User:DigitalAttic/Larry Westerlund

Larry Westerlund was born and raised in Fresno. He is the son of a third generation business owner of Westerlund Box Company, a box manufacturing company that served local farmers. As a young man, Larry was encouraged by his parents Richard and Judy Westerlund to become involved in school and community organizations – a philosophy that Larry has continued into adulthood. His exposure to and experience with leadership, administration, and teamwork have helped mold Larry's vision as a local elected official.

While earning his bachelor's degree in political science at California State Polytechnic University, San Luis Obispo, Larry served as Chief of Staff for the ASI president and was a three-year governor of the University Union. In addition to Dean's List recognition for academic excellence, Larry was named Outstanding Military Science Student with the University's Army ROTC unit.

After graduation, Larry was accepted into the U.S. Navy's Officer Candidate School, graduating with a commission as an Ensign in November 1988. Larry subsequently served two years aboard the destroyer U.S.S. Mahlon S. Tisdale (FFG-27) as a First Division Officer, supervising shipboard aviation operations and a division of 30 personnel.

After his time on active duty, Larry enrolled in the University of Pacific's McGeorge School of Law. He earned his Juris Doctorate in May 1994; his law school studies were supplemented with post-graduate work in international law at Cambridge University in England. He passed the California State Bar exam on his first seating.

Larry's legal career began in 1995 with the Tulare County District Attorney's office where he prosecuted both misdemeanor and felony cases, including 11 jury trials for "25-to-Life" crimes with an outstanding conviction rate.

In April 1998, Larry was recalled back to active duty as a Lieutenant in the Navy in Bosnia-Herzegovina, conducting a major study of force structure in support of Operation Joint Guard/Forge.

After his service in Bosnia, Larry resumed his legal career in private practice, working for a law firm in Fresno. There he represented small business clients in a variety of litigation matters.

In 2004, after being frustrated with "the political games" and "politics as usual" Larry announced his candidacy and challenged the incumbent Council President for the Fresno City Council, District 4 seat. Against all odds and being out spent by his opponent, Larry Westerlund was easily elected in the primary election.

Larry was sworn in as Councilmember for District Four on January 4, 2005. Since then Larry has worked tirelessly getting things done to improve the lives of citizens of the San Joaquin Valley. He has also served as the chair of the Redevelopment Agency (RDA), Fresno County Transportation Authority (FCTA), Mayor Council Economic Development Task Force (MCEDTF), the Veteran's Home Foundation Committee and established the first Fresno standing subcommittee to oversee Financial and Audit matters for the City of Fresno.

Larry married Dora Rivera in December 2007. Two months later, Larry was ordered to return to active duty with the U.S. Navy in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

As a Lieutenant Commander, Larry served as manager of the counter-terrorism train and equip program for the Joint Special Operations Task Force for the Trans-Sahara. Where he worked with special operation forces targeting terrorist and terrorist activities in the Sahara Desert. For his meritorious service, he was awarded his second Defense Commendation Medal.

While Larry was back on active duty and serving the country, the people of District Four reelected Larry to his second term as council member in June 2008.

While Larry was serving overseas, he and his wife, Dora, welcomed their beautiful baby girl, Zoe into the world in January 2009.

Larry returned from active duty and resumed his council duties in April 2009.

Larry Westerlund was recently elected by his colleagues to serve as President of the Fresno City Council.