Howling Heroes is currently accepting applications for the esteemed K-9 Guardian Award. 🐾🏆 Apply today for support with your retired K9 Hero.
CHINOOK'S JOURNEY
Honoring Officer Jacob Derbin
On Mother’s Day, May 11, 2024, our community suffered a devastating loss with the tragic passing of Euclid Police Officer Jacob J. Derbin. Jacob was a son, a friend, a soldier, and a public servant with dreams of joining the K-9 unit alongside his father, Euclid K-9 Officer Vince Trusso.
To honor Jacob’s life and legacy, the VFR Foundation’s Howling Heroes K-9 Program made a promise just weeks later: we would provide a fully trained K-9 to the Euclid Police Department in Jacob’s name—at no cost to the city.
A Commitment Made—and Kept
That promise began to take shape after a meeting between VFR Founder David Knott and the Euclid Police Department in June 2024. Shortly after, Knott partnered with Paul Shaughnessy, President of Excel K-9 Services, to begin the process of acquiring a high-quality police K-9, with training set to begin in spring 2025.
And now, less than a year later, that promise has come to life.
Meet K-9 Chinook
Thanks to your support—from the Canterbury Golf Club fundraiser to private donations and countless kind messages—we are proud to introduce K-9 Chinook.
Originally known as “Bono,” Chinook is a 14-month-old Belgian Malinois/German Shepherd mix imported from Slovakia and selected by Officer Vince Trusso and Sgt. John Lally, both seasoned K-9 officers with the Euclid Police Department. The name “Chinook” was chosen in tribute to Jacob’s service in the U.S. Army Reserve, where he worked on Chinook helicopters.
Chinook is more than just a name—it’s a symbol of Jacob’s strength, loyalty, and commitment to service.
Chinook’s Training Journey
Chinook is currently in full-time training at Excel K-9 Services in Hiram, Ohio, under the guidance of his handler, Euclid Police Officer Jeremy Puszakowski. This dynamic duo is logging eight hours of training daily and is on track to graduate by June 27, 2025.
After graduation, Chinook and Officer Puszakowski will apply for state certification, with the goal of officially joining the Euclid K-9 Unit by August 2025.
Carrying Forward a Hero’s Legacy
The journey of Chinook is not just the story of a dog. It’s the story of a community coming together to honor a young officer who made the ultimate sacrifice. It’s a story of family, loyalty, and the unwavering belief that our heroes should never be forgotten.
From everyone at the VFR Foundation:
Thank you.
You didn’t just help fund a K-9.
You helped carry forward Jacob’s dream—and legacy.
Chinook & Jeremy: The Dynamic Duo
We couldn’t be prouder of Chinook and Officer Jeremy Puszakowski as they train together to protect and serve the community of Euclid. With each passing day, they are becoming a team built on trust, discipline, and heart. We can’t wait to see them in action.
Way to go, Chinook. Jacob would be proud.
