Telgian has shared the passing of its founder, William (Bill) J. Tomes who passed away on the 30 August 2025, at the age of 81.
Tomes began his career are a firefighter in 164, after retiring as Fire Marshal of the City of San Diego in 1985, he launched a second career are Founder and CEO of Tomes and Associates, which became the foundation of Telgian Holdings, Inc.
In 1988 he co-founded Tomes, Van Rickley & Associates (TVA), providing fire and life safety consulting services for business and government agencies, including code interpretation, risk analysis, hazard evaluation, plan review, fire sprinkler system design and industry training.
Telgian shared in its statement that Bill leaves behind family, friends and colleagues who will remember his life, career and contributions to the fire protection industry.
Russ Leavitt, Executive Chair of Telgian Holdings, Inc. shared: “Bill Tomes had a profound impact on the careers and lives of many in the fire and life safety profession.
“He was instrumental in the development of current industry leaders, including company executive officers, association leaders and fire service professionals.
“He shared with everyone his passion for the mission of saving lives and protecting property. He will be missed by all who knew and worked alongside him.”
From 1992 to 2002, Tomes served as Chairman of the Board and CEO of TVA Fire and Life Safety, leading the company to recognition as a provider of applying emerging fire protection technologies.
In 2007, the Telgian brand was formed to more accurately reflect the diversity of the company’s many and varied fire, life safety and security services.
The word “Telgian” is, in fact, derived from Old English and means “to branch out and grow.” Tomes later served as Chairman Emeritus of Telgian Holdings, Inc. until his retirement in 2023.
Throughout his career, Bill Tomes also served on numerous fire protection, life safety and hazardous materials committees, authored articles for leading fire protection publications and taught seminars nationwide.
He was a past President of the California Fire Marshals Association and the San Diego Society for Fire Protection Engineers. For eight years, he taught at the National Fire Academy, instructing courses in fire prevention and fire/building codes.
His son, James Tomes, CEO of Telgian, shared: “My father was not only a pioneer in fire protection, but also a mentor, teacher and visionary who inspired countless professionals in our industry.
“Telgian’s very foundation is rooted in his values and we honor him by carrying forward the mission he started four decades ago. His influence will continue to guide Telgian’s future, just as it has shaped its past.”
Telgian has shared the passing of its founder, William (Bill) J. Tomes who passed away on the 30 August 2025, at the age of 81.
