donations. Learn more about the contest and how to help register your blood donation here.
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Backer has given blood regularly for about 15 years — more than 11 gallons total. He said he treats the donations just like any other medical appointment — while he is there donating, he schedules his next appointment.
“At times, it can be a little hectic to make time to donate, but I always have a feel-good moment afterward — like hopefully someone’s world just got a little better,” he said. “Also, over time, I’ve felt donating blood to be somewhat like a civic duty — to do my part for the community."
Backer, who holds a bachelor’s degree from UNL and a master’s degree from the University of Nebraska at Omaha, has worked for the UNLPD since 2002. In his role as captain of administrative services, he oversees the Investigations unit, K-9 unit, Community Service Officer Program, compliance and accreditation, special events and dignitary protection.
He said the best part of his job is knowing that thousands of people can visit the university on any given day and leave safely, thanks to the department’s efforts.
As a police officer, Backer has seen instances when people needed blood and understands what a gift it is.
“The only way a person can receive blood is if another person is willing to donate,” he said. “There’s no way to manufacture it … It can’t be grown in a lab. Quite literally, someone’s life depends on donating blood.”
Backer said everyone who is eligible to give blood should try it at least once.
“It’s probably not as painful as one might imagine, and you get quite used to it over time,” he said.
Backer, who sometimes donates to campus drives alongside fellow UNLPD Capt. Aaron Pembleton, recommended going with a friend if one is afraid of needles or going for the first time.
“It just makes it more fun, more enjoyable, and you feel like you’re part of something larger,” he said.
For more information and to contribute to the We Give Blood Challenge, click here.
