The chief executive of Victoria's Metropolitan Fire Brigade has quit, marking a complete wipeout of the leadership of the state's two fire services in a year.
"I leave with an ongoing admiration for fine people who genuinely want to make a difference in the community we serve," Jim Higgins said in a statement on Friday.
The MFB is due to be merged with professional firefighters from the CFA to create Fire Rescue Victoria, in a government bid to get around federal laws preventing a controversial union pay deal being signed.
Mr Higgins' resignation follows that of MFB chief officer Peter Rau in September over what his wife said was bullying from the United Firefighters Union.
CFA chief executive Lucinda Nolan and chief fire officer Joe Buffone also quit last year rather than sign a controversial pay deal with the union.
Former emergency services minister Jane Garrett quit cabinet at the same time rather than sign the deal.
The CFA board was sacked, while the MFB board will be replaced once Fire Rescue Victoria is created.
MFB president Andi Diamond said Mr Higgins had been focused on improving safety.
"Whilst it's been a time of challenge for all, we as a board know that Jim has genuinely wanted to see service reform," she said.
The acting interim chief executive was named as Russell Eddington.
Labor Premier Daniel Andrews has backed the UFU to get the deal it wants, which the CFA and MFB claim hands too much power to the union.
The union argues it needs to be consulted on CFA and MFB decisions to keep them accountable, after years of reform proposals were ignored.
Emergency Services Minister James Merlino said he is focused on reforming the fire services.
"I want to thank Mr Higgins for his contribution to our fire services and wish him all the best into the future," he said.
Opposition emergency services spokesman Brad Battin said the government is destroying careers to force its union pay deal through.
"In the last two years Daniel Andrews has already pushed out two CEOs, two chief officers, the entire CFA Board, a minister, and he is now trying to legislate to sack the MFB board," Mr Battin said.
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