Firefighting community mourns the death of HFD Captain Dowling

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Friends, family, and those in the Houston Fire Department are preparing to say goodbye to Captain "Iron Bill" Dowling.

The retired Captain of the Houston Fire Department died yesterday, in his new home in Colorado.

Captain Dowling was gravely injured, including losing both legs, during the devastating Southwest Inn fire in May 2013.

Four other firefighters died that day.

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Today, Mayor Sylvester Turner asked for a Moment of Silence during the weekly City Council meeting.

"In that moment of silence to thank the good Lord for his service, and remember his family," said the Mayor.

The death of Dowling brought out tears from Sabina Bebee, mother of Robert Bebee, one of the firefighters who died in 2013.

"It brings everything back," she said, with her voice cracking. "It's always there, and I thought, thank God, he's no longer suffering. And he's among other heroes."

Sabina Bebee says Captain Dowling and his wife became a source of strength for the families of the firefighters who perished.

"It brings everything back. It's always there and I thought, thank God, he's no longer suffering and he's among other heroes," said Sabina Beebe, Robert's mother.

Sabina says Captain Dowling and his wife became a source of strength for the families of the firefighters who perished.

When the Dowlings moved to Colorado last year, they chronicled their new life on Facebook.

"She said that was their dream to retire to a place like that, so she was making it happen for him," said Sabina.

Now, the Houston Fire Department is preparing to honor the former captain of Station 68 in a full line of duty death funeral.

"Although we know Capt. Dowling is in a better place, and he is with the four other firefighters lost on that fateful day, we will greatly miss the inspiration he will be to all of us," said HFD officials.

Sabina says she has no doubt Captain Dowling and her son are now together again in heaven.