Two Michigan police officers have been applauded for their kindness after buying a child car seat for a hard-up couple rather than issuing them a ticket . Officers Jason Pavlige , 32 , and James Hodges , 26 , of Fruitport Township , Michigan responded to a call made by a McDonald 's worker who was concerned that a baby was not properly secured in a car seat when her parents picked up some food from the restaurant . When the officers stopped the couple 's car , they found the 10-month-old girl sitting in her mother 's lap while her father drove the vehicle . The couple , who have not been identified , explained that they did not have the means to buy a seat . Scroll down for video . Above and beyond : Fruitport Township Officers James Hodges , left , and Jason Pavlige , right , bought a car seat for a couple 's daughter rather than issuing them a ticket for failing to have her properly secured . 'They had just recently moved to the area , ' Hodges told ABC News . 'We tried to have them contact family but they do n't have anyone close . There were no co-workers , no one who could help them out . ' Rather than giving the couple a ticket , the officers decided on a different tact . 'We spoke with each other and made the decision to go get them a car seat so we 'd know the kid was safe and that this issue would n't come up again , ' Hodges said . The two men pooled their money and , while Pavlige stayed with the family , Hodges went to a local Walmart to buy a new car seat for the baby . They installed the seat and showed the shocked couple how to use it . Quick-thinking : After learning the family could not afford a car seat for their child , the two officers pooled their money and went to this Walmart to buy a new seat before installing it for the shocked couple . 'They did n't say much but were just very appreciative , ' Hodges said . The two officers did n't tell anyone about their good deed , which they carried out in February , but it came to light after a Walmart employee called the police station to let their superiors know . But the men said they were simply doing their jobs . 'We made the decision that was what we needed to do to solve the issue , ' Hodges said . 'It 's just part of what police officers do on a daily basis . ' In a letter to the officers , Public Safety Director Ken Doctor thanked the men for their actions , Mlive reported . 'This certainly goes above and beyond what is expected of you in serving our community , ' his letter read . 'It reflects the care and compassion of the officers serving Fruitport Township . Not the first time : In 2009 , Pavlige ( left ) was given a 'life saving award ' for saving a golfer who had a heart attack . He is pictured with resident David Wingate Sr. , who helped him , and Police Chief Paul Smutz . 'Sincere thanks for representing our department so well and providing , great service to the community . Keep up the good work . ' It is not the first time Pavlige has been recognized for his good work . In 2009 , he was awarded a 'life saving award ' alongisde another officer after they successfully administered CPR on a man who had a heart attack on a gold course , Mlive reported . Pavlige was also honored in 2007 for reviving a man who collapsed at The Lakes Mall .
Walmart Officers Jason Pavlige and James Hodges responded to a call about a couple who had not secured their baby a proper seat . They found the 10-month-old girl sitting on her mother 's lap . But they learned that the couple could not afford a car seat for the girl so decided against issuing them a ticket . They pooled their money and bought them a car seat from Fruitport Township . The good deed came to light when a Fruitport Township employee called the police station to report their kindness .