La Salle Fire Department Capt. Brian Zeller is hanging up his dress blues after nearly 30 years’ service.

The council approved the request during Monday night’s meeting.

Zeller started as a paid on-call firefighter in May of 1997 and then transitioned to a full-time firefighter in July of 1999.

“I’ve known Brian his entire career,” Fire Chief Jerry Janick said. “He’s an outstanding firefighter and a great leader. We are definitely going to miss him in our department.”

In a companion action, the council approved a request to hire a candidate from the Firefighter Eligibility List per the recommendation of the city’s Police and Fire Commissioners.

In other news:

The council awarded a $412,746.65 contract to Universal Asphalt & Excavating, Inc. for emergency water breaks near Northwest School and at Creve Coeur Street and Gunn Avenues.

Due to the short notice, a supermajority of the council’s vote was required and obtained.