‘Heavy hearts’: Tributes for Euclid officer killed in line of duty

Paul Kiska
·3 min read
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EUCLID, Ohio (WJW) — People from all over Northeast Ohio are sharing tributes in memory of Euclid Police officer Jacob Derbin, who was shot and killed in what authorities called an “ambush” while responding to a call on Saturday night.

‘He is my hero’: Mother of fallen Euclid officer speaks about son

Derbin, 23, was shot and killed while responding to a disturbance at a home at about 10 p.m. Saturday. The man accused of killing him is also dead, after a manhunt that lasted nearly 18 hours.

Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse released the following statement Monday:

“Our hearts go out to the family and friends of Euclid, OH police officer and Ohio National Guard member Jacob Derbin, who was tragically killed in the line of duty Saturday night. We also want to remember all fallen officers across our nation who have made the ultimate sacrifice to keep our communities safe. We thank them for their service and bravery.”

Cleveland police wrote the following on the division’s X account: “Today we stand in solidarity with our brothers & sisters of the Euclid Police Department on such a tragic loss of a dedicated public servant. We’ll keep them in our thoughts and prayers!”

Cuyahoga County Sheriff Harold Pretel said Derbin’s death is a “stark reminder” of the dangers law enforcement officers face every day.

“The members of the Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s Department stand in solidarity with the Euclid Police Department and extend our deepest condolences on the death of Police Officer Jacob Derbin,” reads a Monday statement. “We humbly thank Euclid Police Officer Jacob Derbin for his service to our community and promise to never forget his sacrifice.”

Parma Police Department posted to its Facebook page, “It is with heavy hearts that we send out deepest condolences to our brothers and sisters at the Euclid Police Department, who lost one of their own last night. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Sadly enough, this happens as today begins Police Memorial Week which is dedicated to honoring fallen police officers.”

Mentor police posted, “Our hearts are heavy as we stand with the Euclid Police Department in this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all after the tragic loss of your officer. Stay strong, Euclid PD. We’re here for you.”

Gov. Mike DeWine orders flags at half-staff in honor of fallen Euclid officer

Police in Brunswick Hills also shared a heartfelt message: “Our deepest condolences go out to the Euclid Police Department, the family and friends of the fallen officer.”

Meanwhile, Gov. Mike DeWine has ordered flags at half-staff in Derbin’s honor through sunset on the day of his funeral. Services had not yet been set as of Monday.

The Fraternal Order of Police released a statement, saying Derbin “made the ultimate sacrifice to protect his fellow citizens.”

The statement said, in part: “The murder of Officer Derbin is the latest reminder of the danger our law enforcement first responders face daily. Police work is the only profession in the United States where the risk of severe intentional injury and death is usually at the hands of another human being. Domestic violence situations are one of the most dangerous calls a law enforcement officer can face but our Officers selflessly respond to protect the victims while knowing this.”

“Every day when our law enforcement officers put on that uniform and kiss their loved one’s goodbye, in the back of their minds both they and their loved ones don’t know if this will be the last time. They accept this without pause,” said FOP Executive Director Gwen Callender. “Officer Derbin is a true hero.”

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