The loss of Mayor Kirk O. Larson in Barnegat Light is a historic moment. Other Island mayors, officials and community members offered reactions and words of respect this week for the decades-long public servant of the northernmost municipality and co-owner of its economic anchor, the Viking Village commercial fishing docks. Larson died unexpectedly Saturday evening, Aug. 30 at age 71.

“Kirk was a real good friend of mine,” said Long Beach Township Mayor Joseph Mancini.