A somber wave of grief swept through Camden and the wider South Jersey firefighting community Thursday after a veteran member of the Camden Fire Department lost his life during a routine on-the-water assignment along the Delaware River.
Howard Bennett, 61, a longtime firefighter and respected member of the department, died after falling through ice at the Wiggins Park Marina while working on a department fireboat. The Professional Firefighters Association of New Jersey confirmed Bennett’s identity and described him as a highly experienced firefighter who devoted decades of service to protecting the city.
The tragedy unfolded shortly after 11 a.m. on February 5 at Wiggins Waterfront Park, a central staging area for marine operations and emergency response along Camden’s riverfront. Bennett and three fellow firefighters were conducting a scheduled maintenance inspection of a fireboat when he slipped on the icy surface and fell into the river through broken ice.
Witnesses and emergency officials said the water conditions were extremely dangerous, with freezing temperatures and limited visibility beneath the surface.
Within minutes, a multi-agency rescue operation was launched. Marine and dive teams from Camden, Cherry Hill and Philadelphia converged on the scene, working under urgent and hazardous conditions to locate Bennett beneath the ice. Rescuers searched the submerged area for approximately 30 minutes before locating him and bringing him to the surface.
Bennett was rushed to Cooper University Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at approximately 1:30 p.m.
By Thursday evening, an emotional procession of emergency vehicles assembled outside the hospital to honor Bennett’s service and sacrifice. Fire engines, police vehicles and ambulances lined the route as his body was escorted in a memorial motorcade from the hospital to a funeral home in Mullica Hill.
The procession, visible to residents and hospital staff, became a powerful public tribute to a firefighter who colleagues described as deeply committed to his profession and to the city he served.
Bennett spent more than two decades protecting Camden neighborhoods and was regarded by fellow firefighters as a dependable and well-versed veteran who routinely mentored younger members of the department. City officials later confirmed that his total service with the Camden Fire Department spanned nearly 27 years.
Camden Mayor Victor Carstarphen called Bennett a hero and praised his dedication to public safety, saying the city would stand with his family in the difficult days ahead.
Governor Mikie Sherrill also issued a statement offering condolences to Bennett’s loved ones and to the entire Camden Fire Department, describing his death as a devastating loss for the state’s first responder community.
Bennett is survived by his wife and two children.
City officials and union representatives emphasized that the incident occurred during a standard operational check, underscoring the unpredictable and ever-present risks faced by firefighters — including during non-emergency assignments. Marine operations, particularly in winter conditions, present unique hazards, including unstable surfaces, limited maneuverability, and the dangers associated with cold-water immersion.
As news of Bennett’s death spread, tributes poured in from fire departments across New Jersey and neighboring states, with many highlighting his professionalism, experience and calm leadership on the job.
Community members seeking updates and verified information surrounding the tragedy and its aftermath are being directed to official coverage and continuing reporting through Sunset Daily News.
Funeral arrangements and memorial services for Firefighter Bennett had not been formally announced as of Friday morning. Department officials indicated that additional details regarding services and public remembrances will be released once plans are finalized.
In the meantime, several organizations have begun coordinating support for Bennett’s family and for his colleagues at the Camden Fire Department.
The Professional Firefighters Association of New Jersey is working in partnership with International Association of Fire Fighters locals to ensure that every available resource is provided to the family and to the department during the grieving process.
The Camden County Hero Scholarship Fund also publicly recognized Bennett’s sacrifice. The organization traditionally assists the families of fallen first responders through financial and educational support programs for surviving children.
Camden Firefighters Local 788 has been actively sharing official updates and is expected to serve as the primary source for forthcoming information regarding memorial events, donation opportunities and community support initiatives.
Officials said the city is coordinating closely with union leadership and support organizations to ensure that Bennett’s family receives both immediate assistance and long-term support.
For Camden’s first responders, the loss has cut deeply.
Colleagues described Bennett as someone who embodied the mission of public service — a firefighter who showed up early, stayed late and never hesitated when called upon. His death serves as a stark reminder that the dangers of the job extend far beyond active fire scenes and emergency calls, reaching into every aspect of daily operations.
As flags fly at half-staff and firehouses across South Jersey display black bands and memorial ribbons, the city prepares to formally honor a firefighter whose career was defined by service, professionalism and devotion to community.
