This March, we are proud to recognize Erik Tom of the Reno Police Department as HAViK’s First Responder of the Month.
Erik is the kind of officer every community hopes for and every department relies on. The kind of presence that brings confidence to the people around him, not because he demands it, but because he earns it every single day.
Those who have worked alongside Erik describe him as relentlessly positive, steady under pressure, and someone who genuinely enjoys what he does. That attitude isn’t just contagious, it’s critical in a profession where the stakes are high and the margin for error is slim.
Over the past nine years, Erik has taken on multiple roles within the department. From patrol to SWAT, serving on the sniper team, and stepping into one of the most important positions in any agency as a Patrol Training Officer. Each role carries its own weight, its own responsibility, and its own demands. Erik manages all of it with a level of consistency and professionalism that sets the standard for others to follow.
Training the next generation of officers is no small task. It requires patience, leadership, and a deep understanding of what the job truly demands. Erik doesn’t just teach the job, he leads by example, showing new officers what it looks like to carry themselves with discipline, integrity, and pride in the uniform.
Outside of the badge, Erik is a husband and a father of two. And like many in law enforcement, he balances the demands of the job with the responsibilities of family life, a challenge that often goes unseen but deserves just as much recognition.
On a personal level, Erik is simply a good guy to be around. He brings energy, humor, and a presence that people gravitate toward. Reno is a better place because of people like him, and we’re lucky to have him out there doing the work day in and day out.
We are honored to recognize Erik for the impact he’s made, not just within his department, but in the community he serves.
As HAViK’s First Responder of the Month, Erik received a prize package built to match the level of dedication he brings every day.
Prize package includes:
This program is our small way of saying thank you to Erik and to the countless first responders who put others first without ever asking for recognition.
Know someone like Erik?
Nominations are always open, and every month we’re proud to spotlight another first responder who’s making a real impact.
