Ronald Lawrence “Larry” Naser, age 62, of Brandenburg, KY, passed away on Tuesday, December 17, 2024, in Louisville, KY, after a long battle with illness. He was one of Meade County’s most dedicated and longest-serving first responders, whose contributions to the community and the field of emergency services left an indelible mark.
Born on July 5, 1962, to the late Dr. Ronald O. Naser Jr. and Lavenia Ann Rogers Naser Wise, Larry’s passion for firefighting and emergency services began early. Inspired by his grandfather, Lawrence H. Rogers, a founder and first chief of the Magnolia Volunteer Fire Department in LaRue County, Larry started as a volunteer firefighter at the age of 16. He drove a U.S. Army surplus Jeep his father had bought him for his birthday to respond to fire runs.
Larry graduated from Meade County High School in 1980, where he played varsity football for the Green Waves. He later attended Eastern Kentucky University in Richmond before embarking on a career in emergency services. Upon graduation, he worked as an EMT and paramedic for Jefferson County Emergency Management Services and served as a firefighter at the Louisville Fire Department’s McMahan station.
In 1990, Larry returned to Meade County, where he soon became a vital member of the Meade County EMS. In 1996, he played a key role in elevating the service from Basic Life Support (BLS) to Advanced Life Support (ALS) as the department’s original paramedic. Throughout his career, Larry remained committed to the fire service, transitioning to a full-time role with the Meade County Fire District, where he became the district chief in 2006. He served as chief until 2013, consistently prioritizing training, education, and innovation.
Larry's passion for learning never ceased. He sought out advanced training in fire science, hazardous materials containment, and other critical areas, always striving to improve his skills and the department’s effectiveness. His dedication to education led him to become the fire and EMS training coordinator at the Meade County Area Technology Center in 2013. Even as his health declined, Larry continued to serve as a mentor and instructor, training new volunteer firefighters across the county.
Larry was preceded in death by his stepmother, Mary Naser, and his sister, Diane Naser.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 36 years, Beverly Jutz Naser; his daughter, Abby; his son, Charlie (Raven); his grandson, Carson; his two sisters, Mary Ann Naser-Hall and Rebecca Naser; and many extended family members, friends, and colleagues who will remember him as a man of great service, humility, and heart.
Visitation will be held at Bruington-Jenkins-Sturgeon Funeral Home on Sunday, December 22, 2024, from 2:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. A funeral service will be held at St. John the Apostle Catholic Church in Brandenburg, KY, on Monday, December 23, 2024, at 11:00 A.M., with visitation at the church from 9:00 A.M. until the service.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Larry’s memory to the Meade County Fire District or Meade County EMS.
Larry Naser’s legacy as a firefighter, paramedic, chief, and mentor will be remembered by all who had the privilege to know him and work alongside him. His commitment to saving lives and teaching others made him a pillar of the Meade County community.
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