Green Cove Springs police chief dies of COVID-19

GREEN COVE SPRINGS, Fla. — The Green Cove Springs Police Department announced Tuesday that Chief Derek Scott Asdot has died after a battle with COVID-19.

The department shared the news on their Facebook page, honoring Asdot and offering their deepest condolences to his family and friends.

Chief Asdot was an Army veteran and joined GCSPD in 2002. He became chief in 2017.

STORY: ‘He crawled out like a coward’: Man wanted in murder of Nassau deputy captured after 5-day manhunt

The department said the chief enjoyed many aspects of his career, specifically noting his time with the DEA Task Force out of the Jacksonville regional office and servicing as a board member on the St. Johns State River Academy Law Enforcement board.

He is survived by his wife Angie, son Jake and daughter Ashley.

Funeral arrangements will be announced at a later date, according to GCSPD.

The Orange Park Police Department honored Chief Asdot in a social post saying, “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.”

READ: Investigates: Clay suspended curbside recycling in August, reports yard waste pickup on track

Below is the GCSPD’s full 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.

Chief Asdot was survived by his wife loving wife Angie, his son Jake, and his daughter Ashley. We send our deepest condolences to his family and all of his loved ones.

Chief Asdot was an Army veteran who joined the Green Cove Springs Police Department in 2002. Asdot rose through the ranks to become Chief of Police in 2017. The Chief was a graduate of the FBI National Academy, the Southern Police Institute, and held a Master’s Degree from the University of Louisville.

Throughout his career, Chief Asdot enjoyed many professional accomplishments, including serving as a DEA Task Force Officer out of the Jacksonville regional office and serving as a board member on the St. Johns State River Academy Law Enforcement board.

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.

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.

Funeral services will be announced as soon as practical.

Chief Derek S. Asdot; End of Watch 9/28/2021

Thank you for your service sir……

City of Green Cove Springs Government

©2021 Cox Media Group