Latest news with #Wattenbarger
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.'
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.'
Winnipeg Free Press
20-05-2025
- Winnipeg Free Press
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.'
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Yahoo
Kentucky fire major killed shielding wife during tornado
LONDON, Ky. (FOX 56) — Friday's deadly storms devastated portions of southern Kentucky and claimed the lives of at least 19 people. Seventeen of those victims were from Laurel County, including a hometown hero. Several are taking time to grieve and honor a life cut short, as others start to rebuild. Many people flee from chaos and danger, but first responders often charge toward the eye of the storm to protect and save. Laurel County Fire Department Deputy Chief Terry Wattenbarger said Major Leslie Leatherman was among the best. 'His whole life has been public service and taking care of his community,' said Wattenbarger. For 39 years, Leatherman answered the call to protect others in times of need. Friday night was no exception. Multiple vintage airplanes destroyed by storm at London airport Tornado leaves Pulaski County businesses, business owners to recover Kentucky fire major killed shielding wife during tornado Officials said he was responding to a fire alarm just before midnight when he got caught up in the tornado that tore through the county. His body was later found lying in a field on top of his wife. Wattenbarger said he likely saved her life by shielding her with his own. He explained that Leatherman was a true leader and mentor for the next generation. 'It's priceless when you have somebody with that much knowledge and experience, and you have someone that is willing to step up and lead and be a mentor and take other firefighters under their wing,' he said. Though many knew him as Major Leatherman, others who knew him best said to them, he was simply Les. Wattenbarger—who's known him since high school—said he was a great friend and family man. 'He'd make you laugh and was just a good time,' said Wattenbarger. 'And I knew that at any time, if I needed advice or a phone call that I could call him and whatever it was, you know, we could work it out together.' Leatherman's body was escorted home by a convoy of emergency vehicles, and flags are at half-staff throughout the county and at the National Firefighters' Memorial in his honor. Read more of the latest Kentucky news Wattenbarger said Leatherman's colleagues are heartbroken but that they will proudly carry on his legacy of service and sacrifice. 'If the role was reversed and it was one of us and he was still here, he would want to keep moving forward. And we'll survive. We'll go on, and we will be here to protect the public.' A GoFundMe has been set up for Leatherman's wife and family to help cover medical and funeral costs. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
13-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Local mystery: What's happening at Panama City's historic Lisenby Hospital building?
PANAMA CITY — Some online have speculated on the demolition of the old Lisenby Hospital. As of Thursday, it's not happening. One resident garnered hundreds of likes in a local Facebook group, sharing an image of an excavator next to the building and writing: "Well looks like she's about to be a memory." The post had many in the comments reminiscing on the building's history, with some even saying they were born there. When a reporter with the News Herald arrived on the scene (1400 W. 11th St.) on Wednesday, there was a visible lack of anything happening. Some dirt around the property's perimeter had been moved and was held back by a temporary retaining wall. There was an excavator near the building; however, it didn't have a bucket attached and no workers were on site. The hospital was built in 1940 and later served as an assisted living facility until Hurricane Michael damaged the structure in 2018. The building delivers some old-Florida flare and has a picturesque view of Lake Caroline. In 2021, the building was sold to Nashville-based developers for $650,000. They reportedly had the ambitious goal of turning the historic structure into live-work lifestyle apartments. Not much has happened since the sale. The News Herald reached out to Panama City government to get clarification on where things stand. Officials said they hadn't received any demolition plans, but the owners did submit a plan to remodel the building. A development order was issued over a year ago. It has now expired. The Code Compliance Division made contact with a representative of the owner after seeing heavy equipment on the property, then let them know they would need to obtain another development order before beginning work. Although unable to contact the owner of the property, a reporter reached out to Kevin Wattenbarger, whose firm managed the sale. He said it had been a few years since he had heard from the new owners. Wattenbarger added that permitting and construction prices have made what was already a challenging project more difficult over the years. The last permits on the building were filed in 2022, according to Bay County GIS. That year the owner got permits for internal demolition and remodeling. Aerial imagery from 2023 shows a fully intact roof, with the western portion of the structure even appearing to have gotten a new roof since the hurricane. Aside from the wear and tear of being abandoned for several years, with some broken windows and signs of trespass, the structure doesn't appear to be suffering from any major decay. In summary: the old Lisenby Hospital doesn't appear to be going anywhere as of March 2025. Old-timers can sleep easy knowing the historic building will remain standing in the foreseeable future. This article originally appeared on The News Herald: Panama City, Florida mystery: What's going on at old Lisenby building?
