Av,
Your trust in NYtimes reporting accuracy is admirable, but I would suggest remaining a bit more skeptical and inquisitive...questioning the veracity of each line of print when it comes to facts. I might even include your remark about the FD crew wanting to be "helpful", as one that might be off base. Wait til the safety review comes out before we hang these airmen out to dry. Again, are you in the flying business, or do you naturally enter a discussion armed with feelings ablaze?
cheers,
varkdriver495