MERIDIAN RAPID DEFENSE GROUP BARRIERS AND BEAM GATES A COMMON SIGHT ACROSS THE U.S.

“We are extremely proud that so many cities and individual police and emergency departments have chosen Meridian to be a major part of their holiday safety campaign”— Peter Whitford, Meridian CEO

SEATTLE, WA, USA, December 1, 2022 /EINPresswire.com/ — As always at this time of year the parades and Christmas tree lightings draw large crowds, and again Meridian Rapid Defense Group is there with its mobile Archer 1200 Barriers and Archer Beam Gates to keep them safe.

The Seattle Times reported that the barriers in Westlake Park in downtown Seattle were set up along Fifth and Fourth Avenue to protect crowds at the annual Christmas tree-lighting celebration. Read the article here.

For cities all over the U.S. the Archer mobile barrier has become the “go to” solution for the protection of people from rogue vehicles. Recent tragedies where cars were driven into crowds (either intentionally or by accident) have made cities particularly mindful of how to organize an event and keep people safe at the same time.

Seattle Police purchased the barriers and trailers from Meridian with the direct intention of keeping people, communities, and places safer and they are used on a regular basis for large crowd events throughout the city. The barriers can be quickly moved into place by one person and take the place of the large unsightly concrete and water barriers.

“Over at the Seahawk’s Lumen Field, our barriers have been there as a permanent part of their security plan for the last few years,” Meridian CEO, Peter Whitford told the Seattle Times. “Whether it’s the Pride Parade in Seattle or a purely local event such as a small parade or community gathering the Seattle police have the Archer Barriers ready to roll out.”

Mr. Whitford told the Times: “Meridian has sold barriers and beam gates in cities across the US, and to clients in Canada, Australia and elsewhere. San Luis Obispo in California owns 56 units in every color of the rainbow, to blend in with farmers markets, parades, and political rallies. Meridian originally supplied barriers to hot zones such as the U.S. base at Kandahar, Afghanistan.”

The catalyst for civilian uses was the 2016 attack in Nice, France where on Bastille Day, an extremist drove a truck into groups of revelers, killing 86 people and injuring hundreds more. Mr. Whitford said, “People realized it’s very easy for someone to do enormous harm by getting in a vehicle and plowing that into an unprotected crowd of people.”

Over the next month Meridian Rapid Defense Group will have barriers and beam gates guarding dozens of holiday events throughout the U.S., Canada and Australia.

“We are extremely proud,” said Mr. Whitford, “that so many cities and individual police and emergency departments have chosen Meridian to be a major part of their holiday safety campaign. And because the barriers have the full approval of the Department of Homeland Security that gives them even greater confidence they are in good hands.”

Meridian Archer 1200 Barriers are “SAFETY Act Certified” by the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) providing the ultimate standard in keeping people, communities and places safer. For more information about Meridian Rapid Defense Group and the Archer 1200 vehicle barrier visit www.meridian-barrier.com

City sidewalks, busy sidewalks, were dressed in new holiday style Friday, as Seattle police deployed orange barriers that can block rogue vehicles.

They protected crowds at the annual tree-lighting celebration Friday afternoon at Westlake Park. Seven units were arrayed next to Fifth Avenue, and another row faced Fourth Avenue. Police vehicles barricaded the Pine Street road lanes.

These or similar devices have been used at other events including Mariners baseball games and Seahawks football games, according to Sgt. John O’Neil, a police spokesperson.

The 700-pound steel devices are sold by Meridian Rapid Defense Group, based in Pasadena, California, a label on the barriers says. The angular shape, resting on a flat base with teeth, is designed to lift and bounce vehicles without wounding the driver.

Seattle has paid Meridian $270,576, according to an online city list of contracts. A City Council record this March shows a federal Homeland Security grant of $300,000 for barriers to defend so-called “soft targets.” They’re to be shared with Everett, Bellevue and Tacoma police departments.

Seattle police purchased 24 barriers, trailers to haul them, and the ability to borrow extra barriers for large events, Meridian CEO Peter Whitford said Friday. They’ve been used for Pride and Torchlight parades, he said. The Seahawks also own a set, he said.

More people in the Puget Sound area are likely to see them as they return to public gatherings after pandemic restrictions.

Meridian has sold units in all 50 states, and to clients in Canada, Australia and elsewhere, Whitford said. The small city of San Luis Obispo, California, owns 56 units in every color of the rainbow, to blend in with farmers markets, parades and political rallies.

The company says it originally supplied barriers to hot zones such as the U.S. base at Kandahar, Afghanistan.

The catalyst for civilian uses was the 2016 attack in Nice, France, said Whitford. On Bastille Day, an extremist drove a truck into groups of revelers, killing 86 people and injuring hundreds.

“People realized it’s very, very easy for someone to do enormous harm by renting a vehicle and plowing that into an unprotected crowd of people,” Whitford said.ADVERTISINGSkip Ad

Closer to home, a driver in New York City killed eight and injured 11 people, including overseas tourists, in a crowded bicycle lane in 2017. That same year, an Ohio man killed one person and injured others by driving into a crowd of counterprotesters, near a “Unite the Right” rally in Charlottesville, Virginia. Then in 2018, a young man associated with the misogynistic “incel” movement killed 10 people and hurt 16 others when he drove a white rental van into sidewalks in Toronto. Just a year ago, a man killed six people while driving an SUV into a Christmas parade crowd in Wisconsin.

Seattle has witnessed some dangers when vehicles mix with people on foot.

This spring at Pike Place Market, a driver struck two people during a chaotic road-rage incident, that revived calls to ban general traffic there.

A Shuttle Express van hit four pedestrians at the corner of Fifth and Pine when the driver suffered what police called a medical emergency in 2017.

Mark Ostrow, a safe-streets activist from the Queen Anne neighborhood, said people on these corners at Westlake deserve permanent vertical barriers, known as bollards. They are commonplace in Europe and South America, outside U.S. government buildings, and even Seattle Center, which maintains movable posts that allow delivery and maintenance trucks inside.

“I like the idea of being able to close streets for community events and celebrations,” Ostrow said. “It would be wonderful if we had a more permanent infrastructure that doesn’t look like the aftermath of a terrorist event.”

As the crowds have grown larger at football games, we want to ensure the safety of all attendees. The well-being of those in attendance is our paramount concern.”— Director of Public Safety and Chief of Police, Eliot Isaac

PASADENA, CA, US, September 19, 2022

“READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL!” and now more than ever crowd safety is at the forefront of planning for both NFL and college game days. For this years opening weekend, Meridian’s Archer Mobile Barriers and Archer Beam Gates provided protection for the huge crowds arriving and leaving the first games of the season.

NFL teams including the Titans, Seahawks, Buccaneers, 49ers and Packers will all be using Archer 1200 barriers as part of this season’s crowd security plan. The barriers are purpose-built and tested to address vehicle intrusions into pedestrian-only zones whether intentionally or by accident.

Once again, Meridian barriers and beam gates will be in action at many Saturday college games. The University of Cincinnati, in particular, has expanded the security perimeter around Nippert Stadium, including the addition of metal detectors along with the Archer barriers.

“As the crowds have grown larger at football games, we want to ensure the safety of all attendees. The well-being of those in attendance is our paramount concern,” Director of Public Safety and Chief of Police Eliot Isaac told UC News.

He added, “We look forward to a successful and enjoyable season supporting our team.”

Peter Whitford, Meridian CEO explained, “Our highly mobile Archer barriers provide easy access to the stadiums, and they are often now replacing the long concrete barriers which tend to impede the free flow of fans into the stadiums. Our beam gates which can be moved into position in less than twenty minutes are also a popular choice at these locations.”

Colleges now using the barriers and beam gates include the University of Florida, Vanderbilt, the University of Minnesota, USC, UCLA, the University of Utah, the University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa and the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

Massive crowds are expected all season for both NFL and college games, as demonstrated by the sell out crowds at every game over opening weekend. Notably, the Monday Night Football game in Seattle with the Seahawks beating the Broncos by the thinnest of margins, 17-16, had a sold out stadium and a TV audience of nearly 20 million viewers — an all-time record for ESPN.

Meridian Archer 1200 Barriers are “SAFETY Act Certified” by the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) providing the ultimate standard in keeping people, communities and places safer. For more information about Meridian Rapid Defense Group and the Archer 1200 vehicle barrier visit www.meridian-barrier.com

LONG POND, PA, USA, August 23, 2022

One of the largest crowds ever for the NASCAR race at Pennsylvania’s Pocono Raceway meant an even closer look by event organizers at fan safety.

This year for the first time Meridian Rapid Defense Group rolled out its highly efficient Archer 1200 mobile barriers at the raceway. The barriers were deployed at all main gate entrances to the grandstands. Additional barriers were used to safeguard people on foot in the infield.

The barriers take the place of the usual large and difficult to move concrete or water barriers. In contrast, Meridian’s Archer Barriers were moved in by one person and set up to create a safe zone for the fans. This allowed them to walk around without the threat of being hit by vehicles trying to share the same space.

Track president Ben May said the entire event was a huge success. “Our 76,000-seat venue was close to a total sellout, and we had around 100,000 people on site over the course of the weekend.”

Peter Whitford, Meridian CEO said, “We’re proud that NASCAR event organizers have decided to go with Meridian to protect those huge crowds they attract to their race weekends. They find that by setting up a rental plan with us, it allows their security teams to focus attention on other areas around the track while we create that very necessary safe pedestrian environment.”

“We’ve gotten great feedback from all our NASCAR clients. NASCAR tracks including Dover Motor Speedway in Delaware and Portland International Raceway in Oregon have all gone with the rental plan and from a budget perspective it worked out well for them,” said Mr. Whitford

This time at Pocono, 47 Archer 1200 Barriers, as well as an Archer Beam Gate, were used. In the lead up to race day, Meridian’s team of specialists worked with raceway security to prepare a fully certified vehicle safety mitigation plan (VSMP).

NBA, NFL, MLS, and police departments across the U.S. are also regular users of the Archer 1200 Barriers which are crash tested and SAFETY Act certified. The act provides Federal Government full liability protection for all users in the case of an act of terrorism, domestic or foreign.

Ben May speaking on behalf of his team at Pocono Raceway said, “We are humbled and grateful by the response we received from our loyal customers and partners.”

Meridian Archer 1200 Barriers are “SAFETY Act Certified” by the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) providing the ultimate standard in keeping people, communities and places safer. For more information about Meridian Rapid Defense Group and the Archer 1200 vehicle barrier visit www.meridian-barrier.com

Wednesday, August 10, 2022

Eric Alms, President of Meridian Rapid Defense Group, presents the Mobile Vehicle Barrier to City Staff at the Downtown Santa Monica Farmers Market on Wednesday, August 10, 2022. The Archer 1200 Barrier is unanchored and is “Drop and Stop”. Made of 100% American steel and is the strongest mobile steel barrier in the world. The Archer 1200 Barrier is the barrier of choice for Hostile Vehicle Mitigation (HVM). The Archer 1200 Barrier is rapidly deployable in sets of 8 in under 10 minutes. The Archer 1200 Barrier solution allows for pedestrian access and emergency vehicle access for every deployment option. The Archer 1200 Barrier is not a bollard which is permanently fixed. Its mobility makes it a primary security safety system for entry points, roadways and perimeters. Meridian Archer 1200 Barriers are “SAFETY Act Certified” by the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) providing the ultimate standard in keeping people, communities, and places safer.

MADISON, WI, USA, August 9, 2022

You must be tough and certainly strong to appear at the 2022 NOBULL CrossFit Games, a competition to find the “Fittest on Earth”. Tough and strong also applies to the enhancement in security that Meridian Rapid Defense Group brought to this year’s popular event.

Competitors and spectators arriving at the games in Madison, Wisconsin passed through a row of Archer 1200 mobile barriers, that had been set up to help ensure the safety of all during the five-day event.

Eric Alms, Meridian President, said the CrossFit Games are the perfect opportunity to showcase the Archer barrier and all its strengths. “The event organizers wanted to make sure that the thousands of people gathering at the main entrance were well and truly guarded from any vehicle intrusion, whether it be by accident of or on purpose. You just can’t be too careful these days,” he said.

Throughout the event the crowds could feel protected by the extra level of perimeter security Meridian created around the venue. Eighteen of Meridian’s unique mobile barriers protected three areas at the main stadium.

Thousands of visitors arrived in Madison to watch some of the world’s greatest all-round athletes go through a series of very rigorous challenges in their quest to be named the Fittest Woman and Fittest Man on Earth.

Mr. Alms said, “Perimeter security is so important these days. In fact, the entire event industry is taking a bigger look at crowd protection. We all want those attending to enjoy these events without having to worry about their safety. With this solution, using Archer barriers, it gives us all peace of mind.”

As is always the case, in the weeks leading up to the games, Meridian’s specialists worked with CrossFit security teams to prepare a fully certified vehicle safety mitigation plan (VSMP) using the Archer barriers which are “SAFETY Act Certified” by the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

The act provides Federal Government full liability protection for all users, in the case of an act of terrorism, domestic or foreign.

For more information about Meridian Rapid Defense Group and the Archer 1200 vehicle barrier visit www.meridian-barrier.com

We are committed to having a very safe event for everyone here. The key word there is safe, and you will see security efforts here like we’ve never seen in our city before.”— Mayor Randall L Woodfin

BIRMINGHAM, AL, US, July 19, 2022

Extraordinary security precautions were needed when thousands of athletes and tens of thousands of spectators descended on Birmingham, AL for the 2022 World Games and Meridian Rapid Defense Group was there playing a major role in perimeter defense at the event.

Birmingham Mayor Randall L. Woodfin spoke about the special security precautions the city was taking during the World Games. “We are committed to having a very safe event for everyone here. The key word there is safe, and you will see security efforts here like we’ve never seen in our city before.”

Over several months leading up to the games (designated a SEAR Level 1 event by the Department of Homeland Security) Meridian’s specialists worked with organizers on a fully certified vehicle safety mitigation plan (VSMP). The unique mobile design of the Meridian Archer 1200 Barrier made it the ideal solution for securing zones where pedestrians needed clear access to stadiums while being protected from the possibility of injury by an out-of-control vehicle.

“The eyes of the world are on Birmingham,” said Special Agent Patrick Davis from the U.S. Secret Service. “This will be like 24 Super Bowls over a ten-day span, so security is imperative.”

“In all, we placed more than 160 Archer 1200 Barriers at 28 locations,” said Peter Whitford, Meridian CEO. “This particular barrier is designed to take the place of larger unsightly concrete or water barriers. Crash tests have shown it does a better job and has the strength to stop a moving vehicle.”

Along with the barriers, five of Meridian’s Archer Beam Gates were used at the many locations where approved vehicles and emergency services needed access. At the majority of the protected zones the Archer barriers were set to allow for pedestrian access and are ADA compliant. This allowed the crowds to easily move past them into the venues, rather than having to walk around old-style barriers, as they had to in the past.

“The city has consulted federal, state and local partners as well as other high-level international events to ensure the best safe experience possible for our athletes, visitors, residents and businesses,” said Mayor Woodfin.

The various sports featured at the games are, in a way, an audition for the International Olympic Committee. At each World Games several of the events are then promoted into official Olympic competition. Sports include Kickboxing, Softball, Drone Racing, DanceSport and Tug Of War.

Meridian Archer 1200 Barriers are “SAFETY Act Certified” by the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) providing the ultimate standard in keeping people, communities and places safer. For more information about Meridian Rapid Defense Group and the Archer 1200 vehicle barrier visit www.meridian-barrier.com

“It was indeed a record-breaking weekend for Meridian. Our highly specialized aerial field specialists spread out to ensure all the events went off without a hitch.”— Peter Whitford, Meridian CEO

PASADENA, CA, USA, July 11, 2022

Illinois, Texas, Florida and California are just some of the states Meridian Rapid Defense Group’s rental deployment teams were covering during a very busy 4th of July weekend this year.

Archer 1200 anti-vehicle barriers were out across the country, with one main job – “To Make People, Communities, and Places Safer”. At many of the events Meridian’s Archer Beam Gates were also used as part of the crowd control plan.

“As an American company we were very proud to bring the highest level of protection to so many local communities this past weekend,” said Peter Whitford, Meridian CEO. “It was indeed a record-breaking weekend for Meridian. From the east coast to the west, from the north to the south, our highly specialized aerial field specialists spread out to ensure all the events went off without a hitch.”

In Plano, TX, Meridian barriers stood guard while thousands gathered for the first time since the COVID outbreak to attend the city’s traditional “All American 4th” celebration, culminating in a huge fireworks display.

Altamonte Springs, FL, another renter of Archer barriers, put on its “Red Hot & Boom” event. One Hundred and Sixty Thousand people were there to see the fireworks return after a two-year absence due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

In Arlington Heights, IL, in what was a first-time rental, the police department chose Archer 1200 Barriers to protect the crowds at the annual Frontier Days events. This year, wanting to upgrade from the water barrier system they had used in the past, the organizers brought in Meridian. From all accounts, they were highly impressed with the ease of the set up and breakdown compared to the effort needed to move the cumbersome water barriers.

The 4th of July parade in Ventura, CA is one of the city’s annual highlights and again Meridian barriers were on the streets there. Similarly, barriers were deployed in Danville, CA, where thousands lined the main street to see parade floats from more than 100 participating groups.

The highly mobile Archer barriers are ideal for parade protection. In both Ventura and Danville, the barriers were easily moved into place to block cross streets leading to the parade routes and within minutes of the parade ending, the barriers were just as quickly moved away, and streets and traffic flow were returned to normal.

Recent tragic events including vehicles being driven into crowds on purpose and mass shootings have only highlighted the need for the strictest security measures at events large or small.

Mr. Whitford explained that the Archer barrier has multiple purposes. “Safety and security at these events not only involves stopping errant or hostile vehicles, as, of course, the Archer 1200 Barrier does. Unfortunately, as we now see there have been random shootings and when they occur the Archer Barrier could offer a possible safety measure, as it is the only mobile barrier that has full ballistic capability for any armor piercing rounds,” he said.

Kissimmee, FL relied on Meridian Rapid Defense Group to help ensure a safe event with rented Archer barriers protecting their “Monumental 4th of July” celebration. A festival through the day, fireworks at night. The same in San Diego, CA where they had more than 50 Archer Barriers protecting the massive crowds that always line the San Diego Bay for the annual “Big Bay Boom” fireworks show.

At every one of these events the rented mobile barriers were only set after Meridian specialists worked with event organizers to prepare a fully certified vehicle safety mitigation plan (VSMP), which outlines the correct set up and best use of the barriers for that particular footprint and event. 

Meridian Archer 1200 Barriers are “SAFETY Act Certified” by the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) providing the ultimate standard in keeping people, communities and places safer.  For more information about Meridian Rapid Defense Group and the Archer 1200 vehicle barrier visit www.meridian-barrier.com 

By: Austin Herbaugh Posted at 6:38 PM, Jun 27, 2022 and last updated 2:54 AM, Jun 28, 2022

Some major safety improvements are coming to the Thursday night Farmers’ Market in Downtown San Luis Obispo.

The San Luis Obispo City Council authorized the purchase of three dozen new anti-vehicle barriers that are designed to stop any car from plowing into a large crowd.

“It’s essentially a way for the City of San Luis Obispo to provide a safe area for the weekly farmers’ market,” said San Luis Obispo City Manager Derek Johnson.

The city purchased 36 additional anti-vehicle barriers from Meridian Defense Group at a cost of approximately $331,000.

“It’s unfortunate that this is necessary, but I do appreciate the city taking the initiative in order to keep people safe,” said recent Cuesta College Graduate Jenneca Ortiz.

The city already has 16 barriers that are used to block off both ends of Higuera Street. They were also used to block off a portion of Monterey Street during Friday’s pro-abortion protest.

“It’s pretty straightforward, they’re on wheels, they’re on an electric dolly,” said Johnson. “We can close the street in five minutes.”

The 700 lb. steel barriers can quickly be set up at any large gathering. Meridian’s CEO says that safety is top of mind in wake of recent tragedies such as when a driver rammed into a crowded Christmas parade in Waukesha, Wisconsin.

“How it works is when you hit the barrier, it’s designed to tumble or roll and the vehicle will be stopped within seven feet depending on the type of deployment configuration,” said Peter Whitford, CEO of Meridian Rapid Defense Group.

The barriers are also meant to minimize harm to the driver—whether it be an intentional attack or an unexpected medical emergency.

They also come with artwork and are meant to blend into the community with the goal of keeping people at ease.

“Anything we can do to make it assimilate into the community and not look like a warzone is what we pride ourselves in doing,” said Whitford.

“I think it adds to the character of SLO. I love it when downtown areas include local art and I think it makes a city a lot more friendly and inviting,” added Ortiz.

The city currently blocks off both ends of Higuera Street during farmers’ market.

Once the new barriers arrive, all side streets will also be protected.

ORIGINAL STORY REPORTED ON : https://www.ksby.com/news/local-news/slo-city-leaders-approve-purchase-of-more-anti-vehicle-barriers-to-protect-large-crowds

We are fortunate to have a professional team that has a great deal of experience planning for the safety and security of major events and any public safety issues that may arise.”— Justin Liffick, Vail Police Commander

VAIL, CO, USA, June 24, 2022

OUTSTANDING POLICE PLANNING ENSURED ALLEGED DRUNK DRIVER KEPT AWAY FROM CROWDS

What was described as a potential “serious, perhaps deadly” incident was averted on the weekend of the GoPro Games in Vail, Colorado after an alleged drunk driver crashed into a vehicle and then drove off towards an area full of pedestrians. His path was blocked by a set of barriers from Meridian Rapid Defense Group, which were purchased by Vail PD last December to mitigate this exact type of incident.

The driver, who was held by bystanders until police arrived, came up against a number of the mobile Archer 1200 Barriers and could go no further. Police said the 51-year-old man appeared to be highly intoxicated and was charged with driving under the influence and reckless driving.

“I believe without the barriers, it’s possible that someone could have been seriously injured or killed in this incident,” said Sgt. David Dempsey, the supervisor on-duty at the time of the incident.

Eric Alms, Meridian’s President, explained that this is an issue that cities worldwide are now confronted with. “Whether it’s a terrorist attack, an accident, or in this case an alleged drunk driver it is so important that areas where pedestrians gather in groups, whether large or small, must be protected,” he said.

Meridian worked with the Town of Vail Police Department to prepare a fully certified vehicle safety mitigation plan for the GoPro event and the days surrounding it.

Vail Police Commander, Justin Liffick said, “We are fortunate to have a professional team that has a great deal of experience planning for the safety and security of major events and any public safety issues that may arise.”

“This incident is an example of the types of threats that we plan for, and why we have to take precautions sometimes that may seemingly inconvenience some of our workers and guests,” he said.

The Archer 1200 Barrier is made of 700 lbs of American made steel and more often these days takes the place of the unsightly long concrete or water barriers which have been used in the past.

“An added attraction for any authority using our barriers is the fact that the Archer 1200’s are crash tested and SAFETY Act certified,” said Mr. Alms. “What the SAFETY Act approval means for these cities and towns or companies using the Archer 1200’s, is that they get full liability protection from the Federal Government, in the case of an act of terrorism, domestic or foreign.”

The Vail Police Department purchased the anti-vehicle barriers from Meridian Rapid Defense Group following an increase in vehicle borne threats such as the recent tragedy involving a Christmas Parade in Wisconsin and terrorist attacks using vehicles into crowds worldwide.

Meridian Archer 1200 Barriers are “SAFETY Act Certified” by the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) providing the ultimate standard in keeping people, communities and places safer. For more information about Meridian Rapid Defense Group and the Archer 1200 vehicle barrier visit www.meridian-barrier.com