James Riches

James 'Jim' Riches was a retired FDNY Battalion Chief and a devoted father who spent six months searching for his son, firefighter Jimmy Riches Jr., in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks. His relentless advocacy for 9/11 first responders and victims' families helped establish the World Trade Center Health Program and the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund. Riches died on Thanksgiving Day 2023 due to 9/11-related illnesses, becoming one of many firefighters affected by toxic exposure during recovery efforts.