Laurel County fire major to be laid to rest after sacrifice to protect wife from tornado

LONDON, Ky. (FOX 56) — Funeral arrangements have been set for the late Major Roger Leslie Leatherman, a Laurel County firefighter who died protecting his wife when the devastating tornado hit.

Just before midnight on Friday, May 16, officials said Major Leatherman, 57, was responding to a fire alarm when an EF4 tornado tore through the county.

After multiple unsuccessful tries to contact Leatherman, search and rescue team members set out to find him. Members of the Laurel County Fire Department said his body was later found lying in a field on top of his wife, who remains in the hospital.

Leatherman served Laurel and Whitley counties for 39 years.

His visitation is set for 10 a.m. on Monday, May 26, at Faith Assembly of God in London, followed by a funeral service.

More funeral information can be found at the London Funeral Home website.