Firefighters have paid tribute to the head of the fire service following news of his resignation.

Lloyd Burchall stepped down as Chief Fire Officer on Tuesday following months of unrest within the ranks of the Bermuda Fire and Rescue Service.

Yesterday the Fire Service Association – the firefighters’ union – praised Mr Burchall for his service.

An FSA spokesman thanked Mr Burchall for his “40 years of dedicated service to the community of Bermuda”.

They added: “Mr. Burchall had many positive achievements throughout a distinguished career.

“While our members felt it was time for fresh leadership, Mr Burchall is a part of our family of firefighters. We wish him nothing but health and happiness as he moves on to his next chapter.”

The spokesman added that it was hoped new leadership would help restore morale within the service. FSA members passed a vote of no-confidence in Mr Burchall last month and have issued two strike notices since November.

The spokesman said: “We are looking forward to a working relationship with whomever our next leader may be.

“We feel with a change at the helm and with improvements slowly being made to staffing levels and equipment, there is a critical opportunity to begin restoring morale among our ranks and in doing so, better protect Bermuda and its people.

Mr Burchall served for 13 years as head of the BFRS. Following his resignation, Assistant Chief Fire Officer Dana Lovell was appointed Acting Fire Chief.

Complaints from firefighters about staff and equipment shortages have rumbled on for two years.

But last month Michael Weeks, the newly appointed Minister for National Security, announced the launch of a recruitment drive to bring in 11 new firefighters.