The Last Week of FOX 17’s “Davis…”

[Trophyhead]

Morning News floor director and comedy relief element Mike Davis will retire after 40 years with WXMI on Friday, Jan. 12.

Won’t pretend to know the service runs of all who wound up on camera in the Grand Rapids market, but as to assisting the product as a staffer or on-air talent it seems only George Lessens at WZZM has greater tenure.

Keith Thompson and Joe LaFurgey appear to be “clubhouse leaders” at their respective signals. This is simply observation, not assessment and to all who “leave their station” or keep tarrying, best wishes.

[teetoppz28]

I'll miss the Davis quotes:

"Roll the Friday funnies!!"
"Happy birthday! Enjoy your special day!"

I've noticed he's been absent more often lately. I figured he was using up his PTO before retirement. I guess I was correct.

[dwp49423]

Will be interesting to see if Davis' replacement has a similar on camera presence. He definitely made the show unique compared to the other three stations.

[Bull Shannon]

Morning News floor director and comedy relief element Mike Davis will retire after 40 years with WXMI on Friday, Jan. 12.

Won’t pretend to know the service runs of all who wound up on camera in the Grand Rapids market, but as to assisting the product as a staffer or on-air talent it seems only George Lessens at WZZM has greater tenure.

Keith Thompson and Joe LaFurgey appear to be “clubhouse leaders” at their respective signals. This is simply observation, not assessment and to all who “leave their station” or keep tarrying, best wishes.

Henry Erb has been at WOOD for over 50 years now.

Bill Steffen had a combined 48 years in the market before officially retiring, but that's split between two stations.

[Trophyhead]

As to Erb, it was noted after making this post that he’s part of their investigative team. That’s why “appear” was attached to Joe LaFurgey’s mention, and I figured he probably draws more bylines a year. I went with my gut and Googled the terms I had offered in guesses.

I think these tenure stretches are notable, as their like are doubtful to occur again.