BARNEGAT LIGHT — Longtime Mayor Kirk O. Larsen died Saturday after complications from emergency surgery, according to reports .

Larsen, 71, was mayor of the borough for 30 years.

"We are deeply saddened by the loss of a dear friend and fellow Republican," the Ocean County Republicans wrote on Facebook, describing him as "dedicated to fighting against wind farms and protecting his township."

Larsen was a co-owner of Viking Village, the largest commercial fishing fleet and seafood dock in Ocean County.

In a statement on its website, Viking Village described Larsen as "a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and brother."

Borough Council President Michael Spark will serve as acting mayor, according to reports .

Contact Nicholas Huba:

609-272-7046

nhuba@pressofac.

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