COLUMBUS, Ga. (WTVM) – Chief Meteorologist Derek Kinkade is leaving News Leader 9 as he prepares to transition to a career outside of local television. Colleagues and friends spoke about the impact he has made at the station during his more than two decades of service.
Colleagues reflect on his work ethic
Meteorologist Tyler Allender said Kinkade sacrificed sleep and time away from his family during severe weather coverage over the years.
“Congratulations on a huge milestone, 20 years here at WTVM, DK. We are sad to see you leave, though, but excited that after so many years of sacrificing sleep and time away from your family, that you’ll be able to spend more time with your family, especially on the active weather days here in the Chattahoochee Valley that they missed you on,” Allender said.
Meteorologist Madelyn Hess said Kinkade played a role in her decision to join the station…