Stephen Quinn is leaving ABC 33/40 after more than eight years at the Birmingham station, the anchor announced Monday.

“For the last 8 1/2 years, ABC 33/40 has been my home, which has allowed me a place in yours,” Quinn said.

“We’ve seen a lot together — from countless long nights of severe weather coverage to election nights — we’ve shared harrowing moments of unrest, but also seen the very best of Alabama and the people make it special,” the newsman continued.

Quinn, who became an anchor at the station 2 1/2 years ago, said Monday was his “final newscast” at ABC 33/40.

He thanked the station’s employees both behind the scenes and those that have shared the anchor’s desk with him.

“No one succeeds in this business alone,” Quinn said.

“I am especially grateful to every photographer who made the stories I told come to life,” he said, singling out ABC 33/40 chief photographer Bill Castle.

Quinn also thanked sports anchor Jeff Speegle, anchors Muriel Bailey, Pam Huff and Brenda Ladun and chief meteorologist James Spann, whom Quinn said was instrumental in him becoming an anchor at the station.

His biggest thanks was to ABC 33/40′s viewers.

“We know you have a choice. Thank you for welcoming me each and every night alongside this amazing team,” he said.

Quinn said he would share his future plans “at another time.”