People in a Boca Grande, Florida community are supporting a local toll booth collector for being unjustifiably fired.

We have all heard how giving is better than receiving, and occasionally, there are a few who give purely without expecting something in return. This is the case for Sam Samsonov, an ex-employee of Gasparilla Island Bridge Authority, who was fired for paying a toll for a complete stranger.

As a beloved and familiar face of the toll booth at the Boca Grande Crossway for several decades, Sam has been known to have treats on hand for dogs and lollipops for the children. In an interview with the local news, Sam explained that he has been in his position long enough to give suckers to children 20 years ago, and suckers to their children now. On several occasions, he has even paid the toll for motorists who were short of the $6 fee.

Recently, he was fired. Sam accidentally undercharged a motorist because the vehicle had a trailer that was not seen by Sam until it had driven off. He paid the difference out of his pocket when he realized the mistake.

Apparently, Sam was caught on camera putting the money into the register. Such an act is a violation of the company’s policy. Sam also told the local news that he has been spoken to about paying tolls in the past, but there were no official written warnings.

It is hard to imagine that such a good act is repaid with such a negative reward. Sam will surely miss interacting with the people at the toll, but the grandfather says that he will probably consider volunteer work.

He was touched when presented with a printout of comments from his many supporters from Facebook. People in the community say that the toll will not be the same without Sam.

Do you think the Gasparilla Island Bridge Authority overreacted?  If you do, SHARE the love and pass it on.