STEVE FERTIG is a meteorologist for FOX45. Steve delivers the forecasts for the FOX45 Morning News. He joined the news team in November 2001.

Steve's route to Baltimore followed a less than common path. Born and raised in Long Island, NY, he later graduated from Syracuse University's Newhouse School of Public Communications in 1980 with a Bachelor of Science degree. Between his junior and senior year, he worked in the production department at WABC in New York and was exposed to various positions for future consideration.

However, Steve considered working for himself instead, as he returned to school. An interest in chiropractic and a passion for sports sparked a career pursuit in a totally new direction. After graduating from Syracuse University, he enrolled at New York Chiropractic College and hoped to ultimately work with first class athletes. Graduation and certification as a Chiropractic Sports Physician followed.

After practicing chiropractic for 11 years and the introduction of "managed care" with regard to insurance coverage, Steve felt that too much time was spent on paperwork, preventing him from spending the time that allowed him to enjoy a rewarding rapport with his patients. "I just feel life is much too short not to enjoy every day to it's fullest." So after selling his practice, back to school he went, this time combining his interest in the sciences and broadcasting at the Broadcast Meteorology Program at Mississippi State University where he graduated in December 1996.

Since then, he has worked for WPBF in West Palm Beach, FL, WAPT in Jackson, MS and WBRE in Wilkes-Barre, PA before joining the FOX45 news team. Steve has earned the Seal of Approval of the American Meteorological Society.

"They say weatherfolks don't control the weather, but given my background, I've probably got the best chance to 'adjust' it!"

Steve enjoys basketball, tennis, working out, comedy, movies and spending time just about anywhere with those closest to him. One of his proudest accomplishments was originating the "Basket Brigade of Delaware" which now supplies 1,500 to 2,000 families annually with Thanksgiving dinners.

E-mail Steve: sfertig@foxbaltimore.com