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