Laurel County fire major dies while responding to tornado
Updated: 4:00 PM EDT May 17, 2025
One of the 18 people killed as a result of Friday night’s tornado outbreak in south central Kentucky was a Laurel County first responder.See video from Laurel County in the player above.The Laurel County fire department announced Saturday afternoon that Major Roger Leslie Leatherman died while responding to the tornado.”Major Leatherman was a dedicated public servant for 39 years, answering the call to protect and help others in their most critical time of need,” said a post on the department’s Facebook. “His courage, commitment, and sacrifice will never be forgotten.”The department asked people to keep Leatherman’s family, friends, and fellow responders in their thoughts and prayers.They said that, as they continue their search and recovery efforts in the affected areas, they ask the public to stay clear and allow them to do their work safely.They said it was a heartbreaking reminder of the dangers that first responders face when handling natural disasters.”Rest in peace, Major Leatherman. Your service and sacrifice will always be remembered,” said the department. No further details about his death were provided.Related stories:
One of the 18 people killed as a result of Friday night’s tornado outbreak in south central Kentucky was a Laurel County first responder.
See video from Laurel County in the player above.
The Laurel County fire department announced Saturday afternoon that Major Roger Leslie Leatherman died while responding to the tornado.
“Major Leatherman was a dedicated public servant for 39 years, answering the call to protect and help others in their most critical time of need,” said a post on the department’s Facebook. “His courage, commitment, and sacrifice will never be forgotten.”
The department asked people to keep Leatherman’s family, friends, and fellow responders in their thoughts and prayers.
They said that, as they continue their search and recovery efforts in the affected areas, they ask the public to stay clear and allow them to do their work safely.
They said it was a heartbreaking reminder of the dangers that first responders face when handling natural disasters.
“Rest in peace, Major Leatherman. Your service and sacrifice will always be remembered,” said the department.
No further details about his death were provided.
Related stories:
