(WKYT) – A southern Kentucky bridge has been named in honor of a firefighter who died during a tornado in May 2025.
The Ky. 363 bridge over Interstate 75, just south of London, now bears two signs designating it the Les Leatherman Memorial Bridge. The signs were installed on both approaches to the bridge by way of a resolution sponsored by Sen. Brandon Storm.
‘He made a mark in this community’
Maj. Les Leatherman served as a firefighter for more than 40 years. He died during the tornado that struck the Sunshine Hills neighborhood. His wife, Michelle Leatherman, said he left their home after receiving a call just as the storm was moving in.
“He got a call. Opened the door, ‘got a call, right down the road, I’ll be right back,’” Michelle Leatherman said.
His son, Evan Leatherman, said his father also shielded his mother from the storm’s damage.
“He protected my mother. That was amazing to me. Lay down your life for someone else,” Evan Leatherman said.
Sign unveiled at ceremony
Rocky Adkins, chief of staff to Gov. Andy Beshear, said the bridge naming was intended to preserve Leatherman’s legacy.
“A way for this unbelievable legacy of service to be here for generations to come,” Adkins said.
Officials at the ceremony said they hope the bridge will prompt younger generations to ask about Leatherman and spark conversations about public service. His family said he would have been humbled by the recognition.
“Because he is going to say ‘I don’t deserve it.’ But he does. He made a mark in this community. He helped to train the future of the firefighters coming up,” Michelle Leatherman said.