firefighter didn t disappoint. he had hired a sand sculptor to build a rather large sand sculpture of a treasure chest. and then he had placed the engagement ring in the box. so there was some real pirate booty in there? right, right. he pulled the ring out, got down on one knee and proposed to her. sam s a romantic. he is, isn t he? reporter: the lucky in love newlyweds would become equally successful at work. sam quickly climbed the fire department ladder, rising to the rank of lieutenant at the young age of 33. he loved the fire services. absolutely loved it. loved being a paramedic. reporter: danielle was just as ambitious, finding her stride in the administrative office of a local hospital. she became the regional marketing director for the whole hospital corporation. reporter: sam and danielle didn t have children, but they had the next best thing sam s great niece, aubrey cake. you re like the daughter we never had. they always told me that.