Veteran toll collector 'fired' for paying someone else's fee
Angry residents have taken to social media after a popular Florida toll collector was allegedly fired for paying someone else's fee.
Vladislav “Sam” Samsonov worked at the Fort Meyers toll booth for 29 years and was affectionately known for giving lollipops to children and dog bones to pets.
The 77-year-old told NBC that after accidentally undercharging a driver $5.50, he used his own money to make up the difference in the cash register.
Mr Samsonov says when his boss’ at Gasparilla Island Bridge Authority found out they tried to reduce his hours as punishment, but that he decided he would rather leave instead.
In a Facebook post, his daughter Patricia Samsonov Gillis said while her Dad been warned in the past about paying other people’s tolls, she was still shocked by the company’s decision to terminate his employment.
“Unfortunately he has broken rules in the past such as loaning his own money to people who realized they did not have enough on them when they arrived at the toll booth, which GIBA frowns upon,” she wrote.
“Enjoy your forced retirement Sam, you will be missed by the GIBA customers.”
Community members have rallied around Mr Samsonov, writing messages of support on social media.
An editor at the local Boca Beacon website also paid tribute.
"Your lollipops for the kids and dog treats for the dogs are being recollected as we speak, by island residents and by people who have only been here once or twice," editor Marcy Shortuse wrote.
GIBA has not commented on the story.
Morning news break – July 21
