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5 KDKA-TV Anchors & Reporters Celebrate Milestones In 2012

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) - As we head into the final weekend of 2012, we would like to pause to honor a few major milestones that happened this year at KDKA-TV.

Here's a tribute to some familiar faces who've been informing you and in some cases entertaining you for decades.

Brenda Waters

For 25 years, Brenda Waters has been reminding the people of Pittsburgh to "be positive."

She joined KDKA in 1985, but didn't come on board full-time until two years later.

Since then, Brenda has covered just about every story imaginable both in the field as a reporter and behind the desk as an anchor.

She's been honored time and again for her work, including an Emmy for her "On a Positive Note" segments, where she profiled local unsung heroes.

Jon Burnett

Jon Burnett joined KDKA-TV in 1982 and has worn many hats in his 30 years here.

He was hired as the co-host of "Evening Magazine." Three years later, he was tapped to co-host "Pittsburgh 2Day" and now co-hosts "Pittsburgh Today Live."

Of course, Jon is also a trusted member of our KDKA weather team. Proof of that is the Emmy he won in 1996 for best forecasting.

Ralph Iannotti

Ralph Iannotti began following leads all over western Pennsylvania in 1982 and hasn't stopped.

In 30 years, Ralph's become well-known for his gritty no-nonsense style and his passion for being the first to break major news stories.

In fact, his many honors include an award from the Pennsylvania Homicide Investigators Association for his weekly CrimeStoppers segment.

Bob Pompeani

With 30 years under his belt, when you think of Pittsburgh sportscasters, Bob Pompeani surely is one of the first to come to mind.

He's been covering everything from high school sports to college to the Steelers, Pirates and Penguins since 1982.

Bob has received several awards for his work, including two Emmys.

As a Beaver County native, he was inducted into the Beaver County Sports Hall of Fame in 2007, for his many contributions to local sports.

Lynne Hayes-Freeland

For an incredible 35 years, Lynne Hayes-Freeland has been doing a little bit of everything here at KDKA-TV.

She was hired in 1977 behind the scenes as a producer for "Evening Magazine."

She went on to create and produce several shows, including the "Free Care Friends" telethon and "The Lynne Hayes-Freeland Show," which she still produces and hosts.

Eventually, Lynne got in front of the camera as a general assignment reporter and since then, you name it and she's covered it.

Over the years, Lynne has been recognized both locally and nationally for her work and community service.

From all of us at KDKA-TV, congratulations Brenda, Jon, Ralph, Bob and Lynne on your milestones and here's to many more!

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