Dennis Richmond, a cherished figure in Bay Area journalism and a pioneering Black reporter, died on Wednesday, as announced by his former network, KTVU. He was 81 years old.

“Dennis was a significant force in the KTVU newsroom for many years, providing guidance and maintaining high standards for himself and his colleagues in all their work,” said KTVU’s general manager, Mellynda Hartel. “His influence continues to resonate in the KTVU newsroom today.”

Richmond anchored at KTVU, a local Fox affiliate for the San Francisco area, for more than 30 years. He began his career at the station after being hired as a clerk in 1976 and retired in 2008, just shy of his 65th birthday.

It is uncommon in the news industry for someone to spend their entire career at a single station, yet Richmond did just that, creating a special connection with viewers who eagerly invited him into their homes every night at 10 p.m.

As one of the country’s first Black news anchors in a major market, Richmond set a path for many future journalists.

Throughout the years, he reported on various significant events, including the 1976 kidnapping and trial of Patricia “Patty” Hearst — a sensational crime that gripped California and gained national attention.

In 1978, he reported live on the murders of San Francisco Mayor George Moscone and Supervisor Harvey Milk, carried out by former Supervisor Dan White.

Later, during a series of natural disasters, he co-anchored coverage of the Loma Prieta earthquake from KTVU’s parking lot in 1989 and reported on the Oakland Hills firestorm in 1991.

In a conversation with KTVU, Richmond’s longtime co-anchor Julie Haener reflected on his impact, stating that his absence would be deeply felt.

“He was a fighter,” she shared. “He held on for as long as he could. He was greatly respected, and this news will hit people really, really hard.”

Richmond is survived by his wife, daughter, and stepson, according to KTVU.