Latest news with #MajorLeatherman
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Fallen firefighter remembered as hero: Laurel County honors tornado victim's ultimate sacrifice
LONDON, Ky. (FOX 56) — The firefighting community came together not just to say goodbye but to honor a life built on courage, sacrifice, and service. Monday marked a somber day in London as hundreds from across the state gathered to pay their respects to Major Leslie Leatherman, who lost his life in the line of duty during the devastating May 16th tornado. Kentucky fire major died trying to save wife's life when Laurel County tornado struck 'With that, just kind of unreal,' said Deputy Chief Terry Wattenbarger. 'We've had a pretty rough week between the devastation from the tornado itself and then the loss of Major Leatherman due to his line-of-duty death.' Despite the heartbreak, the brotherhood of the fire service stood strong. Firefighters and first responders traveled to honor a man known for his selflessness and dedication. 'There are people that will be here today that never knew Leslie or never met him, but because of who he was and what he stood for, they will come and pay their respects, and that's immensely important and makes us feel good, and they support us, and that's needed,' Wattenbarger added. Jessamine County Memorial Day service brings in hundreds to honor the fallen Samaritan's Purse talks long-term disaster relief following southeastern Kentucky tornadoes Fallen firefighter remembered as hero: Laurel County honors tornado victim's ultimate sacrifice Major Leatherman was responding to a fire alarm in the Sunshine Hills area when the tornado struck. During the chaos, he found an injured woman and shielded her with his body to protect her from further harm. It was later revealed that the woman was his wife, Michelle. 'He was located outside his home and was found with his wife,' explained Wattenbarger. 'But we assume that was the tornado that he went through to find her, and that's where he actually perished.' Michelle remains hospitalized, facing a long road to recovery. Wattenbarger shared that the funeral was live-streamed, so she could watch the service, and she was able to join the burial via FaceTime. 'She's recovering, and it's going to be a long road to recovery, and we just want to keep her in our thoughts and prayers and not lose the fact that she has a long road to go,' Wattenbarger said. As the department grieves, they continue to support each other. Who are the 19 southeastern Kentucky tornado victims? 'We're just surviving. That's what we're trying to do, just putting one step in front of the other and keeping moving forward.' Major Leatherman's bravery and sacrifice leave a legacy that his fellow firefighters vow to carry on. 'We want to continue to go forward and serve the community just like he would want us to,' said Wattenbarger. 'He was a true public servant in every aspect.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
17-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Kentucky firefighter killed while responding to devastating tornado
A series of severe storms moved through the Midwest Friday night killing over two dozen people, including a firefighter from Laurel County Kentucky. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Storm Center 7's Austin Chaney is in Laurel County, Kentucky surveying the damage LIVE on News Center 7 at 11. The Laurel County Fire Department posted on their social media, saying Major Leslie Roger Leatherman was killed while responding to the tornado. Leatherman worked as a public servant for 39 years, the fire department says. TRENDING STORIES: Pedestrian working on tire on side of busy road hit, killed by car in Clark County, troopers say Huber Heights concert venue announces 2025 season lineup Can you help? 1-year-old, 3-year-old boys missing from Dayton 'Answering the call to protect and help others in their most critical time of need. His courage, commitment, and sacrifice will never be forgotten,' the fire department said. The fire department asks that the general public stay clear of areas devastated by the tornados as they continue their search and recovery efforts. 'This is a heartbreaking reminder of the dangers our first responders face every day and the incredible bravery they show in the face of disaster,' the fire department said. 'Rest in peace, Major Leatherman. Your service and sacrifice will always be remembered.' [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
