Camden firefighter who died after falling into icy Delaware River identified
CAMDEN, N.J. (WPVI) -- A firefighter from the Camden Fire Department has died after he fell into the icy waters of the Delaware River late Thursday morning.
It happened around 11 a.m. during a routine maintenance check of a fire boat, officials said.
The Professional Firefighters Association of New Jersey (PFANJ) identified the firefighter as 61-year-old Howard Bennett.
"Today, the city of Camden and the entire state of New Jersey lost a hero. This tragedy is a stark and painful reminder that the dangers of this profession do not only exist within a burning building," said PFANJ President Mathew Caliente.
Rescuers were called to Wiggins Waterfront Park in Camden, New Jersey, around 11 a.m. for a report of a person who fell into the river. Video from Chopper 6 showed rescuers surrounding a Camden Fire Department boat in the marina.
Bennett was in the water for approximately 30 minutes. Fellow firefighters were right there, surrounding him, doing everything they could in a frantic rescue effort. He was eventually pulled from the river and taken to an area hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
"Camden's prayers are with the family, because he wasn't just a public servant. He was a husband, a brother, a father that committed his adult life to serving, and protecting, and being there for our residents in the city," said Mayor Victor Carstarphen during an afternoon news conference.
It's still unclear how Bennett fell into the water.
No other injuries were reported in the incident.
"This is a very difficult time for all of us. I do not have enough words that I can even say that could tell you how this is hurting all of us," said Camden Fire Chief Jesse Flax.
First responders lined the road outside of Cooper University Hospital in Camden as a procession was held for Bennett.
Those who knew Bennett said he dedicated his adult life to protecting the community.
"Knowing him for the long time that I've known him here, he will sadly be missed. I'm devastated to the core," said Pete Perez, the president of Camden City Firefighters Local #788.
Perez trained under Bennett and is still trying to process what happened to his friend. He said the job is inherently dangerous.
"He was very versed in boating. He was our guy when it came to the boat stuff. Routine things can be inherently dangerous, and today, unfortunately, we learned that," Perez said.
"Times like this, you just realize how fragile life is," Flax added.
