In Memory of Police Chief Derek Scott Asdot

Florida residents are stunned at the announcement that yet another Florida law enforcement officer died due to the COVID19 pandemic. COVID19 has become the number one cause of line of duty deaths among officers in the US, with more than 220 officers that have died from the virus since January 2021. The federal government has mandated these losses be counted as line of duty deaths for the families to receive full benefits for their needs. Chief Asdot was 49 years old.

On Tuesday, September 28, 2021, the word came that the Green Cove Springs Police Chief Derek Asdot had died due to complications from contracting the coronavirus. He most likely contracted the virus through his work in law enforcement. Law enforcement is one of the occupations with a much higher risk of contracting the virus due to the inability to social distance.

Chief Asdot had served as a law enforcement officer for more than 20 years. He began life in civil service after graduating high school. Asdot served with the Green Cove Springs Police Department for almost 20 years and has been Chief of Police for four years. Before working in Green Cove Springs, he served with the Duval County Schools Police Department.

Green Cove Springs Police Department, Florida

Asdot was Chief for the Green Cove Springs Police Department. The agency has nearly 30 sworn officers and serves a population of almost 10,000 residents. Located in Clay County, Florida, the Green Cove Police Department is fully accredited. The city is named for the particular place along the St. John’s River, where it naturally bends, lending to lush green evergreen trees to its south. A warm mineral spring naturally occurs in Green Cove Springs and is the original fountain of youth.

Officers patrol the department’s jurisdiction of approximately 10.2 square miles and enforce safety, state, and federal regulations.

Remembrances

Police Chief Derek Scott Asdot leaves behind his wife, son, and daughter. Many area law enforcement agencies praised the service of Chief Asdot and will be coming to help honor him at his services. The residents and extended family will help the Asdot family with support during this challenging time.

The Green Cove Springs Police Department issued the following statement. “It is with great sadness and devastation that the Green Cove Springs Police Department announces the passing of our leader, our brother, our friend, Chief Derek Scott Asdot. Today, after a good fight, Chief Asdot has lost his battle with COVID-19. We send our deepest condolences to his family and all of his loved ones.”

Orange Park Police Department shared condolences to the Green Cove Springs Police Department, the Asdot family and praised the Chief. “It is with great sadness this evening that we learned Chief Derek Asdot (Green Cove Springs Police Department) lost his battle with Covid-19. Chief Asdot was a friend to us all at the Orange Park PD. Chief Asdot was an incredible leader and an even better human being.”

Congresswoman Kat Cammack shared sympathies with the family. “Chief Asdot of @gcspd was a dear friend, steadfast leader, and generous mentor, father, husband, and all-around hero. We grieve his loss and pray for his family and colleagues. Rest in peace, Chief. We’ve got the watch.”

FBI Jacksonville was saddened to hear the news of the loss of Chief Asdot. “FBI Jacksonville offers our deepest condolences to the loved ones of Green Cove Springs Police Chief Derek Asdot. As a graduate of the FBI #NationalAcademy Class 274, Chief Asdot was also a member of the #FBI family. His public service and partnership will never be forgotten.”