At Fullerton Police Station, from left to right: Officer Anthony Valle, Lieutenant Dan Castillo, Miaad Bushala Jr., Albert Bushala Jr., Officer Kenton Hampton, Miaad Bushala Sr., and donor Albert Bushala Sr.

A flashing blue light in the rear-view mirror might have killed Albert Bushala’s 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.

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.

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.

Officer Levin himself gave out five gift cards instead of tickets in December. Levin said he was shocked and gratified by Bushala’s repayment of what he considered to be just a “small gesture” of compassion. He said he hopes Bushala’s story can show other drivers that being pulled over doesn’t have to be a stressful experience.

“A traffic stop can be an educational opportunity for safer driving,” Levin said.

Bushala said his encounter with Levin has already made him a more cautious driver, and he isn’t sure a fine would have had the same effect.

The FP&C Foundation board members will decide where the funds go, including Bushala’s generous $10,000 donation, according to Fullerton Police Information Officer Kristy Wells.

If there is a piece of police equipment that the FPD can not afford, they might approach the board with the request.

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.

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.

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.

“The decision to make the donation came simply from a place of gratitude,” said Bushala, who owns a real estate company in Fullerton. “The police have a hard job, and despite that, Officer Levin treated me with compassion and understanding.”

Chief Jon Radus told the OC Register that the department is moved by Al and Miaad Bushala’s generosity.
“It’s a really good example of somebody taking an act of kindness and paying it forward, beyond tenfold,” Radus said. “It’s giving us the ability to spread kindness to so many more people in the coming years.”