EUCLID, Ohio — The people who showed up at Cleveland Clinic Euclid Hospital on Thursday were on a mission to save lives, and they did it to honor a fallen hero: Euclid police officer Jacob Derbin, killed in the line of duty on May 11.
His fellow officers, community members, and loved ones came together to do what he did best, serving others. That's why his uncle, Frank Trusso was called to give blood.
"He always helps somebody, you know, lend a helping hand to somebody. And everything you have heard about Jacob, it's true," Frank said.
"This is honoring Jacob. But it's also essential to saving lives and to helping people. And again, that's Jacob," Dawn Derbin said.
They're paying it forward at a time when it's needed the most.
"It's a really big deal. It's where our biggest shortage is -- not just here in Euclid or Ohio -- nationally. There is a shortage of blood," said Shannon Kunberger, chief nursing officer at Cleveland Clinic Euclid Hospital.
Euclid police Lt. Joel Barron said he was proud to be donating blood in Jacob's name. But it's bittersweet. He misses his friend and everything he stood for.
"He was just an awesome, an awesome kid," Lt. Barron said. "First and foremost his smile. He always had a great smile and he had a servant's heart. He really did have a servant's heart. His memory should not be forgotten."
Thanks to events like the blood drive, it's won't. That's why Jacob's mom, Dawn Derbin, says she's grateful, being in a place where her son's spirit is so present.
"It's always the support and the love and the communities. Continuing to remember my son Jacob," Dawn said. "It's very healing."
Jacob's classmates are also honoring him, starting a GoFundMe to raise funds for a memorial stone to be placed at Cuyahoga Heights High School. If you'd like to contribute, click HERE.
Previous Reporting:
- American Red Cross, Cleveland Clinic partner to hold blood drive in honor of fallen Euclid police officer Jacob Derbin
- 'My heart just sank': Euclid police chief reacts to fatal shooting of Cleveland officer Jamieson Ritter shortly after loss of Jacob Derbin
- Fallen Euclid police officer Jacob Derbin's mother: 'I'm glad the world had him'