After more than 30 years at WQAD, Matt Hammill has said goodbye to the ABC affiliate in the Quad Cities area of western Illinois and eastern Iowa.

Hammill, who joined the station in 1980 and moved to the anchor desk in 1998, anchored his last newscast on Thursday. In a statement, he said it was time for him to “explore some new career adventures.”

“Whether my future plans keep me here in the area or lure me away, the Quad Cities will always hold a very special place in my heart,” Hammill said.

“Matt has always been a dependable and rock solid anchor for us, no matter the situation. We wish him the best as he turns the page to his next chapter,” WQAD news director Alan Baker said.