Heroic HFD Captain William "Iron Bill" Dowling Dies

HOUSTON, TX — Houston Fire Department Captain William Dowling, the man who became known to all of Houston as “Iron Bill,” died Tuesday at a hospital in Colorado of complications as a result of his injuries sustained in a five-alarm fire in 2013 that killed four firefighters and injured 13, including Dowling.

Dowling, 43, was one of dozens of firefighters who responded to the blaze at the Southwest Inn on May 31, 2013.

He led a rescue attempt into the building after receiving reports of people trapped inside.

During that rescue attempt, a roof collapsed, killing four firefighters and injuring 13 others.

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Dowling lost both his legs at the waist, and suffered serious brain damage from heavy smoke inhalation, as a result of the roof collapse and fire.

Dowling, who became a firefighter in 2000, was retired the day after he suffered those life-altering and catastrophic injuries.

He was hospitalized for six months, and afterward made numerous appearances as he continued to struggle through everyday survival.

Earlier this year, theDowling moved to Durango, Colorado to take advantage of an adaptive sports rehabilitation program.

Dowling and his wife, Jacki, spent their days in rehabilitation, fishing and enjoying the beauty of Durango.

On Monday, Jacki Dowling posted on their Facebook page that Iron Bill was in the hospital, suffering with pneumonia and cellulitis.

“He's struggling really hard and needs a major intervention,” she said in her post. “He is very anxious and has not rested well, going on 4 days.”

Several hours later, Iron Bill Dowling was gone.

Ironically, Dowling passed away on the day first responders were honored at the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo, a fact not lost on Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner, who expressed his condolences to the family in a statement.

“He was truly a hero whose service to the city will not be forgotten,” Turner said.

Memorial services for Dowling are pending.

Image: Courtesy

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