Major Roger Leslie Leatherman of the Laurel County Fire Department in Kentucky died in the line of duty while responding to a recent tornado just shy of his 39-year anniversary with the department.

Major Leslie Leatherman, a 39-year veteran of the Laurel County Fire Department, was tragically killed while responding to a fire alarm when the tornado touched down.

Meteorologists with the NWS Paducah office have also confirmed several tornadoes in its region the afternoon and evening of May 16. Three tornadoes impacted western Kentucky, including an EF-3 tornado in Morganfield with winds of 155 mph, an EF-2 tornado in Allegre and an EF-2 tornado in Casky.

Stephanie and Robert Cameron had nine people total in their home as the storm hit. One of them was a nine-month-old they were babysitting.

Flags at the Laurel County Fire Department are flying at half-staff in memory of Major Leslie Leatherman, who began as a volunteer at the department over 30 years ago.

Aerial video footage from areas in the South and Midwest, including Kentucky, show a trail of destruction left by devastating storms and tornadoes.

Survivors of the deadly tornadoes that struck parts of Kentucky continued to sift through the rubble as widespread cleanup efforts were underway.

He spent his life protecting the community and in the end, he did the same thing,” Kentucky fire chief says about Major Roger Leslie Leatherman, who was found atop his wife during Friday’s tornado.

Disaster relief and clean up continued Monday in Laurel County, Kentucky after a tornado touched down in the area late Friday night.

The family's home was picked up and thrown across the street when a tornado ripped through the area, destroying everything they own.