Former FDNY Deputy Chief Jim Riches — who lost firefighter son in 9/11 — dies of WTC-related illness
A legendary New York City firefighter was quieted in the fall, on Thanksgiving Day, after a life dedicated to the city’s streets and its people. Retired Deputy Chief James “Jim” Riches Sr.—who dashed to the World Trade Center the moment the towers were struck and battled the ensuing rubble for months—has died at 74. The loss was confirmed by the Uniformed Firefighters Association of Greater New York, which posted the sad news on its social‑media page.
“Throughout his distinguished career, Deputy Chief Riches exemplified the highest traditions of our department,” the nonprofit advocacy organization wrote. The statement was followed by a tribute that highlighted his presence at Manhattan’s Fifth Alarm Box 8087, where he helped rescue injured firefighters and civilians from the wreckage. He was lauded for his courage, leadership, and unwavering commitment to protecting life and property—an ethos the FDNY will never forget.
Riches began his firefighting career on August 13, 1977, in the FDNY’s Fire Operations division and retired after 30 years of service on December 18, 2007. He lived most of his life in Brooklyn with his wife, Rita, and fathered four children, three of whom followed in his footsteps and joined the FDNY’s ranks.
His eldest son, Jimmy Jr., tragically lost his life while responding with Engine 4 in the North Tower during the 9/11 attacks. Riches spent roughly nine months at Ground Zero, combing through debris in search of his son and helping recover countless bodies, both civilian and uniformed. According to an Op‑Ed he wrote for The Post in 2019, it was on March 5, 2002, that he finally found his son’s remains and could, with a heavy heart, say, “We got to bury him.” He went on to describe the day as the worst for himself—losing his son and watching ordinary people become casualties.
After the tragedy, Riches continued to serve the community as the chair of the “9/11 Parents and Families of Firefighters” group. He became a vocal advocate for 9/11‑related issues, testifying before city, state and federal bodies, including former President Barack Obama. He even pressed Representative Ilhan Omar to apologize when she used the phrase “some people did something” to describe the attacks—which killed 343 firefighters—in 2019.
Retired Lieutenant Jim McCaffrey recalled Riches as a “terrific guy” and a legend on the job. “It was an honor to know him and work with him,” he told the Post on Saturday night. McCaffrey, who lost a brother‑in‑law in the South Tower, had developed a close bond with Riches as they both comforted and fought for other grieving families.
Riches is survived by his wife Rita and their three children, who continue to carry his legacy in the FDNY. A visitation will take place Sunday at McLaughlin & Sons Funeral Home in Brooklyn, followed by a Catholic burial Mass on Monday at St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church. The community he helped protect—a city’s “Bravest”—remembers him not only for his service but for the courage he showed in his family’s darkest hour.
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