Scott Simmons is leaving WAPT in Jackson, Mississippi to work for the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency.

Simmons joined the ABC affiliate in 2003 after working at WDSU in New Orleans for more than 10 years.

“So now comes the time … for a change. After a very long career in Broadcast Journalism, I will be leaving WAPT to become the Director of External affairs for MEMA,” he wrote on Facebook. “I have covered hurricanes, tornadoes, legislatures, crime and politics. So many stories, so many memories. From Columbus, to Lafayette, Louisiana to NOLA and finally Jackson, MS, I have enjoyed the experiences and the chance to be the one to tell the stories whether from the field or the desk. My final day reporting is Tuesday April 1st (no, it’s not an April fool’s joke). I will anchor a few more newscasts before I finally sign off. Until then, ‘Thanks for watching!’”