Overview
- Bennett died Thursday after falling through ice during a routine fire-boat maintenance check at Wiggins Marina and being trapped for about 30 minutes.
- He was pulled from the water by Camden crews with help from Philadelphia responders and was pronounced dead at Cooper University Hospital.
- Authorities have not determined how he fell, and the fire department says required tools and gear were on scene as part of standard inspections.
- Union leaders and city officials praised Bennett as a veteran public servant skilled in boat operations and offered condolences to his family.
- Recent frigid weather has left the Delaware River partially frozen, and forecasters warn unstable ice continues to pose significant risks on local waterways.