In the decade following September 11, 2001, Andy Shapiro of Vanguard passed the same memorial often. This well-kept remembrance to FDNY firefighter Michael Kiefer kept the promise so many Americans made on 9-11, ‘never forget’.

Turns out Shapiro knew Kiefer’s brother-in-law and learned more about this hero in turnout gear. At the same time Shapiro had taken his experience in design and development to a new line of gloves that provides better protection and dexterity. In 2017, Shapiro and Vanguard Safety Wear in partnership with Dinges Fire Company launched the MK-1 structural fire fighting glove. MK = Michael Kiefer.

“We didn’t tell too many people what MK stood for,” Shapiro said.

“We wanted the gloves to speak for themselves and not have anyone mistake that we were profiting from his name.”

Instead, the initials MK, imprinted on the hand of each glove, pay tribute to Keifer, his family and his sacrifice, something to which all fire fighters can relate.

Paying Tribute & Giving Back

Following 9-11, Kiefer’s family formed the FDNY FF Michael Kiefer Fund. The fund donates to the New York Firefighters Burn Center Foundation and the FDNY Fire Family Transport Foundation. Because of the generous contributions to the Fund, a van purchased in Kiefer’s name was donated to the Fire Family Transport Foundation. The van provides transportation to fire fighters and their families to doctor’s appointments, funerals, and other activities.

Vanguard Safety Wear donates $1,000.00 to the FDNY FF Michael Kiefer Fund during FDIC in Indianapolis (Aug. 2021).

To honor the 20th anniversary of 9-11 and continue to pay tribute to Kiefer and the other fallen emergency personnel, the Fund is hoping to purchase a newer van for the transport foundation.

Honoring the Heroes of 9-11

Shapiro saw the opportunity to contribute to this effort. From Aug. 11 – Sept. 11, 2021, five dollars from each MK-1 and MK-1 Ultra glove purchase went to the Fund. On Sept. 11, Dinges Fire Company donated $1,760.00. A month earlier, Vanguard Safety Wear donated $1,000.00 to the Fund during FDIC in Indianapolis.

Shapiro and his team know “It’s not about the products, its’ about the people.” They continue look for ways to develop quality safety gear for the fire fighting community while recognizing the sacrifices of its members.