A tornado ripped through parts of Laurel County late on Friday night, devastating homes and killing at least 19.

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.

Kentucky Gov Andy Beshear remembered 19 people killed by a tornado that ripped through the state Friday as children of God and asked for prayers for others injured or displaced by the event

Parts of Laurel County, Kentucky, will be under a curfew for a week while the community recovers from a deadly and devastating tornado that tore through the area, bringing catastrophic damage to London.

A Laurel County firefighter who spent nearly 40 years serving his community died Friday night while protecting others during the devastating tornado outbreak in southern Kentucky.

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.

Police requested the curfew, which applies to people who aren’t residents of the community or helping with storm recovery.

Officials in Laurel County have issued a nightly curfew for the City of London and other areas of Laurel County.

Warm meals and open hearts drive recovery in London, KY amid devastating tornado. Volunteers are working tirelessly to support and uplift displaced families.

Recovery efforts are underway in Laurel County.RELATED | Team Coverage: Deadly storms tear through KentuckyIn the video above, WKYT’s Amber Philpott speaks with the executive director of the Bluegrass Chapter of the American Red Cross,