Houston Chronicle
HOUSTON — Houston fire Capt. William “Bill” Dowling has checked into a local hospital due to pain related injuries he received to his legs during a motel fire last spring that killed four Houston firefighters, his family said.
Dowling has been at home undergoing rehabilitation after having both legs amputated after the Houston Fire Department’s most deadly fire in its 118-year history. Dowling was trapped beneath burning debris after the roof of the two-story Southwest Inn collapsed during the blaze that destroyed the facility on May 31.
“We’re doing fine. He’s just having some tests done for pain management — it’s not anything serious,” said his wife, Jacki Dowling.
The Houston community has rallied behind Dowling and held numerous fundraisers in his honor. In all, 13 HFD personnel were injured in the quick-moving fire that originated in the restaurant area. Federal, state and HFD officials are still investigating the origin of the blaze.
Jacki Dowling asked for continued prayers for the captain’s recovery, adding his rehabilitation is progressing very well.
“We just want people to pray for him, that he will get over this and get back on track — get back to rehab,” Jacki Dowling said. “He’s probably a harder worker than they’re accustomed to work with, he pushes himself and works really hard. He surprises us all the time — he’s just a great patient.”
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