Larry Luh, a retired Manatee County EMS assistant chief of operations, is running for East Manatee Fire Rescue District Board Seat 3 in the Nov. 3 nonpartisan election. William Bjork is also running for the seat.

Asked why he is running, Luh said in our candidate questionnaire: "I feel I have something to offer with knowledge, local experience and attending the district meetings. By attending it provides an opportunity to understand the direction and needs of the district. This allows the Commissioners to make decisions based on the community needs."

Candidate information

Residence: Luh said in our questionnaire: "I have been a resident of Florida since August of 1986 working for Manatee County Government for thirty seven yesrs, and a resident of East Manatee fire district since 1998."

Family: Luh said: "My wife Grace and I have been married for 42 years, and have four grown children. They all live in East Manatee fire district too."

Education: Luh said: "My education in Public Safety began at Erie Community College (Buffalo,NY) in Emergency Medical Service and Fire."

Previous elected or appointed office: Luh said: "Have not held any elected or appointed office(s)."

2024 race: Luh ran for East Manatee Fire Rescue District Board Seat 2 in the Nov. 5, 2024, general election. According to Manatee County election results, he received 15,350 votes (27.60%) and lost to James R. Carlino, who received 40,270 votes (72.40%).

Experience and public service

On March 28, 2023, the Manatee County Board of County Commissioners presented Luh with a retirement award honoring more than 36 years of service as assistant EMS chief of operations in the Public Safety Department.

Asked about his work history, Luh said in our questionnaire: "I was a volunteer Firefighter in 1978 and worked for a private ambulance service from 1978 thru 1986. I was hired by Manatee County Government for the Emergency Medical Service division as a Paramedic in 1986. In my time with Manatee County EMS, I have worked up through the ranks from Paramedic, Lieutenant, Captain, Shift Commander to my retired position in 2023 as Assistant Chief of Operations."

He added: "A member of the Haz-Mat team, K9 Search/Rescue, Bike team, Florida Highway Patrol Auxiliary and Manatee Sheriff's Office as a SWAT/Medic."

Asked what accomplishments show he can handle the role, Luh said: "While working in my roles at Manatee County EMS, it allowed a complete understanding of administrative roles. My last eight years I was the Assistant Chief of Operations. That included 185 personnel with 12 supervisors managing the day to day operations. I would attended quarterly budget reviews with the Chief to assure we were operating within our fiscal budget."

On the issues

Asked about the most pressing issue facing the East Manatee Fire Rescue District, Luh said: "As with all government entities it is the budget and working within the frame work of tax dollars. This November there is a big unknown related to amendment 3. With that unknown going forward as a fire district there could be changes required. The additional issue is staffing as the fire district is growing additional stations, equipment and personnel will be required."

Asked what sets him apart from other candidates, Luh said: "My attendance at East Manatee Fire District board meetings, including providing public comment I feel are important. I have been actively attending East Manatee FD board meetings, special work sessions and budget meetings over the past six years."