OKALOOSA COUNTY - The man credited with saving the life of an Okaloosa County deputy will be honored tonight by the Fraternal Order of Police.

But Captain Rick Hohl's Lifesaving Act didn't happen on the job.

Laura Hussey "From a distance, they look like two friends visiting in the park. But the bond between Deputy Johnnie Briggs and Captain Mark Hohl runs as deep as life itself"

Last summer, kidney dialysis was the only thing keeping Okaloosa County Deputy Johnnie Briggs alive.

Johnnie Briggs "Then they told me they had a perfect match from a living donor. And then what do you say...you're speechless"

Captain Rick Hohl from the Polk County Sheriff's Office heard about Briggs' need for a kidney transplant through a law enforcement e-mail.

Capt. Hohl "This was no different than buying food for somebody that was hungry. To me it was just an act. And the fact that I didn't know him didn't ever even play in to it. It was just about helping somebody"

The two men never even met until after the successful surgery.
Hospital procedure keeps a donor's identity private beforehand.

Johnnie "Words can't describe what it means. I just can't describe it in words. How thankful. It's amazing"

Capt. Hohl "We've got a bond now for life"
Laura Hussey "Both of these men say their story isn't over yet. They hope they can inspire others to make lifesaving organ donations.

Doctors told the two lawmen the chance of a perfect match was 1 in 30,000.
Deputy Briggs hopes to return to work next month. The Gift of Life from a Complete Stranger