A veteran firefighter has died while performing a water rescue in the icy waters of the Delaware River in Camden, New Jersey, on Thursday.
Gloucester Township police said a Camden city firefighter died after falling through the ice during an ice rescue at the Wiggins Park Marina on the river around 11 a.m.
The Professional Firefighters Association of New Jersey (PFANJ) said they are heartbroken to share the death of longtime firefighter Howard Bennett.
They said that despite the valiant rescue efforts of his fellow brothers and sisters and the medical team at Cooper University Hospital, Bennett succumbed to his injuries.
“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. Our members put their lives on the line every single day,” PFANJ President Mathew Caliente said in a statement.
The association said they are working closely with the local International Association of Firefighters to ensure the family and department have every resource necessary as they navigate this profound loss.
Multiple fire department units responded to the scene.
According to the Philadelphia Fire Department, their Marine Unit 1 and Rescue 1 apparatus were dispatched to help, both specializing in equipment and capabilities to aid in water/river rescues.
Water temperatures are approximately 40 degrees in the Delaware River, according to a NOAA Buoy near Camden.
Initial reports indicated that the individual was transported to a nearby hospital. It was later reported that a firefighter died.
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