A extremely revered New York Metropolis firefighter, who rushed to the World Commerce Heart after the Sept. 11, 2001, terror assaults — the place his hero son perished — after which spent months aiding with restoration efforts, died on Thanksgiving Day.
Retired Deputy Chief James “Jim” Riches Sr., who served within the division for 30 years, died at 74 on Thursday from a 9/11-related sickness ensuing from the tragedy in Decrease Manhattan, the Uniformed Firefighters Affiliation of Better New York posted on social media.
“All through his distinguished profession, Deputy Chief Riches exemplified the very best traditions of our division,” the nonprofit advocacy group wrote.
“His dedication included responding to and aiding with the rescue and restoration operations at Manhattan Fifth Alarm Field 8087 — World Commerce Heart. His braveness, management, and unwavering dedication to defending life and property will endlessly be remembered.”
Riches, who served in Hearth Operations, was appointed to the FDNY on Aug. 13, 1977, and retired on Dec. 18, 2007.
The devoted smoke eater, who lived in Brooklyn along with his spouse, Rita, had 4 kids, together with three energetic FDNY members.
His eldest son, Jimmy Jr., was killed whereas responding with Engine 4 within the North Tower on 9/11.
Riches spent roughly 9 months at Floor Zero, searching by way of the rubble for his son and recovering numerous our bodies and partial stays of each civilians and uniformed service members.
He finally discovered his son’s physique on March 5, 2002, he recalled in a 2019 Op-Ed printed in The Submit.
“We received to bury him,” Riches wrote.
“Individuals discuss closure, however that’s not closure. I’ll by no means get closure till my son walks by way of that door. It was the worst day for me, to lose my son and all these different individuals. They went to work that day to assist individuals they usually ended up murdered.”
Riches went on to chair the “9/11 Dad and mom and Households of Firefighters” group, turning into an outspoken advocate on 9/11-related points and testifying earlier than metropolis, state, and federal companies, together with former President Barack Obama, family members recalled.
He even demanded Rep. Ilhan Omar apologize after she described the terrorist assault — which killed 343 firefighters — as “some individuals did one thing” in 2019.
“He was only a terrific man, well-respected,” retired Lieutenant Jim McCaffrey instructed The Submit Saturday night time.
“He’s what we name a legend on the job. It was simply an honor to know him and be related to him.”
McCaffrey, whose brother-in-law was killed within the South Tower, cast a detailed bond with Riches within the aftermath of the phobia assaults, working collectively — and alongside others — to consolation and advocate for different grieving households.
He mentioned the one optimistic to return from 9/11 was attending to know Riches and his household.
“Everyone cherished him, revered him and regarded as much as him,” McCaffrey added, noting how proud Riches was of his youngsters, who carried on his legacy as members of the town’s Bravest.
“He was such nice individuals. He was capable of serve others, that’s what made him proud. It’s an understatement to say what an honor it was to change into mates with Jim Riches and his household.”
Visitation will likely be held Sunday at McLaughlin & Sons Funeral Dwelling in Brooklyn, adopted by a Mass of Christian Burial on Monday at St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church.
