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<\/a><\/p>\nAt Fullerton Police Station, from left to right:\u00a0Officer Anthony\u00a0Valle,\u00a0Lieutenant Dan\u00a0Castillo, Miaad Bushala Jr., Albert Bushala Jr., Officer Kenton\u00a0Hampton,\u00a0Miaad Bushala Sr., and donor Albert Bushala Sr.<\/p>\n
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A flashing blue light in the rear-view mirror might have killed Albert Bushala\u2019s holiday spirit, even happening just a few days before Christmas. Bushala apologized and listened respectfully as FPD Officer Matthew Levin explained to him the dangers of a California rolling stop. Officer Levin then returned to his patrol car, came back, and, instead of the ticket Bushala expected, presented him with a ten-dollar gift card to Better Buzz Coffee Roaster for his cooperation.<\/p>\n
Bushala was so impressed with the gesture that on Christmas Eve, he delivered to the Fullerton Police Department a Christmas gift of his own: cookies, chocolate, and a $10,000 donation, which will go to the Fullerton Police and Community Foundation.<\/p>\n
According to Kristy Wells of the Fullerton Police Department, in December of 2025, the Fullerton Police Department gave out 200 $10 gift cards, funded by $2,000 from an anonymous donor to the Fullerton Police and Community Foundation.<\/p>\n
Officer Levin himself gave out five gift cards instead of tickets in December.\u00a0Levin said he was shocked and gratified by Bushala\u2019s repayment of what he considered to be just a \u201csmall gesture\u201d of compassion. He said he hopes Bushala\u2019s story can show other drivers that being pulled over doesn\u2019t have to be a stressful experience.<\/p>\n
\u201cA traffic stop can be an educational opportunity for safer driving,\u201d Levin said.<\/p>\n
Bushala said his encounter with Levin has already made him a more cautious driver, and he isn\u2019t sure a fine would have had the same effect.<\/p>\n
The FP&C Foundation board members will decide where the funds go, including Bushala\u2019s generous $10,000 donation, according to Fullerton Police Information Officer Kristy Wells.<\/p>\n
If there is a piece of police equipment that the FPD can not afford, they might approach the board with the request.<\/p>\n
Funds from the Fullerton Police and Community Foundation helped replace a bike that was stolen from a High School Police Explorer at an Explorer event.<\/p>\n
Some other places where foundation funds might be used include support for canines used by the FPD. The trained dogs are not budgeted, so the Rotary Club and Fullerton Assistance League have been funding this, but the FP&C Foundation could also help, said Wells.<\/p>\n
Another possible future use of FP&C Foundation funds is supporting the FPD Equestrian Patrol. Mounted Patrol Officers pay for the care and boarding of their mounts. Funds from the FP&C might be given for feed, to supply a tool, or for vet bills.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe decision to make the donation came simply from a place of gratitude,\u201d said Bushala, who owns a real estate company in Fullerton. \u201cThe police have a hard job, and despite that, Officer Levin treated me with compassion and understanding.\u201d<\/p>\n
Chief Jon Radus told the OC Register that the department is moved by Al and Miaad Bushala\u2019s generosity.
\u201cIt\u2019s a really good example of somebody taking an act of kindness and paying it forward, beyond tenfold,\u201d Radus said. \u201cIt\u2019s giving us the ability to spread kindness to so many more people in the coming years.\u201d<\/p>\n
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