People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) sent an award to a Pinellas County deputy on Monday for his quick thinking that saved the lives of seven baby opossums whose mother had died. The sheriff's office said the deputy spotted an opossum lying "motionless" in the road on March 20. Instead of passing it by, Deputy Baldwin remembered that baby opossums can survive in their mother's pouch for hours after she's passed away. Baldwin pulled over to check whether there were any babies in the mother's pouch and found seven still alive. He took the baby opossums to a pet hospital where they received specialized care, the agency said. PETA took notice of this act and awarded Deputy Baldwin with a Compassionate Police Department Award, which includes a framed certificate and vegan chocolates. “Without their mother, these baby opossums were completely helpless and almost certainly would have perished if not for the quick thinking and kindness of Deputy Baldwin,” said PETA Senior Vice President Colleen O’Brien. “PETA is honoring his compassion and urges everyone to follow his lead by staying alert when driving and always stopping when they see an animal in need.”