Honoring the Service of David Hartman

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Mr. GUEST. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to thank WAPT Chief Meteorologist David Hartman for his 40 years of service to Central Mississippi. David Hartman has been one of Mississippi's most trusted voices in weather. David joined 16 WAPT as Chief Meteorologist in 1986 and has helped viewers prepare for some of the state's most dangerous weather events. Graduating from The Pennsylvania State University in 1983, David studied meteorology and three years after working in South Carolina, moved to Mississippi. He then began his career that made him synonymous with weather coverage across Central Mississippi. David earned recognition for his commitment to public safety and excellence in forecasting. He has been honored numerous times as Mississippi's Best Television Meteorologist by the Mississippi Association of Broadcasters and the Associated Press. David's work with the 16 WAPT news team earned a Regional Emmy Award for coverage of Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and an Edward R. Murrow Award for coverage of the devastating Yazoo City tornado in 2010. In 1995, David received an Emmy nomination for his half-hour severe weather special, A Matter of Seconds, which focused on improving public awareness and preparedness for tornadoes. WeatherRate recognized David as the Most Accurate Television Weather Forecaster in the Jackson market from 2020 to 2026. His career achievements have also been recognized with induction into the Mississippi Broadcasters Hall of Fame and receiving the Mississippi Association of Broadcasters' Lifetime Achievement Award. While forecasting the weather was David's primary responsibility, he spent many hours educating the community about weather safety. He spoke in classrooms across Mississippi, helped Scouts earn their merit badges, and served as official meteorologist for events across the state. In 2000, David helped bring the first television Doppler radar to Mississippi, giving 16 WAPT viewers additional minutes of warning during severe weather, helping to save lives. As the WAPT Chief Meteorologist, David has guided Central Mississippi through hurricanes, tornado outbreaks, winter storms, floods, and countless severe weather events with the calm, steady presence that viewers have come to trust. David and his wife, Diane, are the proud parents of three children-- Allison, Andrew, and Audrey--all named after hurricanes--and grandparents to Sydney and Peyton. After a distinguished career spanning more than 40 years in broadcasting, David Hartman leaves a legacy defined not only by forecasting accuracy, but by an unwavering commitment to serving and protecting the people of Mississippi. His impact on the community--and on generations of viewers who trusted him when it mattered most will endure for years to come. I am honored for the opportunity to recognize David's service and celebrate his 40 years of dedication to keeping us informed on the weather across Central Mississippi.

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