CLEVELAND — Tributes are pouring in from Ohio officials and law enforcement agencies honoring slain Euclid police officer Jacob Derbin, who was "ambushed" and fatally shot in the line of duty Saturday night.
The suspect in the attack, Deshawn Anthony Vaughn was found after an hours-long standoff on Sunday afternoon.
In a statement, Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost identified Derbin as a first-year officer with the Euclid Police Department.
“The promise to protect is signed with the blood of our officers. The killer who ambushed Officer Derbin will be found and will receive the full measure of justice," Yost said.
"It is a cruel irony that a mother lost her son on Mother’s Day, and that this murder happened just as we prepare to solemnize our fallen during Police Memorial Week," Yost continued. "My heart burns with anger at this injustice, for the family of this young officer and the Euclid Police Department.”
On Monday, the Euclid Police Department also thanked the public for their outpouring of compassion and support.
Euclid Mayor Kirsten Holzheimer Gail called upon the community to unite and honor Derbin's memory and sacrifice. She released the following statement on Sunday morning:
"In the wake of the tragic loss of our dedicated officer, we find ourselves grappling with a profound sense of sorrow and disbelief. This moment calls for us, as a community, to come together in solidarity and support, not only to honor a hero who selflessly served and protected us but also to offer strength to one another in this time of grief. Let us unite in remembrance and gratitude for the sacrifice made, and pledge to uphold the values of compassion, resilience, and community spirit that this devastating loss so poignantly reminds us of."
In addition, Cuyahoga Heights High School Superintendent Tom Evans released the following statement about Derbin, who was a 2018 graduate of the school:
"It is with great sympathy that I inform you that Jacob Derbin, a 2018 Cuyahoga Heights High School graduate and a City of Euclid police officer, was killed in the line of duty in Euclid last evening. Jacob comes from a long line of police officers in his family. He also has two half brothers who are currently students at Cuyahoga Heights and one half brother who graduated a few years ago.
Students will be informed of the situation Monday morning and offered the opportunity to talk with grief counselors who will be on hand. A moment of silence will be observed in Jacob’s memory. Counselors will be available for any students or staff members who need support as they mourn the loss of one of our own.
The entire Cuyahoga Heights Schools’ community extends deepest sympathy to the Derbin family. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers."
Cuyahoga County Sheriff Harold Pretel released the following statement:
"The members of the Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s Department stand in solidarity with the Euclid Police Department and extend our deepest condolences on the death of Police Officer Jacob Derbin. As we embark upon Police Week, we are starkly reminded of the dangers faced by law enforcement each day. We humbly thank Euclid Police Officer Jacob Derbin for his service to our community and promise to never forget his sacrifice. "
Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne added the following statement:
"On behalf of Cuyahoga County, I offer my sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of Euclid Police Officer Jacob Derbin, as well as to the members of the Euclid Police Department, and the entire Euclid community. It is with great respect that we mourn the loss of Officer Derbin, and honor his memory as an honorable public servant, both of the Armed Forces and the Euclid Police Department. As we begin National Police Week, let us bear in mind the great dangers faced by law enforcement each day. It is with deep gratitude that we thank Euclid Police Officer Jacob Derbin for his service, and sacrifice."
Police and fire departments across Northeast Ohio have been sharing statements of condolences and solidarity with the Euclid Police Department.
"As officers from around the United States gather in Washington DC for Police Memorial Week, sadly we will add yet another name of one of our fallen brothers. Euclid Police Department we stand united with you," the South Euclid Police Department shared on social media.
"Our hearts are heavy as we mourn and stand with the Euclid Police Department in this most difficult time," Mentor-on-the-Lake police posted. "Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of the fallen officer, the department, and the community. Stay strong, Euclid PD."
"It is with heavy hearts that we send out deepest condolences to our brothers and sisters at the Euclid Police Department who lost one of their own last night. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time," the Parma Police Department said.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with the Euclid Police Department and the family of Officer Jacob Derbin during this difficult time," the Parma Fire Department posted. We stand in solidarity with our law enforcement brothers and sisters as we mourn the loss of a dedicated officer. Rest in peace, Officer Derbin your service will never be forgotten."
You can see more social media tributes to Derbin from across Ohio below: