Camden firefighter dies after being trapped under ice on Delaware River: Officials

Firefighter dies after falling in icy water in Camden

A Camden firefighter has died after being trapped under the ice on the Delaware River. The incident happened during a routine maintenance check of a fire boat.

CAMDEN - Camden is mourning the death of a longtime firefighter who died after falling through the ice at Wiggins Park Marina during a routine fire boat maintenance check, according to the Professional Fire Fighters Association of New Jersey (PFANJ). 

Camden Fire Chief Jesse Flax said the firefighter was submerged in the Delaware River for about 30 minutes before being located by rescue teams.

Medics rushed the firefighter to Cooper University Hospital, where officials say he died from his injuries. 

A veteran firefighter

What we know:

The PFANJ identified the firefighter as Howard Bennett, a veteran member of the Camden Fire Department. 

Photo courtesy of Camden Firefighters Local 788/Dave Melendez. 

The PFANJ said peer support teams have been in Camden since early afternoon to help grieving firefighters, and other departments are covering local stations so those on duty can take time to cope.

'The entire state of New Jersey lost a hero'

What they're saying:

"Today, the city of Camden and the entire state of New Jersey lost a hero," PFANJ President Matthew Caliente said in a statement. "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."

"We are devastated by the loss of Brother Bennett, who dedicated his life to protecting the residents of Camden," he added. "Our hearts, our prayers and our full support are with his family, his friends and the members of Camden City Firefighters Local 788 and Camden Fire Officers Local 2578 during this unimaginably difficult time."

"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," Camden County Commissioner Jonathan Young said in a statement. 

"Every day, our first responders leave the comfort and safety of their homes without knowing for sure if they will return after their shift," Young added. "The sacrifice of these dedicated individuals, as well as the sacrifice 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," he added. "We grieve alongside our first responders and are dedicated to ensuring this loss was not in vain." 

What's next:

The PFANJ is working with the International Association of Fire Fighters and local affiliates to ensure Bennett's family and department have access to needed resources.

What we don't know:

Officials have not released further details about how Bennett fell through the ice or the specific circumstances leading up to the tragedy.

Funeral arrangements and memorial plans have not yet been announced.