SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 507

In Memory

of

William Ross Dowling

WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas joins the citizens of Houston in mourning the loss of Captain William Ross "Iron Bill" Dowling, who died March 7, 2017, at the age of 43; and

WHEREAS, Bill Dowling was born on March 14, 1973, in Albuquerque, New Mexico; his family later moved to Texas, and he graduated from Klein Oak High School in Spring, Texas, in 1993; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Dowling served with distinction in the United States Marine Corps; he provided security for United Nations troops in Somalia, and he was stationed at several locations around the world, including Bahrain and Saudi Arabia; he was a highly decorated serviceman who retired from the Marines having earned the rank of corporal; his honors included a Combat Action Ribbon and a National Defense Service Medal; and

WHEREAS, After his military service, Bill began a rewarding career as a firefighter; he was a member of both the Houston and the Champions Fire Departments, and as he rose through the ranks, he became known for choosing to work at some of Houston's busiest fire stations; Captain Dowling demonstrated exceptional courage and dedication in fulfilling his responsibilities, and he lost his life as a result of injuries he sustained in 2013 while serving and protecting the community; and

WHEREAS, A devoted family man, Bill Dowling shared 23 years of marriage with Jacki Dowling, and their three children, Forrest, Faith, and Foster, were a source of great pride and joy; and

WHEREAS, Iron Bill Dowling was admired for his strength and his wise counsel, and he was known by those closest to him for his tenderhearted nature; he was beloved throughout the community and by his fellow firefighters, and he leaves behind memories that will long be cherished by all who were privileged to share in his life; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 85th Legislature, hereby extend sincere condolences to the bereaved family of Captain William Ross "Iron Bill" Dowling; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for his family as an expression of deepest sympathy from the Texas Senate and that when the Senate adjourns this day, it do so in memory of William Ross Dowling. Creighton

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President of the Senate

I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on March 27, 2017, by a rising vote.

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Secretary of the Senate

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Member, Texas Senate