ATLANTA — Glenn Burns retired as Severe Weather Team 2 Chief Meteorologist on Tuesday as a 40-year career with WSB-TV.
Before he signed off, Burns shared one final message and a Celtic prayer with the viewers. Watch his speech above or read it below.
“When I arrived in 1982, cars were abandoned all over the roads. People had to walk home because we had several inches of snow that most of north Georgia was not prepared for.
I made a commitment then and there to try and do better. WSB-TV has a MAJOR commitment to news and weather and we began putting together a plan to have the best storm tracking and procedures in place to keep you and your families safe.
As of today, we have one of the best teams of meteorologists in the country and our own radar. Our forecasts are second to none. As you well know, there is a great deal of unpredictability in dealing with a chaotic atmosphere, but we’ve been up to that challenge.
You and I have been through thick and thin together right? Ice storms, snow storms, the blizzard of 1993. Snowmageddon in 2014! We’ve seen hurricanes and more tornadoes than I can remember. One of the worst was the 2008 tornado that hit downtown Atlanta during the Men’s SEC basketball tournament, causing major damage to the area.
My most vivid memory however, was the Newnan tornado. It was an EF 4 with winds of 170 mph mph, It was more than a mile wide. Homes were obliterated from Heard County to Coweta County. 1 person was killed. It was on the ground for 39 miles and possibly as long as 75 miles before dissipating in Fayette Co. It was on the ground for nearly an hour. I remember the man’s name, Barry Martin, who left his car trying to get to his daughter’s house, which had been destroyed by the storm, when he suffered a heart attack. This was one day before he was supposed to walk his daughter down the isle at her wedding.
Our radar was picking up the debris being lofted into the air. I looked over at Brad Nitz, who was driving the radar at that time, and we knew
people were and property we in dire straights. Newnan high school took at direct hit. Fortunately, it was about 11:30 at night.
I’ve been to hundreds to schools during the past 40 years and have heard from hundreds of school children about weather. I could see the fear in their eyes when they told be about storms that affected their area. I always kept that in my minds eye. When we tracked storms I always wanted to convey a sense of urgency to take cover. I never wanted anyone to panic. I know how terrifying severe storms can be but I just wanted to assure everyone that we were here, we were tracking, and it was going to be okay.
It took a team of people to stay on the air and track that storm, along with all the others we’ve seen over the years. WSB has a commitment to weather and a team of people behind the scenes you never see or hear about. I thank you all very much for your amazing expertise from engineers, to writers, producers, reporters and anchors when the weather turn into news.
I’ve had the privilege to work with some of the best in the business here at WSB. When I began in the mornings in 1982 I had the honor to work with the esteemed Jocelyn Dorsey. Then a year later, I joined Monica Kaufman Pearson, John Pruitt, and Chuck Dowdle. Today, we have Jorge Estevez, Wendy Corona, Karen Greer, Linda Stouffer, and Justin Farmer. Our morning team is amazing too! Who could not be in a better mood after watching Fred Blankenship and Lori Wilson. Our weekend teams with Sophia Choi, Justin Wilfon, and Candace McCowan keep you informed with the latest news.
And I had the distinct privilege working with and incredibly talented news anchor who lost he battle with brain cancer just over a year ago. Her picture is just outside the doors into our news studio. I see that
Every day and it reminds me what is truly important in life. Miss you so much Jovita.
I have had the privilege of being the chief meteorologist for the number one television station in the country for the past 40 years. Working with Jennifer Lopez, Eboni Deon, Brian Monahan, and Brad Nitz. It’s time now to hand the baton off to Brad as your new Chief. We have worked side by side for the past 17 years and I leave you in VERY good hands. Brad is as smart at they get and has the same dedication and commitment you have come to expect from Severe Weather Team 2. I will become Chief Emeritus and will return from time to time for the bigger storms and add some historical perspective. I have never taken for granted that when the weather got bad, you tuned in and trusted us to keep you and your family safe. It was my commitment when I came to WSB 40 years ago and is the same commitment you will see in the years ago.
I want to thank my wife Susan and my daughter Kimberly, son Christopher for the sacrifices made over the years. Weather never runs 9 to 5.
I want to thank you for your trust. Until we see each other again I want to leave you with this Celtic prayer.
May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face; the rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand.” - Glenn Burns
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