By Bill Carey
7 February 2026
CAMDEN, N.J. — A longtime firefighter with the Camden Fire Department has died after falling into icy water while working on a department vessel at a waterfront marina.
The incident happened 5 February at Wiggins Park Marina on the Camden Waterfront, where the firefighter was conducting duties on a fire boat adjacent to the Freedom Mortgage Pavilion.
The firefighter was identified as Howard Bennett, a longtime member of the department with decades of service.
Officials reported he fell through ice-covered water into the Delaware River and was submerged for several minutes before being recovered by first responders. He was transported to Cooper University Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
At least three colleagues were on the boat at the time of the incident. The circumstances of the fall remain under investigation by city authorities.
Photo courtesy of Camden City Firefighters Local 788/Facebook.
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