Houston Pays Respects To “Iron Bill” Dowling

HOUSTON, TX -- The City of Houston, the Houston Fire Department, and thousands of supporters and friends said goodbye today to Houston Fire Department Captain William “Iron Bill” Dowling.

His memorial service, which was held at the Houston Baptist University Morris Cultural Arts Center, celebrated the life of a man who demonstrated a strong Christian faith, a commitment to duty, and honor to his family.

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Dowling, 43, who was severely injured during a catastrophic fire at the Southwest Inn on May 31, 2013, that injured 13 firefighters and killed four others, died on March 7 in Durango, Colorado

His wife Jacki Dowling, shared her experience of uncertainty that came on the day her husband was injured.

“I was told he wouldn’t make it, and I immediately went to God, and I asked, ‘Why him? Why this?’ He was an amazing person and this just didn’t make any sense to me, why he had to be put through this,” she said.

After his injury, firefighters from Station 68 brough Bill’s duffel bag home, that he’d packed before his shift that day.

Their lives had been normal then, she recalled, as she sorted through his things.
Inside the bag, she found his notebook that listed names of people and issues he’d pray about each day.

“He loved everybody so much that he took the time out of his day to write down prayers for them,” he said. “I wish I could be that devoted.”

Members of Houston Fire Station 68, also shared their thoughts from that day.

Matt Moore, who drove for Dowling on that day, recalled Dowling’s message to his wife after he was injured and on his way to the hospital.

“On the way to the hospital, he told the crew, ‘Tell my wife I’ll fight,’ and fight he did,” Moore said.

The memorial service concluded with the HFD Honor Guard's alarm bell ceremony, marking the end of the captain's service.

Also Read: Funeral Services For Houston Fire Department Captain Bill Dowling Announced

Image: Courtesy

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