Camden firefighter killed in Delaware River identified

Howard Bennett, a veteran Camden firefighter, has been identified as the man who lost his life in a work incident on the Delaware River on Feb. 5.

According to a statement from the Professional Firefighters Association of New Jersey, Bennett was a longtime member of the Camden Fire Department. He fell through the ice at the Wiggins Park Marina in Camden and was later pronounced dead.

“Today, the city of Camden and the entire state of New Jersey lost a hero,” Mathew Caliente, president of the firefighter association, said in the statement.

More: Camden firefighter dies after falling into icy Delaware River

“This tragedy is a stark and painful reminder that the dangers of this profession do not only exist within a burning building. Our members put their lives on the line every single day.”

Camden County Commissioner Jonathan Young released the following statement on on behalf of all the county commissioners.

““I extend our sincerest condolences to the family and friends of the fallen Camden City firefighter as well as the men and women of the Camden City Fire Department,” Young said. “Every day, our first responders leave the comfort and safety of their homes without knowing for sure if they will return after their shift,” the statement read.

“The sacrifice of these dedicated individuals, as well as the sacrifices of their loved ones, affords all of us the opportunity to live in a safer community. This loss is felt not only in the City of Camden and Camden County, but reverberates throughout the state. We grieve alongside our first responders and are dedicated to ensuring this loss was not in vain.”

New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill also shared her condolences.

“Devastated by the tragic passing of a veteran firefighter today in South Jersey. My thoughts are with his family and the Camden Fire Department during this difficult time,” Sherrill said.

The incident occurred sometime between 11-11:30 a.m. Camden City Mayor Victor Carstarphen confirmed the death during a press conference following the accident.

Bennett, previously unidentified, was reportedly on a fire boat doing a routine maintenance check when he somehow fell into the icy waters.

Firefighters from multiple departments, including some from Philadelphia, responded to the incident to help with the rescue attempt.

Jesse Flax, chief of the Camden Fire Department, said that all members of the department are grieving the incident.

“He was a dedicated firefighter who understood and knew his job very well,” Flax said during the press conference earlier in the day.

This is a developing story and may be updated.

Consider supporting local news with a subscription.