A highly revered New York City firefighter, who rushed to the World Trade Center after the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks — where his hero son perished — and then spent months aiding with recovery efforts, died on Thanksgiving Day.
Retired Deputy Chief James “Jim” Riches Sr., who served in the department for 30 years, died at 74 on Thursday from a 9/11-related illness resulting from the tragedy in Lower Manhattan, the Uniformed Firefighters Association of Greater New York posted on social media.
“Throughout his distinguished career, Deputy Chief Riches exemplified the highest traditions of our department,” the nonprofit advocacy organization wrote.
“His dedication included responding to and assisting with the rescue and recovery operations at Manhattan Fifth Alarm Box 8087 — World Trade Center. His courage, leadership, and unwavering commitment to protecting life and property will forever be remembered.”
Riches, who served in Fire Operations, was appointed to the FDNY on Aug. 13, 1977, and retired on Dec. 18, 2007.
The devoted smoke eater, who lived in Brooklyn with his wife, Rita, had four children, including three active FDNY members.
His eldest son, Jimmy Jr., was killed while responding with Engine 4 in the North Tower on 9/11.
Riches spent roughly nine months at Ground Zero, hunting through the rubble for his son and recovering countless bodies and partial remains of both civilians and uniformed service members.
He eventually found his son’s body on March 5, 2002, he recalled in a 2019 Op-Ed published in The Post.
“We got to bury him,” Riches wrote.
“People talk about closure, but that’s not closure. I’ll never get closure until my son walks through that door. It was the worst day for me, to lose my son and all those other people. They went to work that day to help people and they ended up murdered.”
Riches went on to chair the “9/11 Parents and Families of Firefighters” organization, becoming an outspoken advocate on 9/11-related issues and testifying before city, state, and federal agencies, including former President Barack Obama, loved ones recalled.
He even demanded Rep. Ilhan Omar apologize after she described the terrorist attack — which killed 343 firefighters — as “some people did something” in 2019.
“He was just a terrific guy, well-respected,” retired Lieutenant Jim McCaffrey told The Post Saturday night.
“He’s what we call a legend on the job. It was just an honor to know him and be associated with him.”
McCaffrey, whose brother-in-law was killed in the South Tower, forged a close bond with Riches in the aftermath of the terror attacks, working together — and alongside others — to comfort and advocate for other grieving families.
He said the one positive to come from 9/11 was getting to know Riches and his family.
“Everybody loved him, respected him and looked up to him,” McCaffrey added, noting how proud Riches was of his kids, who carried on his legacy as members of the city’s Bravest.
“He was such great people. He was able to serve others, that’s what made him proud. It’s an understatement to say what an honor it was to become friends with Jim Riches and his family.”
Visitation will be held Sunday at McLaughlin & Sons Funeral Home in Brooklyn, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial on Monday at St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church.
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