[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 122 (Monday, July 27, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E744]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 HONORING THE SERVICE OF DAVID HARTMAN

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MICHAEL GUEST

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, July 27, 2026

  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.

                          ____________________