Tributes have poured in for a 'legend' bus driver from Falkirk who died after testing positive for coronavirus.
First Bus driver Thomas Rooney, 57, died yesterday in hospital after battling the virus.
He has been described by colleagues as the “heart and soul of Larbert Depot” where he worked, after a 36-year career with the transport company.
Those who worked alongside him described him as a “real character and an absolute gem of a man.”
A picture of Thomas on a bus is being widely shared by devastated friends and colleagues in tribute to the popular man.
One colleague remembered Thomas by writing: “He took me under his wing when I started at Larbert two years ago. Will be sorely missed. Hail Hail. R.I.P Tommy Rooney.”
Another colleague said: “To say I am gutted and lost for words is an understatement, I’ve been on the phone to friends all night crying for this man Thomas Rooney who sadly passed away because of COVID today.
“He was the heart and soul of Larbert Depot and the place will not be the same without him! A real character and an absolute gem of a man, rest easy Tommy God Bless you RIP.”
Another friend said Thomas “made everyone so welcome”.
He wrote: “Still can’t take it in the news about Tommy tonight absolutely heartbroken Larbert bus depot will never be the same place now. Tommy made everyone so welcome. A true gentleman we’ve lost tonight.
“I was so looking forward to meeting the legend that is Tommy in Benidorm again. Seen him in work every day but meeting up on holiday was a bit special.”
First bus also paid tribute to Thomas and described him as a beloved member of staff.
Andrew Jarvis Managing Director for First Midland said: “I can confirm that one of our drivers, Tommy Rooney, has sadly passed away in hospital whilst battling Coronavirus. Our thoughts and sincere condolences are with his family and friends at this difficult time.
“Tommy was a beloved member of the Larbert team who worked with the company for 36 years and he will be sorely missed. We are of course offering every assistance to his family at this time as well as offering our full support to all our colleagues in the Larbert Depot.
“The safety of our staff and customers is always our number one priority and since the first cases were identified on site, we have worked closely with NHS Forth Valley’s Public Health department to conduct a full review to ensure we have taken all necessary steps to minimise the risk of a spread of the infection with the mitigations we have in place.
“We are fully supporting our other colleagues who have tested positive for this awful disease and wish them a speedy recovery. We also have a number of other colleagues self-isolating due to close contact tracing procedures.
“I would like to pay tribute to the whole team, who continue to work hard, and especially our fantastic staff out there on the frontline who are providing a lifeline to allow key workers to access their jobs in the most difficult of circumstances.”
We told earlier this month how eight First Bus drivers tested positive for coronavirus following an outbreak at their depot in Larbert.
Confirming the outbreak, David Phillips, Operations Director for First Midland, said: "We are fully supporting our colleagues and wish them a speedy recovery. As a precaution, we also have a number of other colleagues self-isolating due to our close contact tracing procedures.”
He added: “The safety of our staff and customers is our number one priority and since these cases were identified, we have conducted a full review to ensure we have taken all necessary steps to minimise the risk of a spread of the infection with the mitigations we have in place."
A further outbreak of 28 cases were confirmed among First’s staff in Bannockburn.
Unite the Union had called for the Bannockburn depot to be shut however bosses said the incidents in Larbert and Bannockburn were not linked.
