Christian County native Rick Shanklin is working his final week as warning coordination meteorologist for the National Weather Service in Paducah and stopped by the WHOP studios Monday morning.
Shanklin says his grandfather helped inspire a love of the weather in him at an early age that’s persisted through his life.
He has spent 37 years with the National Weather Service—including the last 27 in his current capacity—and says technology has changed the way almost everything is done during that time.
While it was a tough decision to retire, Shanklin says he’s looking forward to having more time to spend with his family.
He earned a Master’s degree in Ministry in 2018 and is also looking forward to having more time for ministry opportunities.
Shanklin thanked his co-workers, emergency management directors, first responders and others he’s worked with over the decades for helping keep those living in the region as safe as possible.
Listen to the entire interview below: