Fred Westbrook Jr. (Photo: Amalgamated Transit Union)
Fred Westbrook Jr., the recently retired president of Detroit's bus drivers union, died from the coronavirus, the city said Sunday night.
"During the years Fred and I worked together, he was a great partner in the progress we have made reforming DDOT and improving service," Mayor Mike Duggan said in a statement. "More than any other issue, Fred was a tireless advocate for the safety of his members and championed many of the steps we took to improve safety, such as establishing a dedicated transit police force and installing video cameras on all of our buses.
"If you've noticed the improvements DDOT has made over the last several years, Fred was right there at the heart of making them happen. He leaves a great legacy and will be deeply missed."
Westbrook represented about 500 city workers as president of the Detroit Department of Transportation bus drivers union, Amalgamated Transit Union Local 26, until his retirement, the Detroit Free Press reports.
Detroit City Council President Brenda Jones expressed condolences on Facebook.
"It is with a sorrowful heart that I bid farewell to my friend, supporter and fellow union brother, Former ATU President Fred Westbrook after loosing his battle to COVID-19," she wrote. " Fred was a strong voice for the people of the City of Detroit and DDOT bus drivers. He will truly be missed."
