Michael D.N. Laughlin is a full-time career firefighter with Kingston Fire & Rescue. What makes his story unique is that twice Mike returned to his beloved job after serious accidents that could have taken his life.

At ages 26 and 35 he suffered major injuries. First in a snowmobile accident he broke his left leg and arm. His leg functions because of permanent metal plates, pins and screws and is marked with skin graft scars.

In an even more catastrophic second accident when a deer ran out in front of his motorcycle, he became an above knee amputee. He also broke his back and neck. When Mike realized his leg would never recover, his first response was "I will be a firefighter again! Take it off and I'll get a good leg to replace it."

Despite two metal rods in his back and having a highly technical leg to manoeuvre, Michael became the first full-time firefighter in Canada to return to work with an above the knee amputation.

After his motorcycle accident, Mike met his wife Angela while doing rehab at St. Mary's of the Lake Hospital. He now has a beautiful stepdaughter Keiana and a boy of their own, Lincoln. He has found happiness and fulfillment despite all the setbacks.

"NEVER GIVE UP"

— Mike Laughlin