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. 

“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. 

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. 

“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.”