The chief of Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service is leaving after four-and-a-half years to take up a new role.

Andy Fry, Suffolk County Council’s (SCC) director of public protection and chief fire officer, will move in the autumn to become chief fire officer for Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service.

He said it has been a “great pleasure” serving the people of Suffolk.

“It has enabled me to work with some of the most committed and talented people in the public sector,” he added.

“I really value the professional relationships and friendships I have developed as a result, and will miss colleagues very much indeed when I leave Suffolk later this year.

“Finally I would like to say a special thank you to councillor Colin Spence. As cabinet member for public protection, I have found his unstinting focus on doing the very best for people in Suffolk really inspiring, and believe that an awful lot has been achieved as a result of his political leadership.

“It is with a heavy heart that I will leave Suffolk in the Autumn, but the fresh challenges ahead present some great opportunities for me.”

Mr Spence said: “Andy’s commitment to serving the public of Suffolk and striving for improvement in the services has been outstanding, and his enthusiasm and driving for maximising opportunities for collaboration will be greatly missed.”

A decision on what arrangements will be put in place following Andy’s departure is still to be made.

Deborah Cadman, Suffolk County Council’s chief executive, said: “Andy will be a real loss to the organisation.

“Andy has been outstanding in his leadership and most importantly delivery of change and innovation.

“We wish Andy every success for his future.”