In Memory of Deputy Sheriff Jody Hull

Florida officials were saddened to announce to residents the loss of a local Florida deputy to the COVID19 pandemic. It is the 21st officer to die in the line of duty in Florida this year. On August 21, 2021, Deputy Sheriff Jody Hull, badge number 10798, died due to contracting the virus while on the job. Hull had served his community as a law enforcement officer with the St. John’s County Sheriff’s Office for the past eight years. He most recently had been assigned as a school resource officer. Hull is the tenth officer in the history of the department to die in the line of duty.

St. John’s County Sheriff’s Office, Florida

Located in St. Augustine, Florida, the St. John’s County Sheriff’s Office headquarters is the primary law enforcement agency for the county. The agency provides protection and security to the unincorporated areas of the county and provides security for the county’s courts and detention center. In addition, deputies give security to the courthouse, court hearings and provide transportation for inmates.

The county was established in 1821. Today it has a population of nearly 265,000 residents. Officers in the department have turned to various community policing efforts. One popular program the department has become involved in is offered through Ring home security. Residents that use Ring cameras can sign up to allow police access to help monitor neighborhoods and solve crimes. Working together has lowered crime rates, and the county was given status as having one of the lowest crime rates for a county of its size in the country.

Remembrances

Deputy Sheriff Jody Hull leaves behind his wife and seven children. He also had many friends, extended family, and others whose lives he had touched that will be there in the years to come to help support his family. In addition, many residents and area law enforcement will join together to show gratitude for the sacrifice made by Deputy Hull.

St. John’s County Sheriff’s shared the sadness they felt about the loss of their dear friend and colleague on their social media accounts. “It is with great sadness we announce that St. Johns County Deputy Jody Hull passed away earlier this morning. Deputy Hull was a four-year member of the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office and most recently served as the Youth Resource Deputy at St. Augustine High School. Before serving with the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office, Deputy Hull served the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office for four years. Deputy Hull positively impacted the lives of so many students as a Youth Resource Deputy. He was passionately dedicated to making a difference in the lives of the youth around him. Deputy Hull was a valued member of our St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office family and will be greatly missed.”

Sheriff Gator DeLoach shared his thoughts about his friend and colleague. “Jody left an indelible impression on everyone and will be sorely missed by his PCSO family. Please pray that his family, friends, and members of the community he touched will find comfort and healing in the days to come as they deal with this unimaginable loss.”

The St. Augustine Beach Police Department shared their condolences with colleagues and the family of Deputy Hull. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Deputy Jody Hull of the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office. Deputy Hull passed away early this morning. Deputy Hull was a great deputy but even better person who was part of the Putnam and St. John’s County law enforcement community. Please keep his friends and family in your prayers.”