The efforts of local business couple John and Tracy Brinkley received national recognition when Brinkley’s Wrecker Service of Suffolk was featured in the January issue of “American Towman,” a magazine that covers the towing, recovery and road service industry.

“It’s definitely an honor, and it’s not something that everybody gets the opportunity to have,” said Tracy Brinkley about the recognition. “But personally, I don’t think it makes us any more special than anybody else.”

John Brinkley had about 10 years of industry experience before opening in 2005 as a truck tire repair business, according to their website. He is certified in light, medium and heavy-duty towing and recovery as well as hybrid vehicle awareness.  He’s an active member of various wrecker organizations.

Their truck fleet includes one medium duty wrecker, two medium duty rollbacks, two heavy duty wreckers, two service trucks and one road tractor with a landoll and reefer trailer.

The Brinkleys and their staff handle local and long-distance towing, recovery, RV and motorcycle towing, jumpstarts, tire changes, lockouts and gasoline delivery, per the website. Vehicle repairs are done on-site.

Among the fleet is “The Green Machine,” a 2018 Peterbilt 389 chassis equipped with a 2018 Jerr-Dan HDR1000 60-ton rotator. The truck won first place in rotator class in the American Wrecker Pageant held during November’s American Towman Exposition in Baltimore, Md.

It shines with the company’s black, green and yellow colors, and its six-head Will-Burt LED night scan tower shines bright green.

“That’s our brand, and people know who we are,” John Brinkley said. “You don’t even have to read the name on the side of the truck.”

Using the latest technology and best equipment allows for faster and safer wreck recoveries, plus faster loading and unloading of critical machine parts.

“We decided that this upgrade would meet the needs of our customers better,” Tracy Brinkley said.

The Brinkleys pride themselves on providing quality services while also giving back to the Suffolk community. Their trucks can be seen at elementary schools for career days. Suffolk Fire and Rescue personnel utilize their trucks for training simulations, as well.

“We love Suffolk,” John Brinkley said. “We love being here, and we like doing things for the community.”

Brinkley’s Wrecker Service is located at 108 Dill Road. Visit brinkleyswreckerva.com or call 539-5511 for more information.