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.

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.

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.