Investigative MEDIA

Prescott Wildlands Division Chief Darrell Willis demands retraction of Granite Mountain Hotshot story

By 9 Comments

Share

After refusing to answer written questions or to be interviewed before publication of the New Times August 22 cover story, “Lambs to Slaughter,” about the deaths of 19 Granite Mountain firefighters, Prescott hotshots boss Darrell Willis sent New Times a letter containing what he claims are 22 inaccuracies in the article.

InvestigativeMEDIA’s editor John Dougherty wrote the story for Phoenix New Times and the article also appears on this website. The New Times responded to Willis’ claims with an extraordinary Sept. 10 story published on its website. Dougherty contributed to the New Times’ article responding to Willis’ claims.

The New Times story corrects three minor errors in the Aug. 22 article and New Times rejected Willis’ request for a sweeping retraction of the conclusions and opinions expressed in the story. InvestigativeMEDIA appreciates New Times continued support and confidence in the reporting. [Read more…]

InvestigativeMEDIA stands by story; State Forestry Division apologizes for deputy director’s comments

By Leave a Comment

Share

InvestigativeMEDIA stands by its July 30 story detailing statements made by State Forestry Division Deputy Director Jerry Payne concerning leadership decisions that appear to have been made in the moments leading up to the deaths of 19 members of the Granite Mountain Hotshot crew.

The state Forestry Division issued a statement late Tuesday afternoon apologizing “for Mr. Payne’s inappropriate expression of opinion as fact and unfounded speculation that prejudges the ultimate conclusion” of an ongoing investigation expected to be completed in mid-September.