WDRB's chief engineer Gary Schroder retiring after 38 years with the station

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- WDRB Vice President of Technology and Engineering Gary Schroder is retiring after 38 years with the station.

It's incredibly rare for anyone to stay in a job that long, but, after nearly four decades in the broadcast industry, he's ready to sign off.

IMAGES | WDRB Chief Engineer Gary Schroder through 38 years at the station

He retires in 2025 with the respect and friendship of so many that have passed through our building.

Since 1987, Gary has been the technological force behind every innovation and advancement at WDRB. He knows where every cable, satellite dish and encoder is from the station to the transmitter. He should. He was there when it was all put into place.

One staff member who has been there to see all Gary has done is Harry Beam, WDRB's director of programming and operations. He has been with the station for 43 years.

Beam said Gary's retirement hits home, since they've been friends and colleagues for more than 40 years.

"Gary has been someone I've relied on for station operations for so long it's hard to come to terms with the thought of his retiring," Beam said. "Through snow, ice, floods and many other things nature has thrown at us, Gary and his team always found a way to keep us on the air. His dedication, professionalism and camaraderie set the bar so high it's hard to put into words the admiration he has earned from all who have worked with him."

When WDRB broadcasts Thunder Over Louisville, it takes an amazing amount of planning and attention to detail. Gary has been the leader behind laying miles of cable connecting two dozen cameras to a state-of-the-art production truck each time we're taken on the project. He has multiple regional Emmy awards for technological achievement to prove just how lucky we've been to have him as our chief engineer.

One of the people who worked most closely with Gary on Thunder is retired Director of Production David Callan.

"As chief engineer, his leadership of his team and his willingness to try new things helped WDRB break new ground every year we broadcast Thunder over Louisville," Callan said. "My job as executive producer, was to come up with crazy ideas and new innovative ways to showcase the air show and fireworks. Many times, Gary would look at me like I was out of my mind and then start working on a way to figure out how to do what I've asked.

"It has been my pleasure to work with Gary for 22 years and I feel fortunate to consider him a brother in arms and more importantly, a friend."

Gary has been behind the scenes of every major milestone from Kentucky Derby coverage to installing automation in the studio. His expertise, steady hand and commitment to excellence set the standard for all who worked alongside him.

Technology aside, many of us will remember Gary for his positive outlook and willingness to help. He won the station chili cook-off and introduced us to bacon-covered brussels sprouts at our Super Bowl tailgates. He has never failed to come up with his own brand of fun for station gatherings.

Our office picnics won't be the same without Gary singing soft rock favorites. He loves it so much we've renamed the karaoke tent "Gary-oke." He's made more than one appearance on the morning show singing along for "Wheel of Neil' to honor Neil Diamond!

We've known for months that Gary's retirement was coming. Plans are in place for a new chief engineer to take over the job, but we can't say anyone will take his place. We wish Gary a long, relaxing retirement with a huge thanks for all he's contributed to our success.

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