LONDON, Ky. (FOX 56) — On Monday morning, more information was released by the Laurel County Fire Department (LCFD) regarding the passing of Major Leslie Leatherman during the tornado outbreak in southeast Kentucky.

Late Friday night, a tornado was confirmed in Somerset, and the National Weather Service (NWS) put out several warnings for nearby regions like Laurel County. The NWS indicated finding damage equivalent to at least an EF-3 level in its assessment of the aftermath.

The department stated that Major Leatherman was sent out around 11:45 p.m. in response to a fire alarm on Sunshine Hills Road. Shortly thereafter, reports came in about an individual trapped on Hart Church Road, followed quickly by news that a “structure” on Sunshine Hills Road had also collapsed.

A lieutenant then contacted Laurel County 911 over the radio, reporting that a tornado was on the ground and requesting all hands on deck, LCFD said.

When first responders arrived in the Sunshine Hills area, the department said crews could hear a woman calling for help. She was found in a field underneath an unresponsive man. He was pronounced deceased on the scene a few moments later, and she was rushed to the hospital.

Laurel County first responders had been trying to contact Leatherman for half an hour, but all attempts proved unsuccessful, and they began a search, according to LCFD.

“Responders revisited the earlier field fatality. Lieutenant James Spicer and Deputy Chief Jared Kennedy returned to confirm the identity of the deceased male,” the department wrote. “It was then determined to be Major Leslie Leatherman.”

According to the fire department, Leatherman was responding to the Sunshine Hills fire alarm when the tornado touched down, and he encountered the injured woman. He used his body to shield her from additional harm.

“The female was later identified as his wife, Michelle Leatherman, who was critically injured. It is unknown if Major Leatherman was aware of her identity at the time due to the extreme darkness, noise, and traumatic events,” Laurel County officials said. “Major Leatherman’s selfless actions exemplify the highest ideals of public service and sacrifice. His commitment to duty and protection of others, even under the most dangerous conditions, will never be forgotten. The Laurel County Fire Department honors his legacy and mourns the loss of a brother, leader, and hero.”

Letherman served the Laurel County community for 39 years. He’s one of 19 who lost their lives in the southeast Kentucky tornadoes over the weekend.