Louisville Fire Sgt. John “Strawn” Nutter died in 1994 while battling a fire at a storage facility on South Seventh Street after the roof collapsed beneath him.
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — City leaders gathered Tuesday to dedicate a street in honor of a Louisville firefighter who died in the line of duty decades ago.
Sgt. John “Strawn” Nutter lost his life in August 1994 while fighting a blaze at a storage facility on South Seventh Street. According to the Supporting Heroes website, the roof collapsed, causing him to fall into a storage area. He managed to force his way into a hallway but became trapped by flames and interlocking doors.
Nutter was 28 years old and had served with the Louisville Fire Department for seven years. He is survived by his wife and a daughter who was just 5 months old at the time of his death.
To honor his service and sacrifice, the city renamed a portion of South Sixth Street in front of the firehouse where he worked as “Strawn Nutter Way.”
Members of Nutter’s family attended the dedication ceremony, including his brother, Larry Nutter.
“This means everything to me,” Larry Nutter said. “I just miss him so much … he was just a wonderful brother, he’d do anything for the community.”
In 2016, Sgt. Nutter’s firefighting gear was placed on display at the Louisville Fire History Museum. His bunk at the firehouse remains intact, and his locker still bears a plaque with his name.
City leaders said the newly installed street sign stands as a lasting reminder that, even after many years, Strawn Nutter’s impact continues to be felt throughout the community.
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