This Milwaukee firearms instructor helps students make a home defense plan — and a gun storage strategy

By Joe Diedrich, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

With a folder and pen in hand, Jieire Vance stepped to the front door of the bungalow on Milwaukee’s north side. He looked like a remodeling contractor or maybe the cable guy.

But Vance was there for what could be a matter of life and death.

Vance, a firearms instructor, was helping a family develop a plan for what to do if an intruder breaks into their home and deadly force is needed.

It was the home of Mikieya Williams, who recently had taken a gun safety class. She already owned a gun but wanted better training and, most of all, guidance on how to create a home defense plan.

The free home evaluation is part of what Vance and his partner, Theron Rogers, offer to those who take their classes. The two are both former law enforcement officers and know it’s one thing to talk about gun safety and home defense in a classroom setting; it’s another in the home.

Over the past several years, the pair has taught thousands of new gun owners in Milwaukee, the majority of whom are Black women, through their company, Guaranteed Protection Services.

Students tell them they are getting guns for many reasons: because of an abusive ex-husband or partner, for protection because of crime in their neighborhood or a concern that police are busy and may be slow to respond when called.

Vance said female students tend to be very open to instruction. Most are deeply concerned about their children’s safety; that’s why, in part, they are buying the gun. 

Keep reading to learn how Vance shows the importance of gun safety.

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