May 20, 2013
News 12 First at Five / Wednesday, Nov. 14, 2012
AUGUSTA, Ga. -- The era of Chris Thomas in Augusta is drawing to a close.
After five years of reporting and anchoring at News 12, Chris announced his last day of work will be next Wednesday during his weekly radio segment, "The Inside Story," on 96.3 Kiss FM.
This week's radio segment was filled with calls and visits from everyone from viewers to interview subjects.
"I cannot say enough good things about this young man," said Estelle Parsley, News 12's VP of News and Operations. "I was doing the math this morning -- I think I have known you one-fifth of your life."
One viewer who called in even begged Chris to stay.
"Oh my gosh, Chris, I can't believe you're leaving us. Please don't go. Stay, Chris. Stay!" she cried.
Mayor Deke Copenhaver told Chris he will be missed.
"You have added a lot to the city, so I will tell you ... I just wish the best for you," he said.
Even City Administrator Fred Russell, who has had many a heated interview with Chris, came in to speak on the show.
"We greatly appreciate what you did and what you are going to do in the future," Russell said. "You are going to tell them how you got the job. Tell them how you really got the job."
This comes even after the infamous "Don't go there at all, Chris!" interview (see video).
"In all honesty, Chris, you've done a good job here, and you've got a tough job," Russell said.
While Chris is leaving Augusta to head to NBC 12 (seems like News 12 will follow him wherever he goes!) in Richmond, Va., don't think it will be easy to replace him.
"We do have a nationwide search," Parsley said. "We have identified some finalists. So we tell them all, 'You've got some big shoes to fill.'"
We at News 12 will miss you, Chris!
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