Street sign honors fallen Louisville firefighter more than 30 years after his death
By DeAndria Turner
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LOUISVILLE, Kentucky (WLKY) — More than three decades after his death, a fallen Louisville firefighter is being honored in the neighborhood where his legacy still lives.
Family members, firefighters and city leaders gathered Tuesday outside Fire Station 16 in Old Louisville to unveil a street sign honoring Sgt. John Strawn Nutter, who died in the line of duty in 1994.
“More than 30 years later, the name of Sergeant John Strawn Nutter lives on within this firehouse and right outside these doors, with another tribute added to make sure his name and his legacy continue,” Louisville Fire Chief Brian O’Neill said.
Nutter was 28 years old when he was killed while battling a fire at a storage facility on Aug. 3, 1994. A roof collapsed, trapping him inside. He died from smoke inhalation and burns. He had served with Louisville Fire for seven years.
Inside Station 16, Nutter’s presence is still felt. His locker remains. His bed. Plaques bearing his name line the walls, reminders of a firefighter the station never forgot.
“There are only a few people still active in the department who actually served alongside Sergeant Nutter,” O’Neill said. “But you can ask any current Louisville firefighter anywhere in the city, and they’ll know his name. When they work a shift here, they learn even more because that love still lives in these walls and on these grounds.”
Now, that memory extends beyond the station.
“This small sign will guarantee that the name of Sergeant John Strawn Nutter will be spoken for ages to come,” O’Neill said.
For Nutter’s family, the sign represents far more than a marker.
“It’s really special,” said his widow, Angela Kyle. “It’s always been special to our fire family and our personal family, but it’s really neat to see so much support so many years later.”
Nutter’s daughter, Tawna, was an infant when her father died. Thirty-one years later, she stood at the unveiling as a mother herself. Her son was nearly born on Nutter’s birthday.
“This is a special way for me to connect to his honor,” Tawna Nutter said. “It’s really special that he gets to be here for this, too.”
More than 30 years after his death, the legacy of Sgt. John Strawn Nutter continues to live on, now etched into the streets of the city he served.
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