Description Recovered PAPD-issued bunker coat belonging to James Francis Lynch. "WTC | PAPD" is printed on the back of the coat in yellow reflective lettering. The coat appears undamaged and is only slightly dusty.
Historical Notes James Lynch was born in New Brunswick, New Jersey, and lived in Woodbridge. He had a teenage son. James was a fishing enthusiast who held a charter boat captain’s license and was active in a local boat association. A 22-year veteran of the PAPD, on September 11, Officer Lynch was recovering from surgery. He left home and responded to his command at the World Trade Center. He was 47 years old.
Curator's Comment PAPD Officer James Lynch earned a group valor citation for heroic actions while responding to the February 26, 1993, bombing of the World Trade Center. Subsequently assigned to the World Trade Center Command, he was off duty and recovering from surgery when he learned of the 9/11 attacks. Ignoring his own injury, Lynch responded immediately. His family was notified on December 7, 2001, that his remains had been recovered in the wreckage of the Twin Towers. The coincidence of that date with the anniversary of the 1941 bombing of Pearl Harbor holds special significance for Officer Lynch’s family. This bunker coat was recovered from Lynch's squad car near the site. HIDE