Saturday, hundreds gathered to say their last goodbyes to fallen Euclid Police Officer Jacob Derbin and attend his funeral service at St. Columbkille Parish in Parma.
The funeral procession started at A. Ripepi and Sons Funeral Home in Middleburg Heights.
Police officers from departments all across Northeast Ohio escorted the procession to the church.
PHOTOS: Police arrive for Euclid Officer Jacob Derbin's funeral
Euclid Police Chief Scott Meyer said during the funeral that he would posthumously honor Derbin with the department's highest accolade— the Euclid Police Department Medal of Honor.
"This is the highest honor that a Euclid police officer can be bestowed, and we have no record to indicate that any Euclid police officer has ever received this highest honor," Meyer said.
He continued, "Jacob, the world was truly a better place with you in it. Now, heaven will receive that same benefit."
Derbin was planning to marry his fiancée Liv Wuebker this summer. She spoke at the funeral service, sharing anecdotes of his loyalty, sense of humor and the couple's love.
“Jacob was a true disciple of Christ by loving everyone he encountered,” she said. “I genuinely feel unconditional love for you, Jacob. Our relationship reflects a partnership built on trust, understanding and genuine care for each other’s well-being.”
Derbin was killed by an armed suspect while responding to a disturbance call on May 11.
"There is no doubt that his actions saved the lives of four individuals - two of his fellow police officers and two citizens," said Chief Meyer. "Jacob, you are a true hero and I am so incredibly proud of you.”
Wuebker added, “John 15:13 states, 'Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friend.' Jacob would do it again, without a second thought, if it meant he could save one of you guys.”
You can watch the funeral service in its entirety in the player below:
Derbin was buried at St. Mary's Cemetery in Cuyahoga Heights.
Euclid Police paid tribute to Derbin with a last call issued over the radio. Listen Below:
Earlier this morning, crews unfurled a giant flag outside the funeral home in Derbin's honor.
End of Watch
Derbin was shot in an "ambush" while responding to a disturbance at a home in the 300 block of East 211th Street just before 10 p.m., May 11. Derbin was transported to University Hospitals, where he died from his injuries.
According to Euclid Police Chief Scott Meyer, Derbin had served Euclid residents since he joined the department on July 24, 2023, with "dedication, honor and professionalism. His kind heart and enormous smile were infectious. He will be missed by all who know him."
Derbin was a veteran who served in the Army Reserves. He was engaged, and his wedding was set to happen this summer.
"He was a gentle giant, Meyer said. "He loved public service. This is somebody who’s still in the army reserves, who’s served his country. Public service meant everything to him."
Derbin's father is also a police officer for the city of Euclid, according to the chief.
"He was a kind of happy-go-lucky kind of a guy," Meyer said. "He just loved public service and loved being here. He was that rare find, and I’m devastated, and his family is obviously devastated."
A GoFundMe has been sent up to help Derbin's family with expenses. CLICK HERE for more information.
