Dave and Matthew Hughes have always been close. The two brothers grew up in Delaware County and were both students at Chichester High School where they played football and baseball.

Now they’re on the same shift out of the North East Barracks, working as Maryland State Police troopers, writes Carl Hamilton for The Cecil Whig, as reported in Greenwich Time.

They both wanted the assignment so they could be closer to their parents, Joseph Jr. and Denise, who are living in Pennsylvania.

Dave and Matt, born 18 months apart, have been competitive buddies throughout their lives.

 “It’s always friendly,” Dave said, “Well, it gets heated sometimes,” but there’s no ill will.

A third brother, Joseph Hughes III, is a corporal with the Chester Township Police Department.

A sister, Danielle Hughes, is in the U.S. Coast Guard, serving under Gen. Mark A. Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Another sister, Reenea, lost her life at age 19 to drug addiction, prompting the three brothers to go into police work.

“After seeing our sister lose her battle to drug addiction, we wanted to make a difference. That’s what led us into this type of work, I think.” Matt said.

Read more about Dave and Matthew Hughes in the Greenwich Time.