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

PASADENA, CA, US, May 16, 2022

As a rapidly growing company Meridian Rapid Defense Group is hiring, and what better place to look than the recent Community Job Fair in Pasadena, California.

During the day, several hundred people arrived to speak with representatives of more than 30 companies, nonprofits, and government agencies about job prospects. As a bonus for the attendees, the event was held in the locker room of Pasadena’s historic Rose Bowl Stadium, where photos and mementos of past great games and concerts line the walls.

Meridian is seeking people to work in all facets of the security business. Peter Whitford, Meridian CEO, explained that recent security breaches at heavily attended events around the world have created a call for a greater emphasis on crowd safety.

“We are experiencing a huge spike in demand for our products, in particular our Archer 1200 Mobile Barrier and the Archer Beam Gate and quite simply we need more good people to join us,” said Mr. Whitford.

“Police and event planners really like how the barriers can be easily moved into place by just one person. And that does away with the need for the long unsightly concrete barriers which, as you know, that need heavy lifting equipment to place them,” he said.

The event was planned by Pasadena Councilmember, Tyron Hampton in partnership with the Foothill Workforce Development Board.

“I had been driving around and seeing ‘we are hiring’ signs in stores and other businesses,” he said. “So, I thought rather than job seekers having to go to every different storefront, let’s get companies looking for employees all under one roof for a day.”

“And what better roof to get under than the iconic locker room here at the Rose Bowl.”

Meridian shared the room with others including FEDEX, Huntington Hospital, Trader Joe’s, the Marines, the Langham Hotel and the City of Pasadena.

Meridian can proudly say its largest contract each year is rolling out its Archer Barriers to close off every cross street during the annual Rose Parade. A ring of Archer Barriers creates a five-mile-long secure zone for the hundreds of thousands of parade-goers and the participants.

Councilmember Hampton said, “The Rose Parade and Rose Bowl are the biggest events we do in the city, so we are really happy that Meridian is out here today explaining the role they play in keeping people safe on that day.”

“Those barriers must be put out by somebody and that’s a job some people don’t think about until they come here today and find out Meridian is looking for people to do just that, as well as work in other parts of the company. We’re very grateful for Meridian being here and supporting and hiring the local community,” he said.

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.

“While the old style concrete barriers block free movement of crowds, the Archer 1200 creates an even more secure location and each barrier is spaced so the fans can get in and out without a problem.”— Peter Whitford, Meridian CEO

DOVER, DE, US, May 6, 2022

Chase Elliott in his No. 9 Chevrolet had a very good day on May 2nd with a big win at Dover Motor Speedway. Also at the NASCAR event, Meridian Rapid Defense Group debuted its Archer 1200 mobile barriers as part of the overall security plan.

And while there was a rain delay, moving the race completion to Monday, there was no delay in getting the Archer barriers in and out. The mobility of the barriers, despite weighing over 700 lbs. each, ensured the roadway was cleared and traffic was moving freely soon after event.

“For this particular plan the Archer barriers were set up on the roadway leading to the track which was also the route emergency vehicles could use in the case of a serious accident,” said Meridian CEO Peter Whitford.

Prior to race day Meridian worked with the Dover Motor Speedway security team to prepare a fully certified vehicle safety mitigation plan so on the day it was a quick and secure lockdown.

The Archer 1200 Barrier is 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.

Meridian Rapid Defense Group and its Archer barriers and beam gates are now a common sight at sporting events around America. Major League Soccer, NBA and NFL are all using the mobile barriers. Major league baseball clubs have also found the barriers useful for creating safe pedestrian zones outside their stadiums.

Race winner Chase Elliott said, “I Just appreciate all the effort. But thanks to all the fans for coming out. You’re always awesome. Hope to see this big crowd here next year.”

Mr. Whitford explained how the Meridian safety plan is all about protecting those big crowds. “Too many times recently we have witnessed tragic events where cars have accidentally, or sadly in a few cases on purpose, been driven into crowds. Our barriers are the perfect fix to create those safe zones for people to move freely into the event,” he said. “While the old style large concrete barriers actually block free movement of crowds, the Archer barrier creates an even more secure location and each barrier is spaced so the fans can get in and out without a problem.”

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

SURPRISE, AZ, US, April 14, 2022

The start of baseball season has brought new calls for increased safety for fans attending games. MeridianRapid Defense Group is playing a major role in that, most recently at spring training in Surprise, Arizona for the Kansas City Royals and the Texas Rangers.

Working alongside the Surprise Police Department, Meridian created a pedestrian plaza at Surprise Stadium using more than 20 mobile Archer Barriers. The vehicle free zone at the entrance to the stadium enabled crowds to walk safely from parking areas into a fan zone and then into the grounds.

Surprise Police Officer Barry Bre’dell Jr. said, “Our main purpose for upgrading our security is to ensure we provide the safest experience to our citizens as they participate in the various events taking place in our city. To anticipate and prepare for potential incidents we wanted to add an additional layer of protection enhancing our overall readiness.”

Meridian CEO Peter Whitford explained how the unique design of the Meridian Archer 1200 Barrier has encouraged other baseball teams to make use of them at every home game. “Teams such as the New York Yankees, the Tampa Bay Rays, the Colorado Rockies and the Chicago White Sox have all decided to go with our barriers,” he said.

“It’s all about the ease of use. For stadium security officers, with so many other safety issues to deal with, the fact that the Archer 1200 Barrier can be quickly wheeled into place and just as easily moved off after the game, is a major plus,” said Mr. Whitford.

The Archer 1200 Barrier is crash tested and SAFETY Act certified. This Act provides Federal Government full liability protection for all users in the case of an act of terrorism, domestic or foreign.

Prior to the stadium “safe zone” being established, Meridian worked with the police department to create a fully certified vehicle safety mitigation plan. 

“The ease of deployment and the strength these barriers provide were definite factors which played into the selection process,” said Officer Bre’dell Jr. “Once the decision was made to go with Meridian, we were given top notch customer service and we look forward to the future use of these safety devices.”

The city will also use the barriers throughout the year at other outdoor events including the Christmas parade.

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.

PARK CITY, UT, US, April 6, 2022

It was time to celebrate the return of Olympians and Paralympians, and Utah’s “Ski Capital”, Park City, did it in style with a parade through its historic streets. To ensure everyone’s safety, Meridian Rapid Defense Group rolled out its highly mobile Archer 1200 Barriers, effectively shutting down the parade route to all but those taking part in the parade. 

The procession of 66 skiers, lugers and biathletes who competed in the Beijing Winter Olympics was cheered on by thousands of local people lining Main Street. 

Jenny Diersen, Park City Special Events and Economic Development Program Manager, said “We posted the closure at one o’clock to give people time to get a cup of coffee or drop their skis off. We do the hard closure at four o’clock.” 

That was when the Meridian barriers were rolled into place, and soon after the parade was underway. 

“These barriers of ours are ideal for just this sort of event,” said Eric Alms, Meridian President. “We are hearing from many cities now who have heard how easily the Archer barriers can be moved in and out. 

“They tell us, while they want total parade protection, they want it to be the sort of protection that doesn’t take hours or sometimes days to set up, which disrupts local traffic and that’s what our barriers do,” said Mr. Alms. 

The Archer 1200 Barriers are 700 lbs. of U.S. made steel, yet because of their unique design can be easily moved by one person. In Park City within minutes of the Olympian parade being over, the barriers were wheeled away and the streets reopened to traffic. 

As is always the case, before the event Meridian worked with the city and parade organizers to prepare a fully certified vehicle safety mitigation plan. This ensures everyone agrees on the security plan well before the event. 

The Olympians said they enjoyed hearing the crowd’s cheers, which they said was so nice after two Olympics where, because of COVID restrictions, crowds were not allowed. 

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