If you know Devin Scillian at all, you get the feeling that "down time" is not a phrase that he's heard.
Devin anchors Local First News at 5 p.m. and 11 p.m. on WDIV Local 4, and does reporting for the station, including its weekly news program "Flashpoint." He joined the WDIV team in August 1995.
Growing up, Devin was always on the move -- he's a self-described "Army brat." He considers Kansas and Oklahoma his homes. He graduated with a bachelor's degree in journalism from the University of Kansas in 1985.
As an adult, Devin still can't be still -- whether jetting all over the world covering major news events, or "relaxing" by singing in front of hundreds of thousands of people.
Devin's news career has taken him to Sydney to cover the 2000 Summer Olympic Games, Russia, where he covered the fall of communism; to The Red Sea at the start of the arms embargo against Iraq; to Israel, to cover the assassination of Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin; to New York, to cover the bombing of the World Trade Center; to Haiti, for the American invasion; and to south Florida, for Hurricane Andrew.
However, both the proudest and saddest time of his career was for an event where he didn't have to go anywhere. Devin was a news anchor at KFOR-TV in Oklahoma City at the time of the Murrah federal building bombing. He describes the traumatic explosion (and its aftermath) as "a study of despair" but it was also a "life-changing lesson in the power of love and kindness."
Devin helped the station win a prestigious Peabody Award for its coverage. He says the honor "remains for me a symbol of the marvelous potential of television news."
Covering events like that are Devin's favorite parts of the job. He says "having a front row seat for history and writing the first draft of history" give him the most pride.
His on-air career has not been without its embarrassing moments, though. Most memorable to Devin was the one night when he raced out of the newsroom into the studio just as the newscast was starting and grabbed what he thought was his suit jacket. It wasn't. Devin landed in his seat just as the camera came up on him wearing a size 38 regular coat. Devin's normal size is 44 long. In terms of how he looked, Devin says only, "it wasn't pretty."
Devin met his wife Corey in high school in Junction City, Kan. They are the parents of four children: Griffin, Quinn, Madison and Christian. They also have a "flop-eared" rabbit named Pikachu.
The Scillians live in Grosse Pointe.
Devin's definition of "free time" might be considered work to others.
Devin writes children's books. His first,"Fibblestax", was published in 2000 by Sleeping Bear Press. His second book, "A Is For America," is a national bestseller. It is also published by Sleeping Bear.
Devin's also an accomplished country and folk singer. His new album, "A Is For America," is a companion to the best-selling book. It was recorded in Nashville with some of Music City's best session players. You can buy the CD by clicking here.
He released a 13-song collection called "Tulsa" in 1999 on High Heel Records.
It's distributed through the Royce Group. You can order the CD by clicking here. The CD is also available on Amazon.com and CDNow.com
In 2001, Devin won the prestigious Detroit Music Award for Best Country Performer.
He's appeared on stage at Detroit's famous "Downtown Hoedown." His music has also aired in numerous television specials.
When he's not singing or writing songs, you might still find Devin practicing music. He plays both the guitar and the piano.
He also enjoys playing basketball, tennis and golf. Devin also likes drawing and painting, and, last but not least, coaching his kids' soccer teams.
Favorite movies: - "The Year of Living Dangerously"
- "Shakespeare in Love"
- "O Brother, Where Art Thou?"
- "Schindler's List"
You can drop Devin a line at devins@clickondetroit.com.
To read more about your Local 4 favorites, click here.
Send Devin an e-mail 
