Fire Helmet, Recovered
- Description
- Recovered black hard-shell fire helmet belonging to Jimmy Riches. On the front of the helmet is a crushed leather front piece with the identifier "2 | Ladder 114 | 734." The helmet has several yellow reflective stickers on the outside, a black rubber impact ring, and the remains of its Plexiglass flip visor. The helmet is severely damaged and shows evidence of being crushed.
- Historical Notes
- Jimmy Riches lived in Brooklyn, where he was born and raised. The son of an FDNY battalion chief, Jimmy began his career in the NYPD before joining the FDNY in 1999. He also bartended part-time and drove a convertible. On September 11, Firefighter Riches responded to the North Tower with Engine Company 4 and was seen carrying a woman from the lobby. He would have turned 30 years old the next day.
Curator's Comment
Firefighter Jimmy Riches had recently completed his probationary year with the FDNY, building upon expertise gained while serving as a New York City police officer. A member of Ladder Company 114, Riches responded with Engine Company 4, located several blocks east of the World Trade Center. The members of Engine Company 4, deployed to the North Tower, are known to have reached the 30th floor in their rescue efforts.
Riches' father, Deputy Chief James Riches, was off duty on 9/11. He arrived at the site soon after both towers had fallen. He remained on duty at the site for the next nine months, helping to coordinate the search for all of the missing firefighters. On March 25, 2002, his search for his son concluded with the discovery of his remains. In a solemn ceremony, Riches carried his son’s body out of the rubble with the aid of his three younger sons, one a New York City police officer and two who later joined the fire department.
Riches' father, Deputy Chief James Riches, was off duty on 9/11. He arrived at the site soon after both towers had fallen. He remained on duty at the site for the next nine months, helping to coordinate the search for all of the missing firefighters. On March 25, 2002, his search for his son concluded with the discovery of his remains. In a solemn ceremony, Riches carried his son’s body out of the rubble with the aid of his three younger sons, one a New York City police officer and two who later joined the fire department.
- Accession Number: C.2009.50.1
- Dimensions: 8 in X 11.25 in X 17 in
- Dimensions (Metric): 20.32 cm X 28.575 cm X 43.18 cm
- Source: James and Rita Riches
- Credit Line: Gift in Memory of Firefighter Jimmy Riches FDNY
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