It was the single biggest loss of life in the history of the Houston Fire Department.
Nine years ago, the Southwest Inn fire ultimately claimed the lives of five firefighters. The four firefighters who died on the scene were Robert Bebee, Robert Garner, Mathew Renaud, and Anne Sullivan.
In March 2017, Captain Bill Dowling, who lost both of his legs in the fire, died of complications from the injuries sustained in the line of duty. Firefighters gathered Tuesday afternoon where their colleagues paid the ultimate sacrifice to mark the anniversary of the tragic fire.
"Every year, we come to this site to remember to never forget them, and to send a message to the families of our fallen. Our mission starts with the families of our fallen who have given their lives in a line of service to the city of Houston," said Patrick "Marty" Lancton, the president of the Houston Professional Firefighters Association.