News 8’s Chief Meteorologist Scott Hetsko will be leaving WROC-TV after 17 years to pursue a new opportunity. Scott had become known to viewers for his outgoing, spontaneous personality and being part of News 8’s Most Accurate Weather Team in Rochester.

Scott also received an outpouring of support from friends, family, viewers and co-workers in 2015, when he took an extended leave of absence as he went on the waiting list for a new heart. As most viewers know, the transplant was a success last September, and he returned to work on Super Bowl Sunday this year.

“Last summer was life changing for me, and after that whole ordeal, I just felt it was time to try something new. It was one of the toughest decisions I’ve ever had to make,” said Hetsko. “I love everyone at News 8, and they’ve been my family for 17 years! But after being given a fresh chance at life, I just needed to shake things up. And now I’m looking forward to the new challenges ahead for me!”

“Scott is a real human dynamo and unlike anyone else I’ve had the pleasure to work with,” added Louis A. Gattozzi, WROC Vice President and General Manager. “We understand his need to try new things – it’s human nature – but we certainly didn’t want to see him go, and made every attempt to persuade him to stay. We truly wish Scott and his family all the best in his new endeavor, and if ever he wishes to return to News 8, the door will always be open.”

Succeeding Scott as Chief Meteorologist effective August 10 is News 8’s own Stacey Pensgen. Stacey has been forecasting with News 8 for five years, most recently on News 8 Sunrise and noon. The Fairport native previously worked at 13WHAM-TV as both meteorologist and reporter. During Scott’s absence in 2015, Stacey led News 8’s effort to capture the most accurate forecast in Rochester for the 7th straight year.

“I love it that each day I get to prepare a forecast for my hometown, but the fact that Western New York is one of the most interesting and challenging places to accurately forecast in the whole country makes this even more exciting,” said Pengsen about her new role.

In June, WHEC-TV 15-year veteran Josh Nichols joined the award-winning News 8 Weather Team, and now the station is in the process of searching for another meteorologist to complete the staff.

Please send Stacey and Scott your well-wishes here!