Retired FDNY Deputy Chief James Riches Dies at 74 from 9/11-Related Illnesses

Brooklyn, NY – James J. Riches, a retired Deputy Chief of the New York City Fire Department (FDNY) and a prominent advocate for 9/11 first responders, passed away on Thursday at his home in Brooklyn at the age of 74. His death has been attributed to illnesses stemming from exposure to toxic dust at Ground Zero following the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Riches had spent months at the World Trade Center site searching for his firefighter son, Jimmy, who was among those killed.

Thomas Riches, his youngest son, confirmed the passing, stating that his father "had a long list of World Trade Center ailments from his time down there, and it finally took its last toll on him," according to an obituary reported by Carol Rosenberg. Chief Riches, who served with the FDNY for 24 years, dedicated himself to search and recovery efforts after the attacks, a period that left him with severe health consequences. He developed acute respiratory distress syndrome and pneumonia by 2005, spending 16 days in a coma.

The tragic loss of his eldest son, Jimmy, profoundly impacted Chief Riches, who often said, "I live 9/11. I live it every day. I lost my son, Jimmy. My best friend. My oldest boy." He became a vocal proponent for better compensation and healthcare for rescue workers affected by WTC-related illnesses, frequently quoted by national news outlets. His advocacy highlighted the ongoing health crisis faced by thousands of first responders.

World Trade Center disease encompasses a range of conditions, including respiratory illnesses, gastrointestinal issues, and various cancers, all linked to the toxic environment at Ground Zero. An estimated 400,000 individuals were exposed to contaminants, with thousands of first responders, including firefighters, subsequently developing severe health problems. The FDNY continues to add names to its World Trade Center memorial wall annually, honoring those who have succumbed to these illnesses.

Chief Riches' legacy extends beyond his service and personal tragedy; he inspired his three other sons, Timothy, Danny, and Thomas, to also become New York City firefighters. His unwavering commitment to his fellow responders and the memory of his son underscored the lasting human cost of 9/11, a toll that continues to claim lives more than two decades later.