BLACK HISTORY CELEBRATION GUARDED BY MERIDIAN

INGLEWOD, CA, USA, March 1, 2024 – Meridian Rapid Defense Group was side by side with the City of Inglewood this past weekend guaranteeing the safety of the thousands of people attending the “Celebration of Black History Month” street fair.

To help create a safe and enjoyable space for everyone, 80 Meridian Archer mobile barriers were placed at every intersection along the streets where the Family Fair took place. That created a pedestrian plaza allowing for stalls, food trucks and two working stages to be set up inside the secure zone.

Eric Alms, Meridian President said; “You’d be surprised at how much planning goes on before the event to ensure it goes off without a hitch. Our barriers, being SAFETY Actcertified by the Department of Homeland Security, also come with a Meridian certified deployment plan. It ensures that if there is a threat from a vehicle getting into a designated pedestrian zone our barriers will stop that from happening.”

Lee A. Denmon, Parks and Recreations Commissioner said, “I think these barriers are good because they’re very easy to move. The old concrete ones were stationary, and we couldn’t move them easily to where we wanted them. These Archer barriers, we just put them out quickly whenever we have an event, and they make sure that the event is safe. I thank the city for spending a little money so that people coming to our events are safe.”

Inglewood is like many cities around the U.S. which have purchased Archer mobile barriers to stop vehicles form penetrating protected spaces, whether on purpose or by accident. In this case because of the size of the event, Meridian brought in extra barriers through a rental program to supplement those already owned by teh City of Inglewood.

The decision by the city to continue to go the extra mile to secure these events brought in praise from those attending.

Seimone Loupe, a stall holder specializing in African imports said, “I know that there are a lot of events where there’s no safety and these barriers make me feel like there’s no way now that a car can ram through. I know in other cities there have been several situations where people get injured, like a truck driving through and lives taken unnecessarily. So, I’m very happy these barriers are here.”

The ease of deployment is a big attraction for event organizers. Each barrier, although being 700 lbs. of U.S. made steel, is very easy to move because of its unique design. The mobile barriers also take the place of the unsightly long concrete barriers so often used in the past.

Inglewood Councilor Henry Brown said, “It is so meaningful to have these barriers to stop people from driving through and injuring people. Mayor Butts had a vision, and a lot of times people didn’t see the vision. They said, ‘Why are you putting up these barriers?’ Now every day you see on the news these tragedies happening. We want all our residents to be safe and the barriers do that.”

Meridian Rapid Defense Group has also become the go-to organization for securing big events such as the Formula One Grand Prix in Las Vegas, the Orlando marathon and the NFL Super Bowl.

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

Mass Casualties Averted at America’s Largest New Year’s Event

PASADENA, CA, USA, January 3, 2024 — Police, parade officials and members of the public have heaped praise on Meridian Rapid Defense Group’s Archer barriers for preventing a disaster when a woman tried to drive into crowds watching the Rose Parade

The driver intended to break through the barriers on one of the blocks that Meridian had set up on every cross street of the five-and-a-half-mile parade. She ignored pleas to stop and ran head-on into one of the Archer 1200 Barriers. It stopped her immediately. She then reversed and tried again, but by then, two off-duty police officers saw what was happening. They reached in, turned off the car, and pulled her from the vehicle. 

Following the near disaster, members of the public congratulated Meridian’s crews, saying, “The barriers saved us. There could have been mass casualties here. We were sitting with our backs to the barriers watching the parade and didn’t even see the car coming.” 

Pasadena Public Information Officer Lisa Derderian said, “The Meridian barriers probably saved lives. They did their job.” 

In the weeks leading up to the parade, which attracts upward of 800,000 people, Meridian worked with parade organizers to prepare a fully certified vehicle safety mitigation plan. Meridian CEO Peter Whitford explained how once the barriers are set, they are joined by cables, creating an impenetrable zone for members of the public. 

“No way,” he said “could any vehicle have gotten onto the parade route because of the cabling system. The Archer 1200 Barriers did exactly what they were designed to do. First, stop the moving vehicle so as not to injure the driver. I can’t emphasize enough just how important it is to have the right safety equipment at these large crowd events.” 

Each Archer 1200 Barrier is made of 700 lbs of American steel yet is highly mobile and can be moved into place by one person. They are a common sight guarding crowds at many events across the U.S. This week the Archer barriers were also used to protect crowds at New Year’s Eve events in the U.S., and in Sydney and Melbourne, Australia. 

The driver of the car was a 21-year-old Pasadena woman who was arrested and is now facing charges of assault with a deadly weapon. 

Mr. Whitford said, “This was just another example of what can happen in the blink of an eye. Yes, incidents like this one are rare, but when they happen, there’s a real possibility of serious or fatal injuries.” 

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

MERIDIAN BARRIERS CONTRIBUTE TO THE SAFETY OF THE ROSE PARADE

PASADENA, CA, USA, December 28, 2023 — Meridian Rapid Defense Group, a renowned leader in mobile vehicle barrier technology, has once again assumed the responsibility of helping safeguard the upcoming 2024 Rose Parade and Game on New Year’s Day, with an anticipated turnout of nearly a million attendees. 

In collaboration with tournament organizers, local law enforcement, and fire departments, Meridian has meticulously coordinated efforts to establish a secure perimeter along the entire five-and-a-half-mile parade route. The strategic deployment involves over 600 Archer 1200 Barriers, along with their highly effective beam gates, effectively sealing off all intersecting streets. 

David Eads, Executive Director of the Tournament of Roses, emphasized, “Our topmost priority in all our events is the security of our guests, parade participants, volunteer staff, and all contributors to the success of the Rose Parade.” 

Replacing conventional water and concrete barriers, the Archer Barriers adhere to both US and European crash test standards and boast SAFETY Act certification from the Department of Homeland Security. Widely adopted by fire and police departments, as well as numerous sports venues, including NFL, MLS, and MLB stadiums, these barriers were recently instrumental in securing entrance zones for the Las Vegas Formula 1 Grand Prix in November. 

Eric Alms, CEO of Meridian Rental, highlighted the magnitude of this undertaking, stating, “Large rental jobs seldom come on a grander scale than this. With the unpredictability of a significant influx of people, the mobility of the barriers allows us to execute setup and breakdown swiftly, alleviating a major security concern for event organizers.” 

Considering recent tragic incidents involving vehicles breaching parade routes, event organizers now prioritize implementing comprehensive safety mitigation plans well in advance. Pasadena Police Chief Eugene Harris affirmed the preparedness of his officers, stating, “We prepare for the worst, expect the best. That is the way we are going to approach it.” 

The Archer 1200 Barriers have become a familiar presence on streets across the U.S., offering an ideal solution for securing parade routes. Their ease of maneuverability allows one person to swiftly wheel them into position within seconds. Once secured, these barriers permit pedestrian access while simultaneously forming an impervious steel barrier against vehicular threats. 

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

MAJOR AIRPORT CALLS IN MERIDIAN TO HELP STOP CAR THEFTS

DENVER, CO, US, December 19, 2023 — A rash of cars thefts from Denver International Airport had authorities looking for new ways to secure the parking lots. Along with increased patrols and more cameras, Archer 1200 Barriers, provided by Meridian Rapid Defense Group, joined the battle and already the plan is showing positive results.

Car thieves were breaking into cars and trucks, driving them out of the exits, and ramming through the gate arms. Most thefts were happening in the nighttime hours. Meridian’s highly mobile Archer barriers are now being placed each night at most exit gates, therefore channeling the traffic through fewer secured exits.

In 2023, more than 940 vehicles were stolen. Airport officials said that’s a fraction of the more than seven million vehicles that park there. Still, after a significant revamp of security, DIA (Denver International Airport) is seeing the number of stolen cars and trucks slowing down.

Peter Whitford, Meridian CEO, said, “Because the Archer barrier is so easily wheeled into place, it was the ideal solution to secure the parking lot exits. If the area suddenly gets busy and more gates need to be opened, it’s a simple one-person job to wheel the Archer out of the way, taking barely a minute.”

The mobility and strength of the Archer 1200 Barrier have resulted in it being adopted in a host of different roles. It is the perfect fit for securing street parades and is widely used at many sporting events and concerts where sections of roadways need to be temporarily closed to traffic to create a safe, friendly environment for pedestrians.

“Our commitment to the safety and security of our passengers, staff and their belongings is unwavering,” said Phil Washington, CEO Denver International. “Our multifaceted strategy is a testament to our dedication to providing a safe environment within our parking lots. Through collaboration with law enforcement agencies and innovative security measures, we are taking proactive steps to minimize auto thefts and damages.”

As part of the increased security clampdown, 13 people were arrested and charged with stealing vehicles. Ford trucks were the stolen vehicle of choice.

“Someone should be able to leave a car at the airport, go on a trip, return, and not be worried that their car won’t be in the parking lot when they get back,” 17th Judicial District Attorney Brian Mason said.

Meridian is continually crash testing its products. Those tests show that the Archer barrier can stop a fast-moving vehicle while designed to be non-lethal to the driver.

Expansion plans for DIA, which is the third busiest airport in the world by passenger numbers, are well underway. Along with the 40 Archer mobile barriers, Meridian also supplied an Archer Beam Gate, which will be used at the many new construction sites.

“The beam gate is the right product for that role,” said Mr. Whitford. “Considering the many, often remote areas they will be working at DIA, our beam gate, which doesn’t need any plug-in power to operate, provides the solution to control traffic.”

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

LAS VEGAS GRAND PRIX SECURED BY MERIDIAN

LAS VEGAS, NV, US, November 30, 2023 — When the race fans arrived in Las Vegas for the Formula 1 Grand Prix, they were protected by a subtle but wide-ranging security plan with Meridian Rapid Defense Group playing a major role.

Meridian, with its Archer mobile barriers and beam gates, guarded the major entry points for the race fans, visiting celebrities, race teams and officials.

Prior to the event Las Vegas Sheriff Kevin McMahill expressed what a lot of people were thinking. “The F1 race weekend quite frankly is a security nightmare for me,” he said. “This type of event is something we’ve never dealt with before. The size of the footprint we’ve never dealt with before. The threat is huge.”

Meridian CEO Peter Whitford said, “We were able to help officials secure the race using our previous Las Vegas experience at last year’s NFL Draft, when over a period of days, we opened and closed Las Vegas Boulevard and other streets. With the Department of Homeland Security declaring the Grand Prix a SEAR (Special Event Assessment Rating) Level Two event we had all the right equipment to ensure everyone’s safety.”

The Department of Homeland Security has five levels of security ratings for special high-profile events, with Level One being the highest and Level Five the lowest. Level Two is defined as “Significant events with national and/or international importance that may require direct national federal support and situational awareness.”

The mobility of the Archer 1200 Barrier once again proved its worth when major roads, including Las Vegas Boulevard, had to be opened and closed for the opening night concert, then each of the practice sessions and again on race day. The placement of the barriers allowed for a free flow of fans into the event while at the same time ensuring no vehicles could get in to threaten anyone’s safety.

Three Archer Beam Gates worked nonstop throughout the race period, regulating traffic into and out of the grand prix zone. The fact that the gates need no electricity, power or hydraulics to operate meant they could be placed at any location around the track.

During race week more than 300,000 people attended at least one of the events.

“This first race at the newly created track in Las Vegas was a true test for everyone involved,” said Mr. Whitford. “The fact that it was all so new meant there were inevitable last-minute changes to the security plan. But because our Meridian equipment is designed to be so mobile, those late changes didn’t create any problems for our crews. So, I’m happy to say it all went off smoothly. Las Vegas GP year one, mission accomplished.”

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

MERIDIAN KEEPS PEOPLE SAFE AT RALLIES AND PROTESTS ACROSS U.S.

Our job is to see that people who want to attend a rally or protest can do it in a very orderly and safe environment. And that’s what we were able to do in Beverly Hills.”— Peter Whitford, Meridian CEO

BEVERLY HILLS, CA, USA, November 14, 2023 — Predictions of large crowds attending a pro-Israel rally in Beverly Hills encouraged local authorities to call Meridian Rapid Defense Group to secure the location with Archer 1200 Barriers and beam gates. 

It was just one of many rallies and protests where Meridian helped to provide the participants a safe space to assemble and express their views. Similarly, during the period when Black Lives Matter protesters took to the streets, Meridian was asked to do the same. 

Inevitably, a rally or protest march takes place near areas with heavy traffic. In Beverly Hills, the rally was held in Beverly Gardens Park right next to one of the city’s busiest roads, Santa Monica Boulevard, and thousands of people turned up. 

Peter Whitford Meridian CEO said, “The park is surrounded by roadways on all sides, so to make sure no vehicles could get anywhere near the crowd we closed off the surrounding streets with a combination of Archer 1200 Barriers and two beam gates. Those beam gates played the important role of allowing police cruisers and emergency vehicles in, if they were needed.” 

Crowd management and crowd safety is an ongoing concern for any city official or event organizer. Recent tragedies where drivers either intentionally or accidentally drove into parades, highlight the absolute need to ensure that people are separated from life-threatening run-ins with vehicles. 

“We are doing this sort of deployment all around the country”, said Mr. Whitford. “Our job is to see that people who want to attend a rally or protest can do it in a very orderly and safe environment. And that’s what we were able to do in Beverly Hills.” 

Cities including La Mesa and Martinez in California and Green Bay, Wisconsin have also used Meridian Rapid Defense Group for demonstration security. The Archer barriers are mobile and set in such a way that people can walk freely between them but at the same time they will stop a car driven into them. 

Mike Estanol from the Martinez Police Department said at the time, “By having the Meridian barriers at every key entry point we were able to quickly and effectively close down vehicle traffic. I liked the barriers because people could move freely past them while still stopping cars and trucks.” 

The increased focus on keeping vehicles and people apart at events using Meridian’s mobile vehicle mitigation barriers, which can be rolled into position by one person, is a departure from the more primitive and unsightly solutions such as heavy concrete or orange plastic water barriers. 

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.

BOULDER CITY EVENTS MADE SAFE BY MERIDIAN BARRIERS

BOULDER CITY, NV, US, November 1, 2023 – These days in Boulder City, NV the Archer 1200 Barriers supplied to the city by Meridian Rapid Defense Group are a common sight at many public events. 

The Boulder City Review newspaper recently explained that its readers had probably noticed “something a little out of the ordinary” on the roads leading to public gatherings. The Archer barriers were first used at last year’s Community Christmas Tree lighting at Frank Crowe Park and since then at most events where street closings were imperative.

Lt. Vince Albowicz of the Boulder City Police Department said, “The barriers have been deemed to be invaluable. There are people in the world who would purposely like to hurt others, however, sometimes accidents also do occur.”

“There have been many documented incidents where a driver of a vehicle accidentally stepped on the gas pedal instead of the brake. There have also been incidents where a driver of a vehicle has suffered a medical episode and crashed a vehicle, unintentionally injuring someone. Having the barriers in place is an extra measure of safety for both our residents and visitors.”

The Archer 1200 Barriers have passed a high level of crash testing and are approved by the US Department of Homeland Security, which is an important certification.

Meridian CEO Peter Whitford has watched MRDG grow steadily as police departments, cities and event organizers realized the need for greater on street security for people attending their events.

“As we are seeing these days, the ramifications for everyone involved are horrendous if for some reason a rogue vehicle plows into a crowded area. We’ve designed our barriers to stop that sort of incident and, as a critical feature, they are mobile so they can be easily placed. But say, for some reason, the perimeter of the event needs to be changed, that’s when the mobility of the Archer 1200 Barrier comes into play. With the wheels down, despite its extreme strength and weight, one person can move the barrier from one spot to another.”

Lt. Albowicz told the Boulder City Review that he supports the idea of using the barriers continually after having had the opportunity to test and evaluate them during the last year.

“The barriers differ from fixed bollards since they can be deployed wherever they are needed. As for the need for the barriers, it depends on how people look at a safety measure but it’s worth using something which is designed to prevent injuries or loss of life whether accidentally or intentionally,” he said.

Boulder City joins cities, sports stadiums and event planners all over US which now stipulate that Archer 1200 Barriers must be used at all events involving crowds, large or small. They were most recently used at the Wurst Festival put on by the Boulder City Sunrise Rotary Club where they celebrate not only the wonderful taste of a bratwurst, but also raise money for local charities with a live auction and entertainment.

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

MERIDIAN CREATES SAFE ZONE FOR TAYLOR AND HER SWIFTIES

This was an enormous area to close off with several public streets and walkways leading into The Grove. We teamed with The Grove security, and police and fire to make sure every entrance was covered.”— Peter Whitford, Meridian CEO

LOS ANGELES, CA, US, October 13, 2023 — When Taylor Swift secretly came to town for her highly anticipated Eras Tour concert film premiere, Meridian Rapid Defense Group was able to quickly answer the call to create a secure zone for Taylor and her 2,200 invited Swifties. 

Organizers made the unprecedented decision to close down LA’s upscale shopping destination, The Grove, for an entire day in preparation for the big night. While the massive red carpet was rolled out, Meridian’s teams brought in Archer 1200 Barriers and Archer Beam Gates as part of the security plan. 

Peter Whitford, Meridian CEO said, “This was an enormous area to close off with several public streets and walkways leading into The Grove. We teamed with The Grove security, and police and fire to make sure every entrance was covered.” 

Each of the streets was secured by the enormously popular beam gate. In all, seven Archer Beam Gates were needed. The ease of use of the gates allowed emergency vehicles and delivery trucks to still have access to restricted areas. Because the gates don’t need electrical power or hydraulics to operate, they could be placed anywhere around the site and moved quickly as necessary. 

“The Archer 1200 Barriers have been used at The Grove for several years now although for this particular event we brought in another 20 barriers,” said Mr. Whitford. “We find that an increasing number of event organizers are choosing the Archer 1200 Barriers because they know they can be so easily moved. They are mobile but strong enough to stop a speeding vehicle if needed as we’ve seen in our crash tests.” 

The highly anticipated premiere attracted not only Swifties but celebrities including Beyonce, Mariska Hargitay, Adam Sandler and Flava Flav. With the open-air shopping, lifestyle and dining destination closed off for the occasion, the fans were able to spread out and even get one-on-one selfies with Taylor as she took her time walking the red carpet. 

Both the Archer barrier and beam gate have undergone rigorous crash tests to ensure the highest level of safety. The Archer 1200 Barriers are constructed from 700 lbs. of American-made steel although because of their unique design and mobility can be easily moved by one person. 

Meridian’s Archer 1200 Barriers have been used for large-scale SEAR (Special Events Assessment Rating) Level 1 events such as the Tournament of Roses Parade and Game, the Presidential Inauguration, as well as NFL, MLS, and other locations. The product, as well as Meridian’s deployment training, have been awarded The SAFETY Act Designation. 

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

WASHINGTON D.C. EVENT MADE SAFER BY MERIDIAN

Having huge dump trucks blocking the streets and their engines idling all day, they are an environmental issue, as well as having someone sitting in the truck, that’s a human resource issue.”— Kristen Barden, Adams Morgan Partnership BID

WASHINGTON, DC, USA, September 14, 2023 — The debut of the Archer 1200 mobile barriers at this year’s Adams Morgan Day event garnered widespread acclaim from attendees and event organizers alike. 

With thousands of pedestrians participating in the D.C. area’s longest running and most celebrated multicultural festival, Meridian Rapid Defense Group formulated a security strategy that allowed event planners to replace the bulky trucks, buses, and police vehicles that had previously been used to block intersections. 

Kristen Barden from the Adams Morgan Partnership BID commented, “I think safety is on people’s minds and we have heard from a whole lot of people that they don’t want to see a huge police presence. And as for the alternative to the barriers, having huge dump trucks blocking the streets and their engines idling all day, they are an environmental issue, as well as having someone sitting in the truck, that’s a human resource issue.”

The Archer 1200 Barriers, despite their 700-pound weight and capacity to halt moving vehicles, are remarkably mobile, requiring just one person to wheel them into position. They have become a common sight at crowded events across the United States and are frequently deployed at venues like Audi Field for soccer and XFL games in the D.C. area. 

Peter Whitford, CEO of Meridian Rapid Defense Group, emphasized, “We designed these barriers to ensure that event attendees can easily move between them without hindrance. This is a significant improvement compared to the past when long concrete and water barriers, along with heavy vehicles, obstructed the event entrances. Considering recent tragedies involving vehicles driving into crowds, prioritizing event safety is imperative for event planners.” 

Washington D.C. has acquired three drop deck trailers and 24 Archer 1200 Barriers from Meridian for use at various future events and parades. 

Brian Kavanagh representing the Adams Morgan Community Alliance told NBC News 4 his group is enthusiastic about the decision to acquire and utilize the barriers for Adams Morgan Day. “We think it’s a huge win for everybody. And compared to all the security set ups in the past. Its more attractive and looks a lot less like an accident scene and more like a festival.”

The Adams Morgan Day Festival showcased numerous highlights, including the transformation of the Dance Plaza through the Dance, Dance, r(E)volution project, a celebration of local and international cultures, a diverse array of local performances, specialty vendors, a vibrant music stage, and a children’s fair. 

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 or beam gate visit www.meridian-barrier.com

ALL EYES ON MERIDIAN BARRIERS AT APPLETON MILE OF MUSIC FESTIVAL

This is just another level of safety in case of vehicle assaults, vehicle accidents or maybe a situation where an impaired driver loses control of his or her car.”— Sergeant John Ostermeyer

APPLETON, WI, US, August 8, 2023 — Along with a host of new artists at the annual Appleton Mile of Music Festival there was also a new perimeter security plan in place for concertgoers.

Appleton Police Department went to extraordinary lengths this year by bringing in Meridian Rapid Defense Group to ensure the safety of the 80,000 people attending the popular weekend event.

Meridian’s Archer 1200mobile Barriers were placed at several pedestrian entry points to the entertainment areas. The security set-up was featured on the WLUK Fox 11 nightly news.

Sergeant John Ostermeyer told Fox 11, “This is just another level of safety in case of vehicle assaults, vehicle accidents or maybe a situation where an impaired driver loses control of his or her car.”

The Archer 1200 Barrier replaces the older more cumbersome concrete or water barriers which often act as more of an obstruction for crowds trying to get into an event. In contrast, the Archer 1200’s, approved by the Department of Homeland Security, are placed in such a way they allow free access for the fans, yet they are a solid steel defense against an out-of-control car or truck.

To highlight the strength and stopping power of the barriers, Fox 11 included footage of Archer 1200 Barriers being crash tested. Viewers saw how a speeding car was brought to a dead stop within a short distance.

“We’ve seen a big increase in demand for our barriers ever since the November 2019 Waukesha Christmas Parade attack,” said Eric Alms, President of Meridian Rapid Defense Group. In that attack a man drove his vehicle onto the parade route killing six people and injuring 62 others.

“What’s happening, not only in Wisconsin, but nationwide, is that all of law enforcement is getting very focused on a better level of protection for crowded spaces. Seeing the Archer 1200’s at the Mile of Music, which are the strongest, pure mobile vehicle barriers in the world, it is easy to understand why so many cities and police departments are now making it their barrier of choice,” said Mr. Alms.

Event organizer Dave Willems was happy to see the extra precautions in place. “I think they’re a huge addition because with the barriers, the things you can do visually, really help. You want people to know that there are efforts being made to keep them safe. And then there’s the fact that this year we have made those extra plans.”

Appleton resident, Tarynn Johnson, told Fox 11 seeing the barriers made her feel better about attending the festival. “When the barriers are there, it gives you the idea that there is safety and there is a police presence on the different side streets,” said Ms. Johnson.

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