Brandon Anderson and Mike Laughlin took similar journeys into their firefighting careers.
Both wanted to serve their communities and help others, and both enjoyed the everyday challenges of the fire service.
These similarities between driven personalities form lasting bonds among firefighters across the country and around the world, but the connection between Anderson and Laughlin runs far deeper.
Not only do they both love being firefighters, but their mutual love of motorcycles probably would have made them instant friends under different circumstances.
In an unfortunate turn for both, it was that love of being out on the road that ultimately delivered the greatest personal challenge they have ever faced, but also created a cross-border friendship that will most likely last a lifetime.