Grief For Barnegat Police Officer Who Died Off-Duty

BARNEGAT, NJ — A Barnegat police officer died Wednesday while off-duty while working a second job in Lakewood. Alex Hoffman suffered what authorities believe was a medical episode.

Hoffman began his career with the Barnegat Police Department in 2003.

"Hoffman was always here to serve the Barnegat community however he could," Barnegat police wrote on Facebook. "During Superstorm Sandy in 2012, Alex donated his personally owned 2.5 ton truck to be used by the agency. That truck was used to conduct high-water rescues at the peak of the storm, saving lives."

Hoffman also dedicated time to obtaining surplus equipment for the agency. He procured over $500,000 worth of high-water rescue and off-road vehicles for the Township, free of charge.

The officer was working at about 1 p.m. Wednesday at a residential construction site in Lakewood when the medical emergency occurred, according to Lakewood Captain Gregory Staffordsmith.

Staffordsmith has not been advised on Hoffman's official cause of death. Hoffman's age was not immediately available, but News12 New Jersey reports he was around 40.

"Our thoughts are with Alex's wife, children, family, and friends as they navigate this incredibly difficult time," Barnegat police wrote.

Several neighboring agencies offered support.

"Our thoughts are with the Hoffman family and all of the Barnegat Police Dept. Alex was an amazing officer to work with, he will be greatly missed. RIP Officer Alex Hoffman," wrote Barnegat First Aid Squad on social media.

"The officers & members of BWEMS send our deepest condolences to the Barnegat Police Department and the Hoffman family," wrote Beachwood Emergency Medical Services.

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