The village of Brooklyn Heights swore in its first-ever police K-9 Tuesday evening. The German shepherd puppy, Jake, is named for fallen Euclid officer Jacob Derbin.
BROOKLYN HEIGHTS, Ohio — Officer Jacob Derbin wanted to be a K-9 handler, but he never got the chance. On Tuesday in Brooklyn Heights, where Derbin grew up, the police department continued the fallen Euclid officer’s legacy by swearing in its first-ever K-9, named in his honor.
K-9 Jake, who was introduced by the department earlier this month, was officially sworn in Tuesday evening during a ceremony that marked a historic moment for the village and a tribute to the 23-year-old police officer who was killed in the line of duty in 2024.
This story continues below.
For the Derbin family, the swearing-in represented a new chapter in a generational legacy of public service to Brooklyn Heights. Jacob Derbin’s grandfather, Dennis Derbin, served on the village’s police force for 27 years. His mother, Dawn Derbin, was a firefighter and paramedic in Brooklyn Heights for 15 years before becoming a registered nurse. Dawn Derbin was in attendance for Jake’s swearing-in on Tuesday.
“It’s surreal. It’s incredible,” Dawn Derbin told 3News after the ceremony. “Jacob’s goal was to become a K-9 officer, and to have them honor Jacob by naming this pup Jake will keep his legacy alive. It will continue to have Jake wear a badge. This Jake will protect the community. … I hope you’re seeing this tonight, Dad and Jacob.”
K-9 Jake — still a puppy — entered training earlier this month. The German shepherd will continue with weekly training sessions, and it’s expected to take a year to two years before he is fully certified as a working K-9. Officer James Grotenrath will be Jake’s handler.
“Every time K-9 Jake reports for duty, trains beside his handler, protects an officer, searches for someone in need, or serves the residents of Brooklyn Heights, he will carry Jacob’s name with him,” the Brooklyn Heights Police Department said.
The swearing-in ceremony was held during a meeting of the village council, with a large gathering of residents and community members in attendance to witness Jake’s official introduction.
“There were officers that worked alongside my dad that came for this, so it shows you this is a big thing for our community,” Dawn Derbin said. “This little pup is going to grow into a warrior and protect its handler and the community and again, it allows Jacob’s name to carry on, and his legacy as well.”
In an interview with 3News’ Lindsay Buckingham earlier this month, Dawn Derbin said she hopes her son’s character — not just his name — is carried forward as a source of inspiration for others. She described poignantly the emotions that stirred when she held the puppy in her arms.
“It’s like holding a baby. It’s like holding my Jake,” she said. “How powerful is it? It’s just this little puppy that’s going to do amazing things. Just like my Jake. Just like my Jakey.”
