Vanguard Fire & Security Systems, headquartered in Grand Rapids, operates additional locations in Kalamazoo, Saginaw, Detroit, and Pasadena, Texas, near Houston. Its highly trained team inspects, maintains and installs fire alarms, sprinklers, special hazard, kitchen suppression, along with intrusion and video surveillance systems. It also provides 24/7 emergency service, fire extinguishers, mobile fire pumps and central monitoring. 

Vanguard, founded in 1957, was acquired by Darrell and Diane Thomas in 1990. It has grown to conduct work in over 40 states with a team of over 225 employees. 

After Darrell's passing in 2021, Diane took the following year to contemplate her family's next steps, discussing options with sons Brett and Tate as well as Vanguard leader, Rick Knipp. Based on strong recommendations from Knipp, as well as other industry leaders, they decided to enter conversations with Pye-Barker Fire & Safety. 

Beginning late 2022, Tate Thomas and the family's long-time attorney Donald Duba met with Pye-Barker leadership. After touring multiple branch offices and meeting numerous Pye-Barker team members, the decision was made that Pye-Barker would provide significant growth opportunities to their employees and would be a perfect fit for the Vanguard family, according to the announcement.    

"We've been thoroughly impressed with the respect and professionalism of Pye-Barker's leadership, starting with Bart Proctor, Jason Brinkman, Chuck Reimel, down to their legal counsel.  We're thrilled to align with Pye-Barker and their perfectly matched business values," said Diane Thomas, Vanguard president.