COVID-19 claims life of Green Cove Springs Police Chief
Green Cove Springs FL October 1 2021
Green Cove Springs Police Chief Derek Asdot, who had been with the department for almost 20 years and its leader for four, died Tuesday after battling COVID-19.
Asdot was 49.
The department announced his death “with great sadness and devastation” in a Facebook post. Asdot, according to the post, was “our leader, our brother, our friend.”
“Derek Asdot is widely regarded as a progressive leader who spearheaded dynamic transformational changes at the Green Cove Springs Police Department in a short period of time,” according to the city post. “The chief will forever be remembered as a great leader, an outstanding law enforcement officer, a patriot and an inspiration to all who knew him. He will be immensely missed. We ask for our community’s support and prayers as we navigate this great loss.”
Asdot was named chief in October 2017 after serving as acting chief for seven months. His predecessor, Robert Musco, resigned following a racial discrimination complaint.
Survivors include wife Angie, son Jake and daughter Ashley.
In a separate Facebook post, Angie Asdot wrote, “With great sadness, we share that my sweet husband left us this afternoon to be with the Lord. Our family is immensely grateful for your notes, messages and words of support over the last month. We love Derek with all of our hearts, and will miss him every single day.”
Asdot was diagnosed Aug. 16 and later hospitalized and ultimately placed on a ventilator, according to city spokeswoman Tiffanie Kelly. She said she did not know if he was vaccinated.
Hundreds of people responded to the city post with condolences.
Former City Clerk Julie Wager Clevinger wrote, “What a loss for anyone who ever met him. We love you, Chief, and will miss your smile most of all!”
Green Cove Springs Police Chief Derek Asdot, who died Tuesday of COVID-19, and a city officer carry food collected at the department for the local food pantry. Pantry leader Wynema Lovell said Asdot was “an outstanding man, outstanding chief of police.”
“A truly honorable man, proud to have known him,” Patrick Golemme wrote. “Rest in peace, Chief.”
Kathy Minton wrote, “Losing an officer of the law to any outside force is always a tragedy,” while CJ Foreman said Green Cove Springs had lost a “strong community warrior.”
“Derek was a great chief and a fearless friend to all that knew him. Heaven has called home our hero,” wrote David Motes.
The nearby Orange Park Police Department posted its own farewell: “Chief Asdot was a friend to us all at the Orange Park PD. He was an incredible leader and an even better human being. Chief, you will never be forgotten.”
Asdot, an Army veteran, began his law enforcement career with the Duval County School Board Police Department in 1999. He joined the Green Cove Springs police in 2002 and rose through the ranks, first as a patrolman, then street crimes officer, patrol sergeant, lieutenant and assistant chief of police.
He also was a narcotics detective with the Clay County Narcotics Task Force and an officer with the Jacksonville-area Drug Enforcement Administration Task Force. He obtained an associate’s degree in criminal justice administration from St. Johns River Community College, a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice administration from Columbia College and a master’s degree in criminal justice from the University of Louisville.
In addition, he was a graduate of the FBI National Academy and the Southern Police Institute.
Funeral arrangements are pending.
jacksonville.com
