About Us

Dolence Electric Co. was founded in 1978 by Ralph Dolence, a licensed residential, commercial, and industrial master electrician. Ralph had worked as an instrument technician in the United States Marine Corps, an electrical design draftsman for Reliance Electric Co., and a configuration design analyst for Gould Inc. Ralph joined the Willowick Fire Department in 1971 and the South Euclid Fire Department in 1977 where he served as a fire fighter, fire officer, fire inspector, instructor, and fire investigator. He was responsible for fire training and fire investigations on both fire departments. By working as a licensed residential, commercial, and industrial master electrician while serving on both a full-time and part-paid fire department, Ralph was afforded unique insight and expertise into the subject of electricity, fire and electrical code standards and requirements, and the technical aspects of the investigation of the origin and cause of fires which is unprecedented in the field. In 1991, Ralph made the decision to establish a company which specialized in fire, technical, and electrical-related investigations after serving as a consultant to several private fire investigation organizations in Ohio since 1985. Thus, Dolence Electric Technical Consultants, Inc. was founded. Ralph has since received certification as a Certified Fire Investigator (CFI) from the International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI) and a Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator (CFEI) from the National Association of Fire Investigators (NAFI).

In 2004, Adam Roy joined our team as an electronics engineer and fire investigator.  Adam graduated from the University of Akron with a Bachelor of Science degree in Electronic Engineering Technology and an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Fire Protection Technology. Adam came with over four years experience in fire investigation.  Adam has had training in fire investigation, origin and cause, electricity and fire, appliance fires, and various related areas.  He has also served as an instructor in these areas.  Adam has received certification as an IAAI-CFI and a NAFI-CFEI. 

Beginning in January, 2008, Robert Gartner was added to the staff as a senior fire investigator.  Since 1965, Bob has been in the public service in the capacity of a volunteer fire fighter, fire officer, fire investigator, police officer, and deputy sheriff.  Bob began his 30-year employment with Nationwide Insurance Company as an claims representative and retired from Nationwide as a special investigator/property loss consultant.  In 1992, Bob and his dog, Pyra, became the first certified K-9 Detection Team in the insurance industry.  This certification is maintained with his current dog, Kindle.  Bob has investigated and specialized in all types of subrogation, liability, commercial and property claims.  Bob has had extensive training in fire investigation, fire cause and origin, arson, fraud, and crime prevention as well as experience as an instructor in these areas. He has received certification as a NAFI-CFEI.

Over the years, Dolence Electric Technical Consultants, Inc. has grown into an industry-leading forensic investigations company that specializes in fire, technical, and electrical-related investigations. Our team is made up of court-recognized, certified experts which have served the insurance industry; legal profession; product manufacturers; utility companies; local, state, and federal law enforcement and government agencies; and many others. 

We offer a full range of technical services to serve your investigative needs. The goal of our company is to provide to our clients our technical resources, electrical expertise, and fire experience while serving professionally with truth, honesty, and integrity.