Honest Airport Cleaner Honored

FT. LAUDERDALE (CBSMiami) – It's been said the 'honesty is the best policy' but for man who spends his days cleaning at Ft. Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport it's a way of life.

Last month Patrick Morgan of Patrick's Cleaning Service, a subcontractor for Sunshine Cleaning Systems which services the airport, came across an iPad which had been left behind at a bar in one of the terminals. When Morgan opened the case, he found $13,000 tucked inside.

Without thinking twice, Morgan immediately took the iPad and money to the Broward Sheriff's Office substation at the airport.

A few minutes later, the iPad's owner, who said he had just returned from Las Vegas, came back to the airport in a panic looking for his belongings and Morgan was able to tell him exactly where to go and said don't worry we have it.

"Patrick is such an outstanding and honest person. What he did speaks volumes about his personality. We are so happy to have someone working with us who is setting such a great example," said Larry Calufetti, President of Sunshine Cleaning Systems.

Patrick, a father of four, said he didn't do anything special, it's just the way he is.

In recognition of honesty, and hard work, during a ceremony Wednesday morning Morgan received an award from the Broward County Aviation Department. He was also given $625 and an extra week of paid vacation courtesy of Sunshine Cleaning Systems.

The story however doesn't end here. Morgan said the grateful iPad owner gave him $60 which he turned around and gave away to a homeless woman and an employee in need.

"She was there, I always see her here overnight. She needed money for the bus so I gave her $40 and the other $20 to an employee," said Morgan.

As for what he will do with the check given to him, he told CBS 4's Marybel Rodriguez he will keep it.