About Us
About Us
About Boyd Fullum Cole
Boyd Fullum Cole passed away in 2008, Boyd's working life began with hauling propane gas for his family's business, mortuary assistant, firefighter and engineering assistant. In 1957, he started the water rescue patrol for the Spokane Sheriff's Department. Boyd moved to Sacramento, Calif., in 1961 and soon found his way back to his passion in life, firefighting, by volunteering for City of Sacramento F.D., selling fire equipment and fire apparatus. It was through numerous years of experience in this field, and seeing the risk firefighters faced with ladders that fail, he saw the need for something to be done. Through his hard work and dedication, an entire industry of fire-ladder testing was born (with National Testing) in 1978. In 1981, Boyd brought ladder testing to Underwriters Laboratories in Northbrook Illinois, from which he retired in 1996.He was always proud of this accomplishment: "We've saved lives!"
Boyd Cole was the President of Ladder Technologies, Ltd, VP of SmartCoat, Inc. and a life member of the International Fire Chief's Association. He has been a consultant for the Department of Labor, Federal OSHA, California OSHA, NIOSH, IAFC, Oklahoma State Fire Commission, Stewart Stevenson, and Underwriters Laboratories
William Ryan Cole, dedicated over four decades of his life to public safety, operational excellence, and equipment integrity within the fire service. Known for his unwavering commitment to firefighter safety and his meticulous attention to detail, Cole made a lasting impact through his service in the Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District and later as the founder of Cole Ladder Safety Testing Equipment, a respected name in ladder compliance and testing services.
Fire Service Career – Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District
William Ryan Cole began his career with the Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District in the early 1970s, entering the service during a transformative time in modern firefighting, he quickly distinguished himself through his grit, reliability, and technical precision.
Over a 30-year career with the district, William rose through the ranks—from Firefighter, to Engineer, Captain, and ultimately retiring as Divison Chief. He was known among his peers for his calm demeanor under pressure, encyclopedic knowledge of apparatus, and his leadership on major structure fires, vehicle extrications, and wildland interface responses.
William was particularly revered for his attention to firefighter safety, a focus that would shape his postretirement legacy. Long before it was common practice, he advocated for regular service testing, structured inspections, and better documentation for all ground ladders across the Fire Service.
William retired from active duty in 2003, but his work was far from over.
Founder – Cole Ladder Safety Testing Equipment
Since 1989, William Cole focused on ladder safety and turned that passion into a business—founding Cole Ladder Safety Testing Equipment. What began as a small idea grew into a trusted International service that partnered with dozens of fire departments, public agencies, and private industrial clients.
His clients appreciated not only his technical acumen but also his firefighter-first approach. He understood the difference between a ladder that was “technically compliant” and one that could be trusted on a smoky rooftop in the middle of the night.
William remained active in the business until his semiretirement in the late 2010s, when he passed operational leadership to his son, continuing the family tradition of service and safety.
Legacy
William Ryan Cole’s legacy lives on in every ladder rung tested, every firefighter trained, and every piece of equipment returned to service with confidence. He embodied the principle that behind every safe operation is someone who took the time to do it right—quietly, thoroughly, and without seeking recognition.
His life’s work has had a generational impact on the safety of fire service personnel. Whether leading a truck company into a burning structure or inspecting a ground ladder in the back lot of a fire station, William approached each task with the same sense of duty.
He is remembered not only as a fire officer and safety technician, but as a father, mentor, and advocate for doing things the right way—every time.
About Jeff Cole
Jeffrey “Jeff” Cole is an accomplished fire service leader with over two decades of operational, administrative, and technical expertise. A second-generation public safety professional, Jeff combines his deep roots in firefighting with entrepreneurial experience in fire service equipment testing and safety innovation.
Education & Professional Development
- Associate of Science – Fire Technology, Sierra College, CA
- California State Fire Marshal Certifications:
- Fire Fighter I & II
- Fire Officer & Chief Officer
- Incident Command System (ICS 100–400)
- Hazardous Materials First Responder – Operations
- Instructor I & II
- Specialized Training:
- Ladder Safety & Aerial Apparatus Operations
- Fire Service Leadership and Incident Management
- NFPA 1932 Ladder Testing & Compliance Standards
Jeff has continued his education throughout his career, completing leadership and command coursework through the California State Fire Training system and national fire service conferences.
Fire Service Career
Jeff began his career with Cal fire, as a Wildland firefighter. A Paramedic for several private companies before ultimately landing a career as a firefighter with the City of Poway Fire Department, where he quickly developed a reputation for operational excellence, technical knowledge, and mentoring younger personnel. Over the years, he promoted through the ranks to Engineer, Fire Captain, and Training Officer, taking on increasing responsibility for station leadership, crew safety, and incident command.
As a Fire Captain, Jeff supervises daily truck company operations, manages emergency responses for structure fires, rescues, and complex multi-company incidents, and plays a critical role in firefighter development. He is also deeply involved in department-wide training, safety compliance, and equipment evaluation — ensuring personnel have reliable tools and safe working conditions.
Cole Ladder Safety & Testing Equipment
Outside the firehouse, Jeff has made a significant impact on fire service safety standards through his leadership of Cole Ladder Safety & Testing Equipment, a family founded business that specializes in NFPA-compliant ground ladder inspection, repair, and certification.
- 1998 – 2008: Worked alongside his father, learning every aspect of ladder construction, testing procedures, and compliance with NFPA 1932 standards.
- 2014 – Present: Took over full operational leadership of Cole Ladder Safety, expanding the company’s services across Southern California.
Jeff’s dual experience as both an active fire captain and a ladder safety expert gives him rare insight into the operational needs of modern fire agencies and the standards that keep crews safe on the fireground.
Professional Impact
- Over 20 years of frontline firefighting and incident command experience in San Diego County.
- Recognized subject matter expert on NFPA ladder safety standards and equipment testing.
- Leader in training development, mentoring new firefighters and engineers.
Personal & Community
Jeff is proud to continue his family’s legacy of public safety and entrepreneurship. When not leading his crew or overseeing ladder safety operations, he enjoys spending time with his family, mentoring future firefighters, and staying active in the San Diego County fire service community.
- Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh.