A highly revered New York City firefighter, who rushed to the World Trade Center after the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks — where his hero son perished — and then spent months aiding with recovery efforts, died on Thanksgiving Day.

Retired Deputy Chief James “Jim” Riches Sr., who served in the department for 30 years, died at 74 on Thursday from a 9/11-related illness resulting from the tragedy in Lower Manhattan, the Uniformed Firefighters Association of Greater New York posted on social media.

“Throughout his distinguished career, Deputy Chief Riches exemplified the highest traditions of our department,” the nonprofit advocacy organization wrote.

“His dedication included responding to and assisting with the rescue and recovery operations at Manhattan Fifth Alarm Box 8087 — World Trad

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