SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — Seminole County Fire Chief Otto Drozd III has announced that he will resign from his position next month.

Drozd said he will take a position that will contribute to fire and emergency services at the national and international levels “well into the future.”

READ: Seminole County Fire Chief asks residents to reduce use of 9-1-1 due to increased COVID calls

>>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<<

In a letter to the fire department, Drozd said it was an “extremely difficult decision as I have grown to love, respect, and appreciate all of the men and women of the Seminole County Fire Department.”

READ: Sanford firefighter pleads guilty to charge related to U.S. Capitol riot

“Together we have accomplished much in a compressed timeframe and established a pathway toward what promises to be many years of future success,” Drozd wrote. “While after December 10, 2021 I will no longer be an active fire chief, I will always cherish the opportunity I had to work alongside each of you, and be proud to have served as your Fire Chief.”

READ: 24 people involved in 15-vehicle crash that shut down SR-417, firefighters say

Read Chief Drozd’s resignation letter below:

VIDEO: Seminole County Fire Department receives $7.3 million to hire more firefighters Seminole County Fire Department receives $7.3 million to hire more firefighters

Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.