CAMDEN, N.J. (KYW Newsradio) — Funeral services are taking place Wednesday for the Camden firefighter who died last week after he fell into the icy Delaware River.
On Feb. 5, fire crews were conducting maintenance on a fire boat at Wiggins Park Marina when firefighter Howard 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.”
“It is never easy dealing with death, especially this situation as we cope with an unexpected and heartbreaking loss of a fellow firefighter,” Camden Fire Chief Jesse Flax said in a statement last week. “I have been privileged to know Firefighter Bennett for almost 30 years. Howard was a dedicated fireman, he was great at solving problems, a loving husband and father, and always known to be a kind person. … The entire Camden Fire Department stand with the Bennett family now and in the future.”
A private viewing for friends and family will be held at the Freedom Mortgage Pavilion in Camden starting at 11 a.m. on Wednesday. A celebration of life service will follow at 12:30 p.m.
New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill has ordered all flags to fly at half-staff on Wednesday in honor of Bennett.