2026 -- H 8497

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LC006368

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2026

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H O U S E   R E S O L U T I O N

HONORING AND CONGRATULATING R.J. HEIM UPON HIS RETIREMENT FROM

WJAR-TV NBC 10

     Introduced By: Representatives Blazejewski, Shekarchi, Chippendale, Kennedy, Ajello,
Phillips, Santucci, Boylan, Read, and Shallcross Smith

     Date Introduced: April 30, 2026

     Referred To: House read and passed

     WHEREAS, R.J. Heim has concluded a distinguished and impactful broadcasting career

spanning more than three decades, including his tenure as Weekend Meteorologist and Weekday

Feature and Environmental Reporter at WJAR-TV NBC 10 in Providence; and

     WHEREAS, Throughout his many years at NBC 10, Mr. Heim became a trusted and

familiar presence to viewers across Rhode Island and Southern New England, delivering accurate

weather forecasts, insightful environmental reporting, and engaging feature stories; and

     WHEREAS, Mr. Heim's excellence in broadcasting was recognized with two New

England Emmy Awards for Outstanding Weathercaster, along with a third Emmy Award as part

of a newscast covering the aftermath of a major hurricane impacting Southern New England in

2021; and

     WHEREAS, During his tenure, Mr. Heim reported on and forecasted numerous

significant events affecting the region, including the historic mid-1990s winters among the

snowiest on record, the local impacts of the September 11 attacks, and the tragic aftermath of the

Station Nightclub Fire; and

     WHEREAS, Mr. Heim also provided memorable coverage of major environmental and

local stories, including the 1996 North Cape Oil Spill off Moonstone Beach, as well as in-depth

reporting on Rhode Island landmarks and history such as Rough Point, the Newport mansion of

Doris Duke; and

     WHEREAS, In addition to hard news and weather coverage, Mr. Heim brought creativity

and curiosity to his work through unique feature reporting, including his popular "Freaky Friday"

series exploring paranormal phenomena and local folklore, further endearing him to audiences;

and

     WHEREAS, Beyond his work at NBC 10, Mr. Heim has contributed to the broader

media landscape and now turns his attention to his creative endeavors, including his "Music

Through the Tunnel of Time" and "TV Through the Tunnel of Time" platforms; and

     WHEREAS, After decades of dedicated service, professionalism, and storytelling, R.J.

Heim leaves behind a legacy of excellence in journalism and broadcasting in the Ocean State;

now, therefore be it

     RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island hereby

honors and congratulates R.J. Heim on the occasion of his retirement from WJAR-TV NBC 10

and expresses its sincere gratitude for his many years of service to the people of Rhode Island and

Southern New England; and be it further

     RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to

transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to R.J. Heim.

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