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.

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.

People in Laurel County are working together to pick up the pieces after devastating tornadoes. Neighbors helping neighbors, that is what Kentuckians are known for, and that is no different as people rebuild after deadly tornadoes ripped through southern Kentucky.

A little boy from Laurel County, Kentucky is undergoing life-saving cancer treatment at Cincinnati Children's Hospital, but now a tornado has destroyed their house back home.

A family in London is recovering after losing their home of nearly five decades on Airview Drive after Friday's tornado. "When it hit it really surprised me," Daniel Henderson said. Henderson and his wife were in their basement when the tornado hit, saying they walked out of the basement around 1:15 Saturday morning.

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

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.

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.

A reported tornado claimed lives in Laurel County, causing destruction and displacing many. Shelters are open and efforts are underway to help those affected.

Friday’s EF-3 tornado is responsible for 17 deaths in Laurel County and two more in neighboring areas. But in the wake of tragedy, people there and from outside the area are stepping up to help out.

WKYT’s Amber Philpott speaks with the executive director of the Bluegrass Chapter of the American Red Cross, Lynne Washbish about the latest recovery efforts. Members of Southern Baptist churches across the state have packed their bags and headed to Laurel County to be hands-on in recovery efforts.