Vanguard Safety Wear

The FDNY Michael Kiefer Fund honors the life and legacy of Michael Vernon Kiefer, a firefighter who lost his life in the September 11 attacks while serving others. Established by his family, the fund continues Michael’s commitment to helping people by supporting firefighters and their families in times of need, as well as contributing to burn care treatment and research through organizations like the New York Firefighters Burn Center Foundation. Through donations and community support, the fund carries forward a legacy of service, compassion, and sacrifice.

After 26 years in the textile/apparel industry, Andy lead the original design and development of Pro-Tech 8 Firefighting Gloves beginning in 2005. Responsibilities included the development and implementation of the ISO:9001 Quality Management system, development of a distribution system throughout North America and technical presentations delivered to state, county and major municipal fire protection authorities. Ten years later he began the design and development of MK-1 Firefighting Gloves. That lead to the 2017 opening of Vanguard Safety Wear in partnership with his former customer at Dinges Fire.

Nick Dinges passion for the fire service began when he was a child riding to fire calls with his brother and father. He is the third generation in four generations of Firefighters in the Dinges family. The Dinges family has (9) members in the Fire Service. In 1997, Nick began his firefighting career as a Firefighter/EMT and participated in the Student-Live in Program while attending Western Illinois University. In 2001, he was hired by the Rockford Fire Department and became a Career Firefighter/Paramedic with assignments in some of the busiest companies in the Midwest. In 2008, Nick and his family moved to Amboy, Illinois, and he joined the Amboy Fire Protection District where he moved up through the ranks to the position of Captain. Currently, Nick lives in Sublette and is an Assistant Chief and Paramedic with the Sublette Fire Protection District. In his spare time, he enjoys golf and is the President of Sublette-365, Instructs Smoke Recognition Training at SVCC, and is a Member of the Amboy Education Foundation and Amboy FFA Alumni Chapter. Nick joined Dinges Fire (formerly Illinois Fire Store) in 2002, partnered in 2003 and became the Vice-President. In 2011, he took over as the Owner and CEO of Dinges Fire Company. In 2017 he partnered in the opening of Vanguard Safety Wear.

Ryan Pennington is a veteran fire service leader, instructor, and nationally recognized speaker with more than 25 years of experience in fire and emergency medical services. He serves as a Battalion Chief with the Charleston Fire Department in West Virginia, where he has built a career grounded in operational excellence, leadership, and a commitment to firefighter safety. Beginning in the volunteer fire service and later working as a critical care paramedic, Pennington developed a well-rounded perspective on emergency response that continues to shape his leadership style today. Throughout his career, he has remained focused on the fundamentals of the job—an approach he often describes as being a “firefighter first,” regardless of rank. Pennington is a sought-after instructor who has trained firefighters across the United States and internationally. He regularly presents at leading industry conferences, including FDIC International, Firehouse events, and regional training programs such as the March Mayhem Fire Conference, where he shares real-world experience and practical strategies for the modern fireground. As the founder of “Views from the Jumpseat,” Pennington has influenced thousands through his training content, articles, and podcasts, emphasizing accountability, preparation, and continuous improvement within the fire service. Ryan Pennington’s partnership with Vanguard Safety Wear reflects a shared mission: equipping firefighters with reliable, high-performance gear and reinforcing a culture of safety, professionalism, and readiness. His experience on the fireground and dedication to training help guide Vanguard Safety Wear’s commitment to serving those who serve.

Ryan can be reached at

ryan@vanguardsafetywear.com

Kim Vaessen serves as the Distribution Manager at Vanguard Safety Wear, a role she has held since 2019. With a strong focus on logistics and operational efficiency, Kim oversees order processing and shipping across North America and Canada, ensuring customers receive products accurately and on time. She also manages day-to-day office operations, helping keep the organization running smoothly. In addition to her professional responsibilities, Kim is deeply committed to her community. She has served for 18 years with the Sublette Fire Department, where she currently holds the position of EMS Captain. Her dedication to emergency services reflects her leadership, reliability, and passion for helping others. Her husband, Greg, also serves alongside her on the department as a Lieutenant. 

Kim can be reached at kvaessen@vanguardsafetywear.com

Stephanie Witte serves as the Executive Assistant at Vanguard Safety Wear, a role she has held since 2025. In this position, she plays a key part in supporting executive operations while also managing the company’s Amazon sales channel for its glove product line. Stephanie’s attention to detail, organizational expertise, and ability to balance multiple responsibilities contribute to the continued growth and efficiency of the organization. In addition to her administrative leadership, Stephanie oversees online sales performance, ensuring product listings, customer engagement, and order fulfillment on Amazon are handled seamlessly. Her work helps expand Vanguard Safety Wear’s reach and maintain a strong presence in the e-commerce marketplace. 

Stephanie can be reached at switte@dingesfire.com