Deborah Wrigley is leaving abc13 KTRK Friday as I blogged about in late August, but before she leaves, Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner has something to say about the longtime Houston journalist.
The mayor has declared Friday, September 4, 2020, "Deborah Wrigley Day" in honor of the channel 13 reporter who wraps up her time at the station after more than four decades.
Here is what Mayor Turner said to Wrigley in a recent press conference (you can watch in embed below):
I did want to take this opportunity to just thank you and acknowledge you for your reporting, your service, your commitment. Not just to the station, KTRK channel 13, but for the city of Houston.
After 42 years of reporting and retiring at 42 years of service. That's a big deal.
And 42 years, I will tell you, we've known each other for a long time, [Deborah says, "In the legislature and the mayor's race."] and we were going back to kind of look at some of the interviews and things. There was sometimes the interviewing and the questions were tough on me...but through it all, you've always been very, very fair and professional.
So I did not want you to leave this press conference today without expressing our thanks and congratulations to you for 42 years of service. And we just hope and pray that the best days of Deborah Wrigley in the future will be far, far better than the days that have passed. So I wish you all the very best. Congratulations.
ALSO JUST HAPPENING AT ABC13 KTRK HOUSTON
- Bob Slovak leaves abc13 KTRK
- Collin Myers exits abc13 KTRK
“Deborah is one of the finest writers and storytellers I have ever met," Wendy Granato, KTRK president and general manager said in a statement. "There will never be another reporter quite like her. She leaves a lasting legacy at ABC13, and we are grateful for her years of service to this station and our communities."
On the morning of her departure, a car parade was held for Wrigley's friends, colleagues and former co-workers to say goodbye.
After starting with KTRK in 1978, Wrigley is Houston’s longest-tenured female television reporter. After everything Wrigley has witnessed and with her excellent story-telling abilities, I wonder if there will ever be a book about her amazing ride along the Bayou City's history?
“I stayed in Houston by choice," Wrigley said in a statement. "My family roots were here for generations. That connection with a place and people reflected in my reporting."
SAY GOODBYE: Share your Deborah Wrigley stories and memories
Best wishes to @wrigleyABC13— Mary Benton (@IAmMaryBenton) September 3, 2020
who is retiring from @abc13houston after 42 years.
Earlier today, Mayor @SylvesterTurner suprised her by mentioning it during his news conference.
Deborah is a tough, but fair reporter. An icon whose work will be missed in the local news business. pic.twitter.com/Fa2MkB6iQQ
