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UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS BR 1476
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A JOINT RESOLUTION designating the Les Leatherman Memorial Bridge in 1
Laurel County. 2
WHEREAS, Leslie "Les" Roger Leatherman, of London, Kentucky, was a devoted 3
husband, father, grandfather, friend, and public servant; and 4
WHEREAS, Les Leatherman began his career as an emergency medical technician 5
and emergency dispatcher for Laurel County and the Kentucky State Police, and at the 6
time of his death was the assistant d irector of the 911 center in Whitley County and a fire 7
rescue instructor for the Kentucky Fire Commission; and 8
WHEREAS, Les Leatherman volunteered with the Laurel County Fire Department 9
for 39 years and had risen to the rank of major; and 10
WHEREAS, on May 16, 2025, as a major storm system was moving through 11
southeastern Kentucky, a large tornado touched down in Somerset and began to sweep 12
through three counties. That night, Les Leatherman was dispatched to a fire alarm within 13
its path, and during that call he encountered a tornado touching down; and 14
WHEREAS, on May 17, 2025, Les Leatherman tragically passed away while 15
shielding a woman who turned out to be his wife, Michelle Leatherman, from the historic 16
tornado; and 17
WHEREAS, Les Leatherman is survived by hi s loving wife Michelle Leatherman; 18
son, Evan (Amber) Leatherman; and his beloved grandchildren, Elias and George; and 19
WHEREAS, the tragic passing of Les Leatherman deeply impacted the community 20
of local emergency responders who looked up to him as a mento r, instructor, and 21
compassionate friend; and 22
WHEREAS, Laurel County officials stated that "Major Lea therman's selfless 23
actions exemplify the highest ideals of public service and sacrifice. His commitment to 24
duty and protection of other, even under the most dangerous conditions, will never be 25
forgotten."; and 26
WHEREAS, Les Leatherman was known for his self less devotion and unwavering 27
UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS BR 1476
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commitment to protecting others, and his ultimate sacrifice will always be remembered 1
by the people of Laurel County and this Commonwealth and should be recognized in a 2
public and tangible way; 3
NOW, THEREFORE, 4
Be it resolved by the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Kentucky: 5
Section 1. The Transportation Cabinet shall designate the bridge on Kentucky 6
Route 363 in Laurel County, Interstate 75 at mile point 8.03 (Bridge ID #063B00032N), 7
as the "Les Leatherman Memorial Bridge" and shall, within 30 days of the effective date 8
of this Resolution, erect appropriate signage denoting this designation. 9