Q: About two months ago in Houston, there was a large motel fire that killed four firefighters and injured several more. One of the injured firefighters was going to have to have one or both of his legs amputated. Did the firefighter have the amputation done? Did he survive?
—Walter Muse, Loganville
A: Capt. William "Bill" Dowling's right leg was amputated below the knee and his left leg was amputated above the knee after he was injured in the fire that killed four firefighters on May 31. Dowling was pinned under debris when the building's roof collapsed on him and he also suffered burns in the deadliest day in the Houston Fire Department's 118-year history. Dowling recently underwent a procedure to have skin grafts placed on the back of his legs, according to donatetodowling.blogspot.com, which provides updates and a PayPal link to donate to the "Captain Bill Dowling Family Fund."
Q: When Pope John Paul II is made a saint, will he be St. Karol, using his birth name? Have any other popes been sainted?
—Dick Donovan, Hiram
A: Pope John Paul II will be known as St. John Paul II, not by his birth name of Karol Józef Wojtyła, Nicole Winfield, who covers The Vatican for The Associated Press, told Q&A on the News in an email. John Paul II was pope from 1978-2005. Pope John XXIII, who was pope from 1958-63, also will be canonized, joining 78 other popes who have become saints. The last was St. Pius X, who was canonized in 1954, 40 years after his death. Fifty-two of the first 54 popes became saints.
Andy Johnston wrote this column. Do you have a question about the news? We’ll try to get the answer. Call 404-222-2002 or email q&a@ajc.com (include name, phone and city).
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