LAS VEGAS—An honest Las Vegas taxicab driver who returned $300,000 in cash found in the back of his cab was named as this year’s Best Taxicab Driver in America.
Gerardo Gamboa, who has been working with Checker Cab Company for 25 years, received national attention for his simple act of integrity. In December 2013, Gamboa found a shopping bag containing six stacks of $100 bills left by an unidentified professional gambler in his cab.
Gamboa picked up the man from the Cosmopolitan and took him to Palms Place, before discovering the bag left in the back seat of the car.
Yellow Checker Star returned the money to the gambler, who asked to see Gamboa to personally thank him. The Filipino driver was given a $10,000 reward for his honesty.
After receiving the money, Gamboa went to his wife to tell her, before taking it straight to the bank. A devout and honorable Catholic, Gamboa has also said he plans to make a donation to his church to “share the blessing.”
“He’s absolutely awesome; he’s one of our stars,” said YCS Field Operations Manager Joel Willden, speaking highly of Gamboa.
Alfred LaGasse, Chief Executive Officer of the Taxicab, Limousine & Paratransit Association, said Gamboa was selected for the Best Taxicab Driver award because of his honesty, outstanding work ethics, and overall dedication to customers.
(With reports from The Las Vegas Sun, KLAS-TV Las Vegas)
(www.asianjournal.com)
(Las Vegas October 16-22, 2014 Sec. A pg.1)
