A New Jersey firefighter died Thursday morning after he fell into the icy Delaware River, officials report.
According to the Courier Post, the incident happened in Camden at 11 a.m. near the Wiggins Park Marina.
A firefighter was on a boat for routine maintenance when he fell into the water.
Professional Firefighters Association of New Jersey said Howard Bennett died at Cooper University Hospital.
“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.
“We are devastated by the loss of Brother Bennett who dedicated his life to protecting the residents of Camden.
“Our hearts, our prayers, and our full support are with his family, his friends, and the members of Camden City Firefighters Local 788 and Camden Fire Officers Local 2578 during this unimaginably difficult time.”
Many agencies responded, including the Philadelphia Fire Department.
U.S. Geological Survey data reported the air temperature was below freezing and the water temperature was about 38 degrees.
First responders in the Northeast have been performing rescues on frozen rivers as the extreme cold continues.
