CHEBOYGAN CO. -- Imagine being bombed two different times while serving our country.

The attacks earned a Cheboygan County man two Purple Hearts.    

This real American Hero is still serving and protecting after returning home from Afghanistan.

Christopher Parsons has one of those jobs that you question, “Is this really a job?”

""This is a blast, it's a fun job, a lot of Public Relations, right up my alley, I love talking to people," said Parsons.

Parsons was hired this spring to man the waters as a Marine Deputy for the Cheboygan County Sheriff's Office. He's out ensuring the safety of people on the water and making sure everybody is up to code.  But it's his past that makes this story unique.

Parsons served in Afghanistan for 12 months.  He was on the front line of a convoy looking for IED's.  Not once, but twice, he hit one, and was blown up.  Because of this, he was awarded two purple hearts.  He also received a bronze star for going above and beyond his duties.

"Those are awards everybody respects but nobody really wants to get, and you know, I didn't want to get them, but now I have them, I just respect that I did that job, and I'm bringing back home, trying to serve back here like I did for my country," said Parsons.

Cheboygan County Sheriff Dale Clarmont says Parsons is the type of guy you want on staff and this is a perfect chance for Parsons to get his feet wet.

"He has proven without a shadow of a doubt that he is willing to serve his country and the citizens of this community, so we feel very fortunate to give him the opportunity to enter in the law enforcement profession," said Clarmont.

"He always comes in with a great attitude, he's always friendly and happy, I think he just loves life in general, and he likes to be out there with the people, and the boaters, he loves being out there on the water," said Marine Chief Al May.

"Laws are out there for safety, and safety is a big issue you know, I wouldn't be here today if the military wasn't focused on safety, and making sure we were safe," said Parsons.

And now, he's able to serve and ensure the safety of others.

Parsons will head to school this fall to study business management, and he says when he graduates, he'll head to the police academy.