Springfield City Council honors Rich Tetimer on retirement after 37 years at WWLP

The Springfield City Council presented a proclamation June 16 honoring Rich Tetimer on his retirement after 37 years with WWLP 22 News.

Councilor Katie Walsh introduced and read the proclamation recognizing Tetimer’s career at WWLP, which the proclamation traces to April 1988 and describes as including roles as sports director and later as a morning and noon anchor. The proclamation cited awards and community work, including 13 Associated Press sportscasting awards and multiple local “best sportscaster” reader polls.

Tetimer told the council that transitioning from sports to news allowed him to spend more time with family and to continue covering the local events he loved. “I got in the business to do sports. I was able to transition to news, and it’s so amazing when you meet people, what an impact you have on their lives,” Tetimer said. He thanked the council and the city for their support.

Council members offered brief remarks thanking Tetimer for his coverage of high school athletics and local events. Councilor Allen noted he and other residents grew up watching Tetimer’s coverage of local sports; Councilor Delgado and others echoed appreciation for his long presence in the Springfield media market.

The proclamation was presented ceremonially; no vote or ordinance was recorded in the meeting minutes for this item. The recognition was followed by photographs and brief one-on-one remarks between Tetimer and council members.

Tetimer’s remarks and the council’s commendations focused on his broadcasting career and community service; no formal policy actions or budget items were associated with the proclamation.