A speeding driver given a pass didn’t forget the good deed done toward her by a police officer, and showed her appreciation by donating to the fallen officer memorial fund.

Back in February, Motor Unity Deputy Kevin Baker of the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office made a traffic stop on a woman who was 15 mph over the speed limit. Due to her clean record, the officer decided to give her a warning instead.

The lucky driver was looking at a $253 fine.

Two months later, the sheriff’s office received a letter for Baker with a check in the amount of $253 dollars for a memorial fund dedicated to the fallen Pinellas County Deputy Michael Magli.

The department posted a photo of the card and check on Facebook, which read, “Just wanted to say thank you for the warning on Tarpon Ave. I am mindful. Coffee or donuts seemed inadequate, therefore, please accept this check for Officer Magli fund, from neighboring Pinellas County who died tragically serving.”

Magli had served eight years with the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, and died in February 2021 in a vehicle crash in Tarpon Springs.

Sheriff Bob Gualtieri said of the tragic incident, “Some will say that Michael was in the wrong place at the wrong time. I say nonsense. Deputy Michael J. Magli was in the right place at the right time doing what cops do every day throughout this country: protecting others even if it means grave personal danger to themselves.” 

Since his death, the sheriff’s office created a fallen officer memorial fund after receiving an “outpouring” of support. The proceeds of the fund go directly to Magli’s family.

The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office wrote on Facebook: “To this citizen: thank you for this incredible gesture … not only have you put a big smile on the faces of #teamHCSO, but our brothers and sisters at Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office as well.”

The Facebook post concluded with the phrase, “a hero remembered never dies.”