LaSalle accepts resignation of longtime captain; council approves hiring from firefighter eligibility list

The LaSalle City Council voted to accept the retirement of Captain Brian Zeller from the South Fire Department, and council members expressed regret while wishing him well. During the meeting Alderman Reynolds moved to accept Zeller’s resignation/retirement, a motion seconded by Alderman Thompson; the city conducted a roll-call vote and the motion carried unanimously.

Council also approved hiring a candidate from the firefighter eligibility list on the recommendation of the Police and Fire Commissioners. A motion to hire from the list was made and seconded; the council completed a roll-call vote in favor of hiring the recommended candidate(s). The council discussed that the department will work to ensure new hires receive training and that the addition of paramedic firefighters represents growth for the South Fire Department.

Council members noted Zeller’s long service and that he had accepted a full-time position teaching fire science at a Champaign-area academy. No further personnel details, names of the hired candidate(s) or specific hiring dates were provided in the meeting record.