A Barnegat Township Police Officer has passed away while off-duty and working a second job at a construction site in Lakewood on Wednesday afternoon, according to Lakewood Township Police Spokesman Captain Gregory Staffordsmith.

Patrol Officer Alex Hoffman has served on the force in Barnegat for 17-years.

The 40-year old Hoffman was hospitalized at Ocean Medical Center in Brick after reportedly suffering from a cardiac arrest caused by a medical episode, according to the Lakewood Scoop.

Barnegat Township Police issued a statement following the loss of one of their brothers in blue.

"It is with great sadness that we announce the untimely death of Patrolman Alex Hoffman. Ptl. Hoffman died off-duty, doing what he always did-- working hard to provide for his wife and two children.

Ptl. Hoffman served with the BTPD for nearly 17 years, starting his career with us in May of 2003.

Ptl. Hoffman was always here to serve the Barnegat community however he could. 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.

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

The BTPD appreciates the huge outpouring of support from the Barnegat community, and from our brothers and sisters in the law enforcement community.

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

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