6 days ago
Monument to be unveiled for fallen Euclid Police Officer Jacob Derbin at Cuyahoga Heights High School
CUYAHOGA HEIGHTS, Ohio (WJW) – Wednesday marks what would have been Jacob Derbin's 25th birthday — a somber and difficult day for his family and friends, but one that will celebrate the life and legacy of a fallen hero as a memorial is unveiled at Cuyahoga Heights High School.
'He was just a larger-than-life student, became that as an adult, and continues to be that way for us,' Cuyahoga Heights Superintendent Matt Young said.
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Fallen hero Jacob Derbin lived a life of service and sacrifice, giving his life to protect the city of Euclid.
'Jacob represented the best of all of us,' Young said. 'And I think his impact really spread even beyond this community. When you see the outreach and outpouring of, you know, everything that went into making this day possible.'
Derbin, a Euclid police officer, was tragically killed in the line of duty while responding to a disturbance call on May 11, 2024 — devastating his loved ones and all who knew him.
To honor his life and legacy, the Cuyahoga Heights High School Class of 2018 and his mother, Dawn Derbin, raised more than $20,000 for a one-of-a-kind monument in front of the high school. That monument will be unveiled on Wednesday at 6:30 p.m.
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'Over the past year, I spent countless hours with Jim Milano and the boys of his class planning and shaping every detail,' Dawn Derbin said in a statement to Fox 8. 'I knew this couldn't be just any memorial — it had to feel like Jacob. I wanted it to reflect who he was, not just as a fallen officer, but as my son, a soldier, a friend, and someone who lived with integrity and passion.'
Dawn and Superintendent Young said the monument is deeply detailed, honoring Officer Derbin's high school, military and police careers.
'One meaningful part is the Chinook helicopter etched into the stone,' Dawn said. 'It wasn't just any model — it was Jacob's favorite one. It's the exact one that flew from Ohio to Kuwait when he was deployed in the National Guard. Including it was a way to honor a meaningful chapter of his life — his proud service to our country.'
'You couldn't really ask for a greater symbolism of exactly who he was, who he still is, and who he will always be to this school district, to his family and to the community,' Young said.
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All are welcome to attend the monument unveiling, but the school asks attendees to be respectful, as it is expected to be an emotional ceremony. Dawn said she is grateful for everyone's support in honoring her son's legacy.
'This monument laid the first stone — literally and figuratively — of what would become the Officer Jacob Derbin Foundation,' she said. 'A legacy project born out of grief, but fueled by love, purpose, and community. Through this foundation, we're committed to honoring Jacob's life and uplifting those who, like him, are dedicated to making the world a better and safer place, reminding us all to live with the same heart, courage, and purpose that Jacob did. This is more than a monument. It's a promise to Jacob — and to every officer, soldier, and family — that their story matters, and it will be carried forward with courage and truth.'
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