When two Michigan policemen were notified that a woman parked at a local McDonald's was holding a baby in her lap, they came ready to issue a citation. But after spending a few minutes with mom, they decided to donate a car seat instead.

Officers Jason Pavlige and James Hodges learned that the couple, who were new to Fruitport Township, did not have the financial means to buy a proper car seat—and had no family or friends in the area.

To ensure the 10-month-old girl's safety, Pavlige and Hodges not only used their own money to buy one, they installed the car seat and instructed the family on its use.

"The father was, I think, almost in shock," Hodges, 26, an almost two-year veteran of the force, told ABC News.

A lieutenant on the force, Bruce Morningstar, said the good deed was brought to the department's attention by a clerk at Walmart, who wanted them to be recognized for their kindness.

Both men were hailed for their action in a letter from the department that read in part, ‘This certainly goes above and beyond what is expected of you in serving our community."

(WATCH the video from WXMI)