Norfolk cabbie honored by industry group

Next time you take a cab in Norfolk, you might get a ride from the 2011 Taxicab Driver of the Year.

Frank Brooks, a Norfolk resident, has driven for Black and White Cabs of Norfolk for 49 years. This year, he won the top honor from the Taxicab, Limousine and Paratransit Association, which represents more than 1,100 companies in the private passenger industry.

The group bestowed the designation on Brooks because of his dedication and commitment to his passengers, his love of his profession and his “impeccable” driving record, according to his employer, Hampton Roads Transportation Inc., which owns Black and White and other local cab operators.

Brooks began driving a cab part-time while serving in the Navy and eventually went full-time. Hampton Roads Transportation reported he has never received a customer complaint and has the state’s highest driver rating. The Norfolk Convention and Visitors Bureau also named Brooks the 2011 Hospitality Associate of the Year.

Brooks gets to visit San Francisco for the association’s annual convention to accept his award. It is unlikely he will drive there.