Firefighter killed while shielding wife from tornado
LAUREL COUNTY, Ky. (WKYT/Gray News) - A firefighter was killed while shielding his wife during an outbreak of tornadoes in Kentucky Friday night.
Major Leslie Leatherman was responding to an emergency call from his home when a tornado struck the area, causing widespread damage and several casualties.
Dispatchers received a report of a trapped person and then a structural collapse, indicating the tornado had hit the area.
When responders arrived, they found Leatherman and his wife in a field. Leatherman was lying unconscious on his wife, who was calling for help.
Officials said they believe Leatherman was responding to the initial fire alarm when he encountered the woman and used his body to shield her from the storm. The fire department said it is unclear if he realized she was his wife at the time, due to the extreme darkness, storm noise and chaos.
The Laurel County Fire Department said his actions exemplified the “highest ideals of public service and sacrifice,” calling him a hero who gave his life protecting others, even in the most dangerous conditions.
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