END OF WATCH: May 11, 2024
Euclid Police Department
Patrolman Jacob J. Derbin, Badge #14 was twenty-three years of age and completing his first year as a Euclid Police Department law enforcement officer. Patrolman Derbin was tragically killed in the Line of Duty by gunfire from a violent felon. Patrolman Derbin’s death, occurred at the beginning of National Police Week, while he was investigating an aggravated menacing complaint call that was made to the Euclid Police Department, by a woman who told the responding Police Officers, the father of her child had threatened to shoot her and her mother during a domestic dispute. Patrolman Derbin sought to question the woman caller who was too terrified to exit the house to speak with him.
The killer, who was dressed all in black, was sitting in the dark on a neighbor’s deck. Patrolman Derbin was ambushed as he started to check the backyard of the victim’s home, the suspect opened fire on Patrolman Durbin. Despite being critically wounded, Patrolman Derbin heroically alerted his fellow officers to the danger, saving their lives by warning them to take cover.
Before joining the Euclid Police Department, Patrolman Derbin was deeply committed to service.
He was a graduate of Cuyahoga Heights High School, where he played football, and later attended the Kent State University Police Academy. He also served in the United States Army National Guard, being deployed overseas to Kuwait before beginning his career in law enforcement.
Patrolman Derbin was widely respected as an incredible individual and a dedicated officer who was passionate about serving others. His bravery, selflessness, and unwavering commitment to justice will never be forgotten. His legacy lives on in the hearts of those who knew him, and his sacrifice stands as a testament to his extraordinary dedication to protecting his community.
