Latest news with #LaurelCountyFireDepartment
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
'The calm voice on the other end': Remembering Major Leslie Letherman's legacy of service
LONDON — A hero was laid to rest on Memorial Day, with community members lining London's Main Street to pay tribute as the funeral process passed by. Major Leslie Leatherman spent a lifetime answering the call of public service. Whether through firefighting (39 years with Laurel County Fire Department), emergency medical response, or dispatching, he was known throughout the area of southeastern Kentucky for his steady presence and unwavering dedication. Leatherman lost his life during the deadly storms that devastated London and Laurel County throughout the night of Friday, May 16, and early Saturday morning of May 17. As severe weather tore through the area, Leatherman died protecting his wife, Michelle, who survived the storm. His final act was one of courage — shielding another from harm, just as he had done his entire career. 'Les has spent his adult life dedicated to public service,' stated Brandon Prewitt, Whitley County Police Chief and E-911 Director. 'From his fire training, his time in an ambulance, or most of his time behind the radio for the first responders — if you were out in the field, no matter if it was police, fire, or EMS, Les is the one you would want to be sitting in the chair behind the radio.' Those who worked alongside Leatherman saw his compassion firsthand. He was the kind of colleague who didn't wait to be asked−he showed up, stepped in, and supported his fellow responders in every way possible. Prewitt continued by expressing how great Leatherman truly was at his job, and how his dedication and heartfelt attitude would never leave the dispatch. 'Les's heart was and will always be in the radio room of a dispatch center, and you could sure tell it,' Prewitt stated. 'He was the best example of a great dispatch.' Whitley County Judge Executive Pat White Jr. called Leatherman a 'devoted and knowledgeable dispatcher and Assistant Director,' and said he was remembered by many as 'the calm voice on the other end of the phone.' 'Les spent his life in public service. He dedicated nearly all of his adult life to serving others,' White said. 'He was a tremendous asset to Whitley County E-911. Les was instrumental in training our employees at the dispatch center and was a fine person who will be very missed.' Through every call answered and every life helped, Maj. Leslie Leatherman left a mark on his community that will certainly not be forgotten. The impact of his service remains woven into the fabric of southeastern Kentucky's emergency response system. The echo of his calm voice mentioned by White, the memory of his bravery touched on by Prewitt−these examples he set will continue to guide and inspire those who serve after him. As the region mourns his loss, Maj. Leatherman will be honored not only for how he served, but for the way he lived — with courage, humility, and an enduring commitment to protecting others.
21-05-2025
- Climate
Longtime Kentucky firefighter died in powerful storm while shielding his wife from danger
LONDON, Ky. -- Kentucky firefighter Leslie Leatherman answered the call for help, rushing into harm's way as he steadfastly did for decades, when a late-night tornado plowed through his community in the Appalachian foothills. It was his final act of selflessness, and the person he protected amid the chaos was his wife. Leatherman was among 19 people killed in Kentucky when the storm struck late Friday into early Saturday, as people in the path awoke to a terrifying scene. Most victims were from Laurel County in southeastern Kentucky, where Leatherman was a longtime member of a volunteer fire department. Leatherman, 57, died while shielding his wife, Michelle, from flying debris, said Terry Wattenbarger, deputy chief of the Laurel County Fire Department, where Leatherman served as a major. He was found on top of his wife, Wattenbarger said. Michelle Leatherman survived and was in critical condition Tuesday at the University of Kentucky Chandler Hospital in Lexington, a spokesperson said. Wattenbarger said he thinks it happened right after the tornado had roared through, when winds were still strong enough to fling debris into the air. They were found in a field about 100 yards (91 meters) from their destroyed home. 'She was screaming,' Wattenbarger said in an interview Tuesday. 'I'm sure he went ... to the first person he thought he could help. It just happened to be her.' The tornado that hit Pulaski and Laurel counties carved a path of more than 55 miles (88 kilometers), according to the National Weather Service in Jackson, Kentucky. At its peak, the tornado grew to about a mile (1.6-kilometers-) wide and had winds up to 170 mph (274 kph). Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear paid tribute to Leatherman for his decades of public service while asking people to pray for the families of all those who died in the storm. The Democratic governor said Leatherman "died doing what first responders do every day – risking his own life for our safety.' As the storm approached, Leatherman communicated he was ready to assist, Wattenbarger said. When a fire alarm sounded in his neighborhood, Leatherman indicated that he was responding. Soon after that, another firefighter confirmed the tornado was on the ground there and causing massive damage. Emergency workers found the Leathermans early in the response but didn't recognize them in the pitch-black dark, officials said. Leatherman was dead, and they tended to Michelle Leatherman. Leslie Leatherman's location was recorded for later identification, and rescuers moved on to help other victims. A short time later, authorities started searching for Leatherman after he failed to answer radio calls. Emergency responders returned to find his body and make the heartbreaking identification. It was typical for Leatherman to rush into danger to protect others, said Wattenbarger, who struck up a lasting friendship with Leatherman when they were in high school together. 'His entire life, he's been a dedicated public servant," the deputy chief said. "He had a huge heart. He loved his family more than anything … and just truly enjoyed life and was just a really good person.' Leatherman, known fondly as Les, was a constant figure in emergency services for the region. He started as an emergency medical technician in Laurel County, then became an emergency dispatcher, first for Laurel County authorities and then for Kentucky State Police, Wattenbarger said. Most recently, he served as assistant director for the 911 center in neighboring Whitley County. 'He was a very sincere man, very hard working, a very dedicated man,' said Whitley County Judge-Executive Pat White Jr. 'Somebody that younger people getting into emergency services in this region looked up to and looked to for guidance. He was a great mentor to many of them. We're sure going to miss him.' Leatherman also served as a fire rescue instructor. Brandon Wagers, a member of the London Fire Department and a fellow instructor, said Leatherman's death will be felt throughout the region. 'He was a good person,' Wagers said. 'He always had something good to say.' One constant was Leatherman's nearly 39 years of service as a firefighter. Leatherman 'put his life's blood and life's work into being the best person and best responder he could be,' Wattenbarger said. His death sent shock waves through the close-knit ranks of their fire department. 'We are surviving," Wattenbarger said. "That's the only way we can describe it. People say 'Are you all OK?' No we're not. We're not OK. We're surviving, though, because that's what he would want. We want to honor his legacy as a department.'
CTV News
21-05-2025
- Climate
- CTV News
Longtime Kentucky firefighter died in powerful storm while shielding his wife from danger
LONDON, Ky. — Kentucky firefighter Leslie Leatherman answered the call for help, rushing into harm's way as he steadfastly did for decades, when a late-night tornado plowed through his community in the Appalachian foothills. It was his final act of selflessness, and the person he protected amid the chaos was his wife. Leatherman was among 19 people killed in Kentucky when the storm struck late Friday into early Saturday, as people in the path awoke to a terrifying scene. Most victims were from Laurel County in southeastern Kentucky, where Leatherman was a longtime member of a volunteer fire department. Leatherman, 57, died while shielding his wife, Michelle, from flying debris, said Terry Wattenbarger, deputy chief of the Laurel County Fire Department, where Leatherman served as a major. He was found on top of his wife, Wattenbarger said. Michelle Leatherman survived and was in critical condition Tuesday at the University of Kentucky Chandler Hospital in Lexington, a spokesperson said. Wattenbarger said he thinks it happened right after the tornado had roared through, when winds were still strong enough to fling debris into the air. They were found in a field about 100 yards (91 meters) from their destroyed home. 'She was screaming,' Wattenbarger said in an interview Tuesday. 'I'm sure he went ... to the first person he thought he could help. It just happened to be her.' The tornado that hit Pulaski and Laurel counties carved a path of more than 55 miles (88 kilometers), according to the National Weather Service in Jackson, Kentucky. At its peak, the tornado grew to about a mile (1.6-kilometers-) wide and had winds up to 170 mph (274 kph). Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear paid tribute to Leatherman for his decades of public service while asking people to pray for the families of all those who died in the storm. The Democratic governor said Leatherman 'died doing what first responders do every day – risking his own life for our safety.' As the storm approached, Leatherman communicated he was ready to assist, Wattenbarger said. When a fire alarm sounded in his neighborhood, Leatherman indicated that he was responding. Soon after that, another firefighter confirmed the tornado was on the ground there and causing massive damage. Emergency workers found the Leathermans early in the response but didn't recognize them in the pitch-black dark, officials said. Leatherman was dead, and they tended to Michelle Leatherman. Leslie Leatherman's location was recorded for later identification, and rescuers moved on to help other victims. A short time later, authorities started searching for Leatherman after he failed to answer radio calls. Emergency responders returned to find his body and make the heartbreaking identification. It was typical for Leatherman to rush into danger to protect others, said Wattenbarger, who struck up a lasting friendship with Leatherman when they were in high school together. 'His entire life, he's been a dedicated public servant,' the deputy chief said. 'He had a huge heart. He loved his family more than anything … and just truly enjoyed life and was just a really good person.' Leatherman, known fondly as Les, was a constant figure in emergency services for the region. He started as an emergency medical technician in Laurel County, then became an emergency dispatcher, first for Laurel County authorities and then for Kentucky State Police, Wattenbarger said. Most recently, he served as assistant director for the 911 center in neighboring Whitley County. 'He was a very sincere man, very hard working, a very dedicated man,' said Whitley County Judge-Executive Pat White Jr. 'Somebody that younger people getting into emergency services in this region looked up to and looked to for guidance. He was a great mentor to many of them. We're sure going to miss him.' Leatherman also served as a fire rescue instructor. Brandon Wagers, a member of the London Fire Department and a fellow instructor, said Leatherman's death will be felt throughout the region. 'He was a good person,' Wagers said. 'He always had something good to say.' One constant was Leatherman's nearly 39 years of service as a firefighter. Leatherman 'put his life's blood and life's work into being the best person and best responder he could be,' Wattenbarger said. His death sent shock waves through the close-knit ranks of their fire department. 'We are surviving,' Wattenbarger said. 'That's the only way we can describe it. People say 'Are you all OK?' No we're not. We're not OK. We're surviving, though, because that's what he would want. We want to honor his legacy as a department.' Bruce Schreiner, The Associated Press
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Yahoo
Longtime Kentucky firefighter died in powerful storm while shielding his wife from danger
LONDON, Ky. (AP) — Kentucky firefighter Leslie Leatherman answered the call for help, rushing into harm's way as he steadfastly did for decades, when a late-night tornado plowed through his community in the Appalachian foothills. It was his final act of selflessness, and the person he protected amid the chaos was his wife. Leatherman was among 19 people killed in Kentucky when the storm struck late Friday into early Saturday, as people in the path awoke to a terrifying scene. Most victims were from Laurel County in southeastern Kentucky, where Leatherman was a longtime member of a volunteer fire department. Leatherman, 57, died while shielding his wife, Michelle, from flying debris, said Terry Wattenbarger, deputy chief of the Laurel County Fire Department, where Leatherman served as a major. He was found on top of his wife, Wattenbarger said. Michelle Leatherman survived and was in critical condition Tuesday at the University of Kentucky Chandler Hospital in Lexington, a spokesperson said. Authorities don't know if Leatherman realized it was his wife he was protecting amid the chaos and darkness. Wattenbarger said he thinks it happened right after the tornado had passed, when winds were still strong enough to fling debris into the air. 'She was screaming,' Wattenbarger said in an interview Tuesday. 'I'm sure he went home and then went to the first person he thought he could help. It just happened to be her.' As the storm approached, Leatherman communicated he was ready to assist, Wattenbarger said. When a fire alarm sounded in his neighborhood, Leatherman indicated that he was responding. Soon after that, another firefighter confirmed the tornado was on the ground there and causing massive damage. Emergency workers found the Leathermans early in the response but didn't recognize them in the pitch-black dark, officials said. Leatherman was dead, and they tended to Michelle Leatherman. Leslie Leatherman's location was recorded for later identification, and rescuers moved on to help other victims. A short time later, authorities started searching for Leatherman after he failed to answer radio calls. Emergency responders returned to find his body and make the heartbreaking identification. It was typical for Leatherman to rush into danger to protect others, said Wattenbarger, who struck up a lasting friendship with Leatherman when they were in high school together. 'His entire life, he's been a dedicated public servant," the deputy chief said. "He had a huge heart. He loved his family more than anything … and just truly enjoyed life and was just a really good person.' Leatherman, known fondly as Les, was a constant figure in emergency services for the region. He started as an emergency medical technician in Laurel County, then became an emergency dispatcher, first for Laurel County authorities and then for Kentucky State Police, Wattenbarger said. Most recently, he served as assistant director for the 911 center in neighboring Whitley County. 'He was a very sincere man, very hard working, a very dedicated man,' said Whitley County Judge-Executive Pat White Jr. 'Somebody that younger people getting into emergency services in this region looked up to and looked to for guidance. He was a great mentor to many of them. We're sure going to miss him.' Leatherman also served as a fire rescue instructor. Brandon Wagers, a member of the London Fire Department and a fellow instructor, said Leatherman's death will be felt throughout the region. 'He was a good person,' Wagers said. 'He always had something good to say.' One constant was Leatherman's nearly 39 years of service as a firefighter. Leatherman 'put his life's blood and life's work into being the best person and best responder he could be,' Wattenbarger said. His death sent shock waves through the close-knit ranks of their fire department. 'We are surviving," Wattenbarger said. "That's the only way we can describe it. People say 'Are you all OK?' No we're not. We're not OK. We're surviving, though, because that's what he would want. We want to honor his legacy as a department.'
Toronto Sun
20-05-2025
- Climate
- Toronto Sun
Longtime Kentucky firefighter died in storm while shielding wife from danger
Published May 20, 2025 • 3 minute read This undated photo released by the Laurel County Fire Department shows Laurel County Fire Department Maj. Leslie Leatherman. Photo by Laurel County Fire Department / AP LONDON, Ky. — Kentucky firefighter Leslie Leatherman answered the call for help, rushing into harm's way as he steadfastly did for decades, when a late-night tornado plowed through his community in the Appalachian foothills. It was his final act of selflessness, and the person he protected amid the chaos was his wife. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account Leatherman was among 19 people killed in Kentucky when the storm struck late Friday into early Saturday, as people in the path awoke to a terrifying scene. Most victims were from Laurel County in southeastern Kentucky, where Leatherman was a longtime member of a volunteer fire department. Leatherman, 57, died while shielding his wife, Michelle, from flying debris, said Terry Wattenbarger, deputy chief of the Laurel County Fire Department, where Leatherman served as a major. He was found on top of his wife, Wattenbarger said. Michelle Leatherman survived and was in critical condition Tuesday at the University of Kentucky Chandler Hospital in Lexington, a spokesperson said. Authorities don't know if Leatherman realized it was his wife he was protecting amid the chaos and darkness. Wattenbarger said he thinks it happened right after the tornado had passed, when winds were still strong enough to fling debris into the air. Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'She was screaming,' Wattenbarger said in an interview Tuesday. 'I'm sure he went home and then went to the first person he thought he could help. It just happened to be her.' As the storm approached, Leatherman communicated he was ready to assist, Wattenbarger said. When a fire alarm sounded in his neighborhood, Leatherman indicated that he was responding. Soon after that, another firefighter confirmed the tornado was on the ground there and causing massive damage. Emergency workers found the Leathermans early in the response but didn't recognize them in the pitch-black dark, officials said. Leatherman was dead, and they tended to Michelle Leatherman. Leslie Leatherman's location was recorded for later identification, and rescuers moved on to help other victims. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. A short time later, authorities started searching for Leatherman after he failed to answer radio calls. Emergency responders returned to find his body and make the heartbreaking identification. RECOMMENDED VIDEO It was typical for Leatherman to rush into danger to protect others, said Wattenbarger, who struck up a lasting friendship with Leatherman when they were in high school together. 'His entire life, he's been a dedicated public servant,' the deputy chief said. 'He had a huge heart. He loved his family more than anything … and just truly enjoyed life and was just a really good person.' Leatherman, known fondly as Les, was a constant figure in emergency services for the region. He started as an emergency medical technician in Laurel County, then became an emergency dispatcher, first for Laurel County authorities and then for Kentucky State Police, Wattenbarger said. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Most recently, he served as assistant director for the 911 center in neighboring Whitley County. 'He was a very sincere man, very hard working, a very dedicated man,' said Whitley County Judge-Executive Pat White Jr. 'Somebody that younger people getting into emergency services in this region looked up to and looked to for guidance. He was a great mentor to many of them. We're sure going to miss him.' Leatherman also served as a fire rescue instructor. Brandon Wagers, a member of the London Fire Department and a fellow instructor, said Leatherman's death will be felt throughout the region. 'He was a good person,' Wagers said. 'He always had something good to say.' One constant was Leatherman's nearly 39 years of service as a firefighter. Leatherman 'put his life's blood and life's work into being the best person and best responder he could be,' Wattenbarger said. His death sent shock waves through the close-knit ranks of their fire department. 'We are surviving,' Wattenbarger said. 'That's the only way we can describe it. People say 'Are you all OK?' No we're not. We're not OK. We're surviving, though, because that's what he would want. We want to honor his legacy as a department.' Toronto Maple Leafs Basketball Columnists Canada Television
