It has only been mentioned because his story came out. Go back and watch the clips when they found the Kati and girls and then watch the major pressers once they found James and then the day after. I don't remember the state police or the under-sheriff mentioning either of them.
I have no idea what the national coverage brought. Local coverage had OSP thanking the helicopter pilot the day the family was found.
The point being, OSP aknowledged the help and expressed gratitude for it, whether FOX, CNN or others showed it.