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.

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.

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.

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

Neighbors are still recovering from a tornado that hit parts of Laurel County, Kentucky. Just as quickly as the tornado tore through the county, people stepped up to help. Samantha Fox, who owns a Knoxville coffee shop,

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

Fire officials say a first responder was found on top of his wife, shielding her from the tornado, and he may have even known it was her.

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.