"Anybody who get into my taxi, or into any Denver taxi, should feel home," said Ndoye, with Denver Yellow Cab.

The Taxicab, Limousine & Paratransit Association will honor Ndoye as the national 2009 Taxicab Driver of the Year. He will receive his award Tuesday at the TLPA's annual convention.

"I first thank God for giving me the opportunity to serve," Ndoye said.

The judges with the TLPA have focused on Ndoye's heroic act last February.

"I was there for a $40 fare which is part of a good day for a cab driver," Ndoye said.

He was picking up a customer near 33rd and Clayton in Denver when he noticed one of the neighboring apartments in flames. He says an older woman came out screaming for someone to help her daughter, a woman who uses a wheelchair. She was stuck near the doorway and could not get out.

Ndoye ran into the burning home and carried the woman to safety and cared for her until paramedics arrived.

"You can see the tears from her eyes and she look at me and say thank you," Ndoye said. "I said, 'you don't need to thank me. I just did what I was supposed to do'," said Ndoye. "Probably the angels wanted me to be there, not just to collect that $40, but to save a precious life."

TLPA judges say Ndoye's everyday demeanor is key as well. He drives one of Yellow Cab's mini-vans dedicated specifically to help people in wheelchairs. Ndoye says he just believes his role is to help people.

"I'm really proud because I know he deserves it. He likes what he's doing," said Ndeye Ndoye, his wife. "That was awesome."

Ndoye says he believes in helping people even though he's had some rough luck in his life. A few years ago, he got into an accident on I-70. He ran into legal battles with insurance companies and the whole endeavor left him in financial ruins.

"I lost my house. I lost everything I worked here," said Ndoye.

But, he says that has motivated him to live his life the right way and treating people with respect. Maybe even save a life along the way.

"We're trying to be good citizens of the city of Denver," said Ndoye. "We go out there not just to collect money, but to give people good service."