CAMDEN, N.J. (KYW Newsradio) — Hundreds of people attended funeral services on Wednesday for Howard Bennett, the Camden firefighter who died last week after he fell into the icy Delaware River.
Firefighters and first responders lined the street as the funeral procession rolled in. A private viewing was held for friends and family at the Freedom Mortgage Pavilion in Camden, and a public celebration of life service followed.
Gov. Mikie Sherrill and Camden Mayor Vic Carstarphen spoke at the funeral. Camden Fire Chief Jesse Flax said it was moving to see the governor there.
"The biggest thing you could actually ask for is your leadership to show up," he said. "You could see our department is excited about it, happy for it. But they're grieving, everybody is grieving. I think the family is surprised but delighted that she came."
On Feb. 5, fire crews were conducting routine maintenance on a fire boat at Wiggins Park Marina — not far from the waterfront concert venue — when Bennett fell into the water and became trapped under the ice.
The 60-year-old, of Maple Shade, was a member of the Camden Fire Department for nearly 27 years.
Bennett's obituary calls him "a true MacGyver: a man of few words, but innumerable talents." It says that during his career, he "mentored countless younger firefighters, always willing to teach, always willing to help, and always willing to step in without being asked."
Sherrill ordered all flags across New Jersey to fly at half-staff on Wednesday in honor of Bennett.
Bennett is survived by his wife, Fran, and his children, David and Jenna.
