SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 467
In Memory
of
William Dowling
WHEREAS, A life marked by tremendous courage and resolve
came to an untimely end with the passing of William Dowling, a
former captain in the Houston Fire Department, on March 7, 2017,
at the age of 43; and
WHEREAS, Born in Albuquerque, New Mexico, on March 14,
1973, Bill Dowling was the son of Mary and Rick Dowling; he moved
with his family to Texas in his youth and graduated from Klein Oak
High School in Spring in 1993; after joining the United States
Marine Corps, he advanced to the rank of corporal and served in a
number of locations, including Somalia, Bahrain, and Saudi
Arabia; his military awards included a Combat Action Ribbon, a
Good Conduct Medal, a Marine Corps Expeditionary Medal, a
National Defense Service Medal, a Southwest Asia Service Medal,
and a Sea Service Deployment Ribbon; and
WHEREAS, Imbued with a passion for public service, Bill
Dowling pursued a career as a firefighter after returning to
civilian life; he joined the Champions Fire Department and then,
in 2000, the Houston Fire Department, where he rose through the
ranks while working in some of the city's busiest stations; his
years on the job were made all the more fulfilling by the strong
bond of camaraderie that he shared with his brothers and sisters
in uniform; and
WHEREAS, Captain Dowling demonstrated the true depth of
his commitment to duty as one of the first responders who were
called to battle a massive five-alarm fire at the Southwest Inn
on May 31, 2013, the deadliest day in the history of the Houston
Fire Department; when the roof of the hotel collapsed, he lost
four of his comrades and sustained life-altering injuries, which
forced him to retire from the career he loved; and
WHEREAS, This inspiring Texan earned the nickname "Iron
Bill" during his long, valiant effort to recover in the four
years after he left the department; he drew comfort and
encouragement from the love of his wife of 23 years, Jacki, and
their treasured children, Forrest, Faith, and Foster; in the
course of his struggles, his faith became a guiding light, and he
took pride in having read every page of the Bible; and
WHEREAS, Captain Bill Dowling found his purpose in serving
a cause greater than himself, and when tragedy cast a shadow over
his future, his determination and bravery in fighting back
captured the hearts of countless people; he will be greatly
missed by his family, friends, and former colleagues, who will
never forget his sacrifice or the extraordinary strength of
character that defined his life; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 85th
Legislature, hereby pay tribute to the memory of William Dowling
and extend sincere condolences to all those who mourn his
passing; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for
his family and that when the Texas Senate adjourns this day, it do
so in memory of William Dowling.
Bettencourt
________________________________
President of the Senate
I hereby certify that the
above Resolution was adopted by
the Senate on March 20, 2017, by a
rising vote.
________________________________
Secretary of the Senate
________________________________
Member, Texas Senate