JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The extensive career of News4JAX’s lead anchor Tom Wills has come to a close but that’s not without the city of Jacksonville recognizing his impact in the community over the past 49 years at The Local Station.
Tom officially signed off from the anchor desk on May 31.
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On This Week in Jacksonville, Mayor Donna Deegan surprised the revered journalist with a key to the city and a proclamation.
“I still can’t believe I’m not going to see you sitting at this desk anymore,” Deegan said. “I could not let the week go by without stopping and giving you my sincere love and congratulations and appreciation for everything you’ve done.”
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Tom’s impact has reached thousands of people, including colleagues in the newsroom and of course, the whole Jacksonville community.
“Fifty-five years I’ve been with this company. I just love working for them. I love what they stand for. I’ve never wanted to work for any other company,” Tom said.
Deegan said this award was well-deserved.
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“No one deserves it more, Tom,” Deegan said. “We’ve counted on you for so many years.”
Job well done, Tom.
Watch the full episode on Sunday, June 2 at 9 p.m. on Channel 4 or News4JAX+.
If you missed any of our stories, want to revisit them, or want to share them with other WJXT fans, we have a special page dedicated to Tom’s retirement, just click this link.