WOOD-TV morning Anchor Brett Thomas is leaving the morning shift and the Grand Rapids market altogether.

Thomas is headed to evening Anchor at WANE in Fort Wayne, Ind., where he'll co-anchor the 5 p.m., 6 p.m. and 11 p.m. newscasts with former WOOD weekend Anchor Heather Herron by his side.

"I'm embarking on an exciting new career opportunity that allows me to leave the 2:45 a.m. alarm behind, work at an equally impressive station in Fort Wayne, and join my friend and colleague Heather Herron on the evening anchor desk," he said.

Thomas announced on Monday's 24 Hour News 8's morning news program that he'll leave in June after 17 years at WOOD TV.

"Leaving West Michigan is one of the most difficult decisions I've ever made," Thomas said. "I'll miss the sheer beauty of the region, our family adventures along the lakeshore, my colleagues and dear friends. But most of all, I'll miss the incredible, resilient, friendly people who call 'Pure Michigan' home."

H/T MLive.com