19-05-2025
How Euclid's new K-9 honors fallen officer Jacob Derbin's legacy
EUCLID, Ohio (WJW) – A 14-month-old K-9 named Chinook is officially in training with the Euclid Police Department, but his mission is anything but routine.
Chinook is a tribute to fallen officer Jacob Derbin, who was shot and killed in the line of duty one year ago. At just 23 years old, Derbin had dreamed of becoming a K-9 handler—an ambition cut short far too soon.
Now, that dream is being fulfilled in his honor.
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Chinook, a Belgian Malinois-German Shepherd mix, will be trained to detect illegal firearms—an intentional decision, considering Derbin was killed by gun violence.
The dog's training is being led by officer Jeremy Puszakowski, who said carrying out Derbin's legacy is both humbling and deeply personal.
'There is a lot of expectations and I am going to hold us to a high standard,' Puszakowski said. 'But I am just honored to represent Jacob in this way.'
Chinook's name carries special meaning. It comes from the Chinook helicopters Derbin worked on while serving with the Ohio National Guard in Kuwait.
But perhaps what makes this tribute the most powerful is who helped bring it to life: Derbin's father, Vince, a longtime K-9 handler for the Euclid Police Department.
He worked alongside Sgt. John Lally and the VFR Foundation to select the dog, coordinate the training and ensure his son's vision became reality.
'Be it the planning with VFR, the handler selection—but him specifically working with the dog and picking the dog,' Sgt. Lally said. 'This is what he wanted, and it's in honor of his son.'
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Just weeks after Derbin's death, the VFR Foundation stepped in. Once they heard he had hoped to become a K-9 officer, they donated Chinook to the Euclid Police Department.
'The city will benefit, the department will benefit, the community benefits,' said David Knott with the VFR Foundation.
Over the next six weeks, Chinook and officer Puszakowski will train side-by-side, forming the bond every K-9 team relies on. Once certified, Chinook will be the department's fourth K-9 officer.
But he'll be the first with a mission this personal.
Every time he hits the streets, every time he finds a gun, it will be in honor of a young officer who never got the chance but whose legacy is now built to last.
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