A bittersweet farewell: WTOL 11 prepares to say goodbye to Robert Shiels
The First Alert chief meteorologist has been with WTOL 11 since 1994 when he took over for Charlie Umpenhour. Author: WTOL Newsroom Updated: 6:21 PM EDT April 5, 2021
TOLEDO, Ohio The sun is about to set on a wonderful career here at WTOL 11, and it s more than bittersweet as we wish First Alert Chief Meteorologist Robert Shiels farewell as he signs off from WTOL 11.
Robert has been coming into your homes and bringing you the latest First Alert weather forecasts and expert meteorological insights since 1994 when he took the reins from Chief Meteorologist Charlie Umpenhour.
Smith’s parents moved to Temperance in 1977 and in 1986 they moved to Sylvania. A St. Francis De Sales High School graduate, Smith has been committed to living, working and serving in northwest Ohio.
“When you consider the history of this television market, and those who ve inspired me such as Jeff Heitz, Frank Venner, Gordon Ward, Frank Gilhooley, Jim Rudes, Charlie Umpenhour, Stan Stachak, Bill Harris, and Jerry Anderson, I consider myself very lucky . very, very lucky,” Smith said.
For more than 20 years Smith has worked in the Toledo market and markets in Traverse City, Michigan, and Bloomington, Indiana.
“If there s one thing that stands out in northwest Ohio and southeastern Michigan, it s the passion and the pride of its people,” he said.