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Doffont, 37, died suddenly this weekend, leaving those who knew him in shock and profound grief.
"He was one of the hardest men I have ever met," wrote friend Blake Upton. "I always thought of him as invincible."
Doffont, indeed, seemed indestructible as a football running back, defensive back and placekicked for the St. Mary's High School Gaels from 1999 through 2002.
He was praised for his "speed, strength, intensity and talent" during his induction into the private Rutherford high school's Hall of Fame in 2015.
During a win over Hasbrouck Heights in 2002, Doffont rushed for 258 yards, scored five touchdowns and kicked five extra points. He led Bergen County in scoring that season while rushing for 1,168 rushing yards in 119 carries (9.8 yards per carry) with 21 touchdowns.
Doffont was named to various all-league teams for rushing, place kicking and kick returning. He continued playing at Montclair State as a defensive back and kicker, winning recognition for his kicking all four years.
Doffont went on to serve four years as a rifleman in a U.S. Marine Corps infantry battalion. He was deployed on separate combat tours to Iraq and Afghanistan and won the Purple Heart after being wounded in action.
He also received a Unit Citation Award, a Good Conduct Award, the Naval Sea Service and National Defense Ribbon, the Combat Action Ribbon and the U.S. Navy Marine Corps Medal of Honor for his service.
Doffont began his local public service career as a member of the Hudson County Sheriff’s Office Patrol Unit. He later joined the Harrison Police Department and, eventually, the Fire Department.
Fire officials said they will post arrangement information once it's finalized.
"We love you, brother," the department wrote on Facebook. "Rest in Valhalla."
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