11-26-25: Passing of James (Jim) Murtagh
TO: John Jay Community
FROM: Keisha Pottinger-Moore, Director of Human Resources Operations
DATE: November 26, 2025
RE: Passing of James (Jim) Murtagh
It is with sadness that I share the news that James (Jim) Murtagh, who was an Adjunct Associate Professor in the Economics Department at John Jay College of Criminal Justice, the City University of New York passed away. Jim was a member of the John Jay community for more than 14 years.
This below is an excerpt taken from what was written by Jack Murphy:
Jim Murtagh, FDNY Assist Chief of Training (Ret) passed away on Nov. 14th. A true American fire icon. His contribution to the fire service speaks volumes of his intellect and devotion to duty beyond the walls of a firehouse. Jim rose through the Department ranks from a Bronx FF in E48 to Assistant Chief of Training (1991-1994) along the way serving as a fire officer in L4 and L35. In the chief’s rank he served as the 8th Bn. Commander in Manhattan’s midtown high-rise district, Deputy Chief Commander 7th and 15th Div. and various senior staff chief positions as Dept. Project Manager for Computerization of Fire Apparatus, Fire Stations, and Personnel Records. This learned-man had a MA-Public Administration degree, a BS in Fire Science, and an AS in Fire Science, and was a certified city manager for the City of New York.
Jim has authored articles for Fire Engineering and helped to launch the 1997 Indianapolis FDIC 16-hour workshop on Fireground Command. He was a graduate professor at John Jay College of Criminal Justice, Fire Protection Management. Some of his students were Andy Fredericks, Jim Ellson, Jack Murphy, John Grasso, Ron Kanterman, Glenn Corbett, and Charles Jennings who would all lecture at the FDIC. Chief Murtagh has mentored many firefighters who have made an impact with their departments and the global fire service.
Over the years he has developed courses for the NFA: Command and Control of Fire Operations, Incident Command for High-Rise Ops, and Incident Command for Collapse Ops. He was also a course developer and instructor for High-Rise Ops, New York State Fire Academy. He authored books on How to Prepare for Firefighter Examinations and recently co-authored the High-Rise Buildings – Understanding the Vertical Challenges with Chiefs Jerry Tracy and Jack Murphy. One of his book contributions was his forte on Command, Management, Administration and being instrumental in developing Battle Plans for high-rise building fires and emergencies.
Rest peacefully, Brother you earned your “Angelic Wings.”!