Longtime WTNH political reporter Mark Davis has retired because of the Covid-19 pandemic.
“As you may know, I have been on an extended leave of absence from work since mid March because of the pandemic,” Davis said in a statement. “Because I can see no safe path back to work for a man of my age and risk factors I have decided to retire from my position at News 8/WTNH. I would like to thank my co-workers past and present, and especially photographer Joe Sferrazza for helping me look good (in many ways) over the past 36 years. Most of all I would like to thank the viewers for their continued support over the decades.”
The New Haven, Conn. based reporter posted on Twitter on March 15 that he’d be taking a leave of absence, explaining it wasn’t safe for someone his age to be in the field daily.
FYI: I am taking an immediate and indefinite leave of absence because I cannot work and keep the social distancing recommended for those in my age group. Follow @jodilatina8
— Mark Davis (@markdavisWTNH) March 15, 2020
“FYI: I am taking an immediate and indefinite leave of absence because I cannot work and keep the social distancing recommended for those in my age group.”
And yesterday that leave became permanent. After 50 years in TV and radio, Davis will be missed by many, including Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont:
With the retirement of @markdavisWTNH from @WTNH, Connecticut is losing a titan in journalism. Mark has been a trusted source in state politics for several administrations. I hate to see him go, but I wish him and his wife nothing but the best in this new phase of their lives. pic.twitter.com/WEi9eC7bUc
— Governor Ned Lamont (@GovNedLamont) November 30, 2020