Longtime Denton County Fire Marshal Roland Asebedo died Monday after becoming infected with COVID-19, county officials say.
Asebedo, 56, spent more than three decades in emergency services and was a 23-year veteran law enforcement officer who peers say “saved countless lives.”
“Chief Asebedo spent his entire adult life in service to others — the epitome of a public servant,” said Denton County Judge Andy Eads in a prepared statement. “Roland was a one-of-a-kind leader, organizer, coworker, and friend who will be greatly missed as a vital part of our Denton County family.”
Asebedo joined Denton County Emergency Services in May 2004 and in October 2020 was officially named the county fire marshal and director of development and emergency services. While with the county, he also served as assistant director of development and emergency services and assistant fire marshal.
During his career, Asebedo also worked as a firefighter and EMT, as chief of the Highland Village Fire Department, fire marshal with the Coppell Fire Department, and assistant fire chief and fire marshal with the Plainview Fire/EMS Department.
Asebedo is survived by his wife, son, daughter, mother and two siblings. Funeral arrangements are pending.
