05/13/2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 13, 2026
Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 18 Reaffirms Support for Euclid Officers Following Lawsuit Related to the Death of Officer Jacob J. Derbin
EUCLID, OHIO — The Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 18 stands firmly behind the officers and supervisors of the Euclid Police Department following the filing of a civil lawsuit arising from the tragic line-of-duty death of Officer Jacob James Derbin.
Officer Derbin was killed on May 11, 2024, while responding to a violent threats call involving an armed and dangerous suspect. His death was a devastating loss to his family, the Euclid Police Department, the law enforcement profession, and the entire community.
“Jacob Derbin was exactly the kind of officer every community hopes to have protecting them,” said Jeff Herold, President of FOP Lodge 18. “He answered a dangerous call without hesitation because someone needed help. That courage cost him his life. Our members continue to mourn Jacob as a brother, friend, and fellow officer.”
The lawsuit attempts to assign blame to responding officers and supervisors who were forced to make split-second decisions during an unfolding and highly dangerous situation involving a violent offender. Lodge 18 strongly rejects the suggestion that the officers who responded that night acted with anything other than professionalism, courage, and commitment to protecting others.
Law enforcement officers routinely respond to unpredictable and rapidly evolving situations where information is incomplete, conditions are chaotic, and the threat of violence can emerge instantly. Even calls that initially appear routine can turn deadly within seconds.
“This case is a painful reminder of the dangers police officers willingly face every single day,” said Jay McDonald, President of the Fraternal Order of Police of Ohio. “The men and women who responded that night were confronted with a violent suspect determined to do harm. They responded to protect innocent people and their fellow officers under circumstances most people will thankfully never experience.”
Independent investigations were conducted following Officer Derbin’s death, including reviews by the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation, the Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner’s Office, and the grand jury process. Those investigations concluded that the suspect who ambushed officers and opened fire was solely responsible for Officer Derbin’s death.
Lodge 18 emphasized that no amount of training, equipment, or preparation can completely eliminate the dangers officers face when confronting violent offenders.
“Police officers do not get the benefit of hindsight in these moments,” Herold said. “They are required to make immediate decisions under extreme stress while trying to protect lives, including each other’s. The officers who responded that night did exactly what they were sworn to do: they answered the call and faced danger head-on.”
The Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 18 will continue to support the officers involved, defend the integrity of the Euclid Police Department, and honor the legacy and sacrifice of Officer Jacob James Derbin.
“Jacob’s memory deserves to be honored with truth, perspective, and recognition of the extraordinary risks law enforcement officers face,” McDonald added. “His sacrifice should never be forgotten.”
Rest in peace, Officer Jacob James Derbin. Your service and sacrifice will always be remembered.
Media Contact:
Jeff Herold, President
Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 18
[email protected]
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