BAY RIDGE — A funeral was held Dec. 1 at St. Patrick Roman Catholic Church, 9511 Fourth Ave., for James Riches, an FDNY deputy chief who died on Thanksgiving.
He was 74 and died due to 9/11–related illness, according to the Uniformed Firefighters Association of Greater New York (UFANY).
Riches, a Dyker Heights resident, battled a lung illness and retired from the FDNY in 2007.His oldest son, Jimmy, also a firefighter, died at the World Trade Center during the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
Following the attack, Riches rushed to Ground Zero and spent months trying to recover his son’s body and help in recovery efforts. He found Jimmy’s remains in March 2002.A street was co-named “Jimmy Riches Way” on Shore Parkway and Bay Eighth Street in his son’s honor.
The funeral for retired FDNY Deputy Chief James Riches was held at St. Patrick Roman Catholic Church. Eagle Urban Media photo by Ted General
Riches is survived by his wife, Rita, three children and eight grandchildren.
Riches became an advocate for 9/11 survivors following the attacks. According to the Daily News, he joined rallies on Capitol Hill to fight the federal government’s attempts to cut 9/11 health care funding.
Firefighter Jimmy Riches Jr. Brooklyn Eagle photo by Wayne Daren Schneiderman
Firefighters, elected officials, family and friends gathered at the church to pay their respects.
“A devoted member of the FDNY, he was appointed on Aug. 13, 1977, and retired on Dec. 18, 2007, after an extraordinary 30 years of service to the City of New York,” UFANY said in a statement. “Throughout his distinguished career, Deputy Chief Riches exemplified the highest traditions of our department. 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.”
The funeral for retired FDNY Deputy Chief James Riches was held at St. Patrick Roman Catholic Church. Eagle Urban Media photo by Ted General
Visitation was held for Riches at McLaughlin & Sons Funeral Home Nov. 30.
“We mourn the loss of Retired Deputy Chief James “Jimmy” Riches — a true FDNY hero who dedicated 30 years of his life to protecting our city,” wrote Assemblymember Michael Novakhov. “His service, including his selfless work in the rescue and recovery efforts at the World Trade Center, represents the very best of New York. Deputy Chief Riches embodied bravery, leadership and compassion. His passing is a heartbreaking reminder of the continued sacrifices made by our 9/11 first responders.”
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