“We were 100% better than we were at the last half marathon. We are still addressing what might have been weak spots and that’s something we’re talking with Meridian about already.”— George Cunningham, Rose Bowl COO

PASADENA, CA, US, January 19, 2022

Thousands of runners and spectators participated safely in the 2022 Rose Bowl Half Marathon and 5K Run thanks in part to security provided by barriers and beam gates supplied by Meridian Rapid Defense Group.

Prior to the event, working alongside Rose Bowl employees, Meridian mapped out a safety mitigation plan to ensure that no vehicle could threaten the runners or the large number of spectators. Sixty Archer 1200 Barriers, and this year for the first time, three of Meridian’s unique Archer Beam Gates were set up to ensure a safe and secure event.

George Cunningham, COO of the Rose Bowl said, “Every year you try to get better and find your weaknesses, so we decided this year that more areas that we were responsible for, needed to be protected. To make that happen we also had three of Meridian’s beam gates which allowed us to have more control over the parking lots.”

The Archer Beam Gates are an exclusive design. They are easily assembled by two people in less than 30 minutes and do not require any power source, yet the heavy-duty net can trap a vehicle that tries to get into a secured zone intentionally or by accident.

“You can never over plan safety precautions for these types of events,” said Eric Alms, Meridian President. “In the recent past we have seen some shocking incidents where cars were driven into crowds and that’s why we are seeing event organizers taking extra precautions these days. They’re finding our barriers and beam gates to be the right fix.”

Mr. Cunningham explained that the beam gates at the Rose Bowl provided the ideal replacement for areas where they would have used barriers in the past. He pointed out that having them there resulted in a lot less physical labor for his staff.

“We were 100% better than we were at the last half marathon. We are still addressing what might have been weak spots and that’s something we’re talking with Meridian about already. Every year you learn a little bit more and we’re getting better,” said Mr. Cunningham.

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

“We plan for the worst and hope for the best, if you’re not planning for the worst type of incident, you’re not preparing your event to be successful”— George Cunningham, Rose Bowl COO

PASADENA, CA, US, January 13, 202

Big crowds and newly introduced COVID restrictions made for a very different 2022 Rose Bowl game. So too did the addition of extra security to include even more of Meridian Rapid Defense Group’s highly praised products, namely the Archer Beam Gate and the Archer 1200 Barrier.

Securing the Rose Bowl, which is situated in a wide-open parklike location and backed up by a golf course, presents unique challenges for Rose Bowl COO George Cunningham and his staff. This year Meridian brought in six Archer Beam Gates to complement the 110 Archer 1200 Barriers to secure the site.

“We plan for the worst and hope for the best,” said Mr. Cunningham. “If you’re not planning for the worst type of incident, you’re not preparing your event to be successful.”

Large vehicles including the team buses for Ohio State and Utah and TV production trucks needed quick and often repetitive access to the location. In addition to that, the 88,000 fans on foot and the need for secure traffic lanes became obvious.

“With our wide variation of events at the Rose Bowl there are a lot of changes that have to happen every year,” said Mr. Cunningham. “And having fixed structures doesn’t allow for the flexibility we need. With the Meridian beam gates, we really appreciate their function of ease and how they are specifically designed for adaptation.”

Meridian CEO Peter Whitford said, “The Rose Bowl game and the Rose Parade on the same day, where incidentally, we deployed more than 600 barriers on the parade route, was a huge undertaking. At the Rose Bowl the beam gates, which don’t require power and can be easily moved by two people, provided the perfect solution.”

In the weeks leading up to the New Year’s Day events Meridian’s safety specialists worked with Mr. Cunningham’s team to prepare a fully certified vehicle safety mitigation plan.

Mr. Cunningham said, “With the beam gate and the Archer Barriers, which you can shift, you have the capability of creating different flow patterns and that’s a great system to have. And you have the ability to rapidly, within minutes, move them for any type of emergency or change in plans.”

Both the Archer Beam Gates and Archer 1200 Barriers are manufactured in the U.S. The barrier is easily moved by one person despite weighing over 700 lbs and crash tested to the highest Homeland Security standards.

Mr. Whitford said, “Once again it was a real pleasure to play a prominent part in the security plan at this major event. I’d like to thank the Rose Bowl Operating Company for continuing to put their trust in Meridian Rapid Defense Group and I wish them well in this, their centenary year.”

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.

“We had many features of security and safety throughout the parade. Once again, we welcomed the world to Pasadena, and we wanted to ensure that everyone was taking care of one another.”— John Perez, Pasadena Chief of Police

PASADENA, CA, USA, January 2, 2022

“Our number one priority is the safety of all of our guests and volunteers,” said Pasadena Tournament of Roses CEO David Eads. 

For that reason, the Rose Parade and the Rose Bowl game had the tightest security ever. The entire route of the parade and the game afterwards was encircled by more than 600 mobile Archer 1200 barriers brought in by Meridian Rapid Defense Group. They were also there to protect the Command Center at City Hall as well as the Float Fest where fans could tour the floats up close after the event. 

Recent tragic events have shown again how important it is to create a safe place for parade participants, as well as the estimated 600,000 parade attendees along Pasadena’s Colorado Boulevard. 

Pasadena Police Chief John Perez said, “We had many features of security and safety throughout the parade. Once again, we welcomed the world to Pasadena, and we wanted to ensure that everyone was taking care of one another.” 

Meridian CEO Peter Whitford explained how the company brought in the highly mobile barriers from all over the United States for this one big day of events.  Mr. Whitford said, “At all the intersections along the parade route we placed our specially designed Archer steel barriers, which can stop a vehicle from breaking through and getting onto the parade route. In the past they have used concrete barriers which need heavy equipment to lower into place, while the Archer barriers are easily wheeled into position by just one person. I’m proud to say that our barriers have been given the highest certification by the Department of Homeland Security.” 

“Later in the day over at the Rose Bowl game fans saw even more of our barriers and beam gates,” said Eric Alms, Meridian’s President. “Our deployment experts worked with the city and event organizers for some weeks to prepare a fully certified vehicle safety mitigation plan for the events. It’s certainly worth being over-prepared when you have massive crowds like that all pouring into the city on this one day.” 

The Archer 1200 Barriers are designed to be highly mobile. Prior to the start of the parade the hundreds of barriers were quickly wheeled across the intersections. They are designed in such a way that they form a secure barrier against a vehicle, yet people could walk easily and unobstructed past them to the parade route. Once the event was over, in a matter of minutes, they were just as quickly moved away, allowing traffic to flow again. 

“With thousands of people along the parade route, safety was our top priority,” said Pasadena Fire Chief, Chad Augustin. 

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  

“Whether it’s an intentional act or an accidental act, with our parade we set out to provide the maximum amount of security for the people who are going to be watching or taking part in the parade”— Sgt. Moe Duran

US, December 15, 2021

Thousands of people filled the streets of Upland, California, for the annual Christmas Parade, safe in the knowledge that the downtown area was protected by vehicle barriers supplied by Meridian Rapid Defense Group. 

The Upland Police Department worked with Meridian for weeks beforehand to ensure that the entire area of the parade route was secure from any possible vehicle intrusion. 

Following the Christmas parade tragedy in Waukesha, Wisconsin, where a driver purposely drove into the parade killing six people and injuring another 60, authorities worldwide have realized the importance of establishing a secure zone for such events. 

Sgt. “Moe” Duran from Upland Police said, “Whether it’s an intentional act or an accidental act, with our parade we set out to provide the maximum amount of security for the people who are going to be watching or taking part in the parade.” 

Before the event Meridian worked with Upland Police and city staff to prepare a fully certified vehicle safety mitigation plan which resulted in all intersections and locations, where a vehicle could enter, being guarded by Meridian’s unique mobile Archer 1200 vehicle barriers. 

“One of the things I like about these barriers is that they’re aesthetically pleasing,” said Sgt. Duran. “They’re not a soreness to the eye. They don’t look like the long concrete K Rails, and it doesn’t look like you’re driving into a battle bunker area.” 

Peter Whitford, Meridian CEO said, “Upland is just one of the many parades we are protecting these days. Over the years, I’m proud to say, we have become the ‘go to’ team for cities to help to ensure their parade is as safe as it is enjoyable. Small or large parades, such as Pasadena’s Rose Parade, we do them all.” 

The Meridian Archer 1200 Barrier is crash tested, Department of Homeland Security approved, and while weighing 700 lbs of American made steel its unique mobile design allows it to be quickly moved into position by just one person. 

Sgt. Duran said, “The staff at Meridian have been great. We called them and asked for their advice. They shot us over the information. When we saw how the barrier worked, they then came out and demoed the product to show us how easy it is to move. And then they helped us set up and train our people.” 

Meridian staff arrived before dawn on the day of the parade and quickly established the parade safety zone. Within a half an hour of the event winding up, the mobility of the barriers allowed the Upland downtown area to be reopened and it was soon business as usual. 

“My recommendation for any organization that’s going to be responsible for putting on an event and providing security is that they use the best tools to keep intrusions out,” said Sgt. Duran. 

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 .

“I think I speak on behalf of my friends and it’s quite reassuring that these barriers are here to stop a car from driving in. You wouldn’t want to see a car get into the middle of that huge crowd.”— Marina Rodriguez, USC football fan. 

LOS ANGELES, CA, US, November 23, 2021

The annual Los Angeles cross-town rivalry game between USC and UCLA once again drew huge crowds to the USC campus for the traditional tailgate parties, and Meridian Rapid Defense Group was on hand to assist in ensuring a safe pre-game event.

The university is crisscrossed by wide walkways, which created a security issue for university authorities. To ensure no vehicles could enter the heavily crowded areas Archer 1200 mobile barriers were positioned at all entry points.

“We are finding more and more universities are deciding to use the Archer 1200 Barriers because of their mobility and the way they are a lot less intrusive than the old-style concrete barriers,” said Peter Whitford, Meridian’s CEO.

Marina Rodriguez, a USC fan, was walking to a tailgate party, saw the barriers and said, “I think I speak on behalf of my friends here and it’s quite reassuring that these barriers are here to stop a car from driving in. You sure wouldn’t want to see a car get into the middle of that huge crowd.”

Mr. Whitford explained, “One rogue vehicle, driven in on purpose or by accident, could create a tragedy of mammoth proportions. So being able to prevent that using our barriers is increasingly becoming the simple answer to a complex problem for many universities across America.”

The Archer 1200 Barrier is made of 700 lbs of American steel, yet it can be easily moved into place by one person. An essential part of any set up is the agreement that Meridian will provide a fully certified vehicle safety mitigation plan (VSMP) to clients to ensure the safest of events.

Meridian provides Archer 1200 Barriers on a regular basis to many other schools including the University of Alabama, University of Tennessee, and the University of Arizona as well as NFL teams such as the Seattle Seahawks, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Cincinnati Bengals and Jacksonville Jaguars.

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.

JUDGES ARE IMPRESSED BY THE SAFETY PLAN FOR ONE OF THE BIGGEST PARADES IN AMERICA

PHOENIX, ARIZONA, November 11, 2021

Protecting more than 800,000 people attending the annual New Year’s Day Rose Parade followed by the Rose Bowl Game in Pasadena, CA is without a doubt one of the toughest security jobs of the year.

Meridian Rapid Defense Group did just that and now Meridian’s Safety Mitigation Plan for those events has won the prestigious Golden Eagle Award at the 2021 National Sports Safety and Security Conference in Phoenix.

Daniel Ward, NCS4 Director of Training and Exercise said, “The Golden Eagle Award is an opportunity to recognize those technologies, services and processes that meet security needs and effectively account for the unique operating environment created by sporting and entertainment events.”

The winner was chosen from three finalists and voted on by the pool of NCS4 participants which included security experts across multiple sports and disciplines. They were asked to take into account everything from relevance to the sport industry, establishing the balance of fan experience while creating a safe crowd environment and the creativity and innovation that leads the industry forward.

Both the Rose Parade and the football game are designated by the Department of Homeland Security as (SEAR)-1-level security events. The Meridian security plan covered a large geographic footprint and a complex traffic scenario that required coordination and consensus-building at the local, state, and federal levels.

After accepting the award Eric Alms, Meridian’s President explained that MRDG’s plan was a significant improvement in security effectiveness with Meridian deploying 443 Archer 1200 barriers across three primary locations: the Rose Bowl Stadium, the parade route and the command center.

“Past events relied on traffic management products such as water barriers and type 3 barricades which aren’t certified to stop errant vehicles and using those is just not good enough these days,” said Mr. Alms.

“We are very proud to win this award because it’s great recognition for all of our Meridian staff who worked day and night before and after the events to ensure that everyone at both the parade and the football game had an enjoyable and most importantly, a safe time.”

Archer barriers are SAFETY Act-certified and crash test rated to stop hostile vehicles while also being both mobile and modular. This allowed for the event perimeter to be closed in a fraction of the time and reopened to regular traffic flow quickly.

Meridian staged the barriers along the parade route and at the stadium a week before the event, allowing law enforcement, local businesses, and the public to become familiar with the new solution. Fliers were distributed to every business near deployment, and company websites were showcased on the barriers to allow people to familiarize themselves with the product.

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

CALIFORNIAN CITY PUTS SECURITY OF COMMUNITY FIRST AND FOREMOST

PASADENA, CA, US, October 11, 2021 As the host of one of the world’s greatest street parades, Pasadena, CA takes no chances in keeping safe the close to one million attendees. Once again, the city has chosen Meridian Rapid Defense Group to be part of the solution.

This week the City of Pasadena agreed to purchase another set of Meridian anti-terrorism vehicle barriers and a trailer for use at the Tournament of Roses Parade which is held every New Year’s Day and for the many other events throughout the city.

A city official explained, “Vehicle mitigation strategies are a necessity as vehicle assaults are one of the primary forms of attack at large events and gatherings by Home Grown Violent Extremists (HGVE) and/or terrorists.”

The official pointed out that in 2018 and 2019, the Pasadena Police Department utilized Archer 1200 Anti-Terrorism Vehicle Barriers to secure the Rose Bowl Parade route after discovering that the security being provided by water filled barriers was inadequate.

Security was stepped up for all events in Pasadena starting with the Rose Parade after a driver deliberately drove a truck into the Christmas market next to the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church in Berlin in December 2016. The incident claimed the lives of 12 people and injured 56 others.

“Pasadena has been at the forefront of pedestrian security,” said Meridian CEO Peter Whitford. “At the most recent Rose Parade we were chosen to secure the entire parade route using more than 400 of our mobile Archer 1200 Barriers.”

“The city was most impressed with how quickly all of the barriers were staged in the hours before the parade and just as quickly removed after it was all over allowing traffic to flow again freely,” he said.

City leaders were told: “It is in the city’s best interest to award the purchase order to Meridian Rapid Defense Group, LLC as the barriers will help to mitigate any potential HGVE attacks and other vehicle incursions into secure areas.”

Meridian’s Archer 1200 Barriers are made of 700 lbs of USA made steel, and are Homeland Security Certified safe and can be quickly wheeled into place by one person.

Meridian Rapid Defense Group rents and sells barriers throughout the U.S., Canada, Australia and Europe.

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

TORONTO, CANADA, September 24, 2021

Tens of thousands of people on foot and on bikes are expected to be on Lake Shore Boulevard this weekend and Safeguard Perimeter Solutions is joining the city in ensuring they arrive and go home safely.

For the first time more than 40 unique mobile barriers will be rolled out to create safe zones on Lake Shore Boulevard. The company will also set up two Archer Beam Gates which can snare an out-of-control vehicle. The beam gates will provide access for emergency and city vehicles.

The usual large numbers of Toronto residents and visitors, who have been making the most of ActiveTO (the city’s popular safe streets project) will be boosted with the start of BigArtTO, where temporary public artworks are projected onto local buildings and landmarks.

“We’ll be using the same Archer 1200 mobile barriers that were used in Washington D.C. in January during the Presidential Inauguration. You’ll also see them at many other major events throughout North America,” said Shaine Moore of Safeguard Perimeter Solutions.

“With so many people walking and biking they can be reassured that no car or truck, whether by accident or on purpose, can break through the new safety cordon that these barriers will provide. And now with the start of BigArtTO there’ll be even more folks out there checking out the artwork, so keeping them all safe is our number one priority,” he said.

Barbara Gray, General Manager of Toronto City’s Transportation Services said, “Our city program now gives people the opportunity to walk and bike and get out during these times of COVID-19. So, we want to make sure we are providing protective facilities and therefore do it safely.”

Mr. Moore pointed out that the real attraction for cities such as Toronto is that the Archer 1200 Barriers can be moved into place by just one person unlike other temporary barriers which need heavy lifting equipment.

The Archer 1200 Barriers, manufactured by Meridian Rapid Defense Group, are made of 320 kilos of solid steel and will stop a speeding car or truck, yet once placed pedestrians can easily move, unobstructed, past them. They are SAFETY Act Certified by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

During the height of the COVID-19 outbreak the Archer Barriers were also used to create a “no vehicle” restaurant and shopping zone at the tourist hot spot in Centre Street at Niagara Falls. Once again, this year they will be used at the NFL Super Bowl as well as NBA and MLB games.

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 visit www.meridian-barrier.com

LOS ANGELES, CA, USA, September 30, 2021

College Football at the Rose Bowl in California and Bryant-Denny Stadium in Alabama, ACL music festival in Austin, TX, Jacksonville Jazz Festival in Jacksonville, FL, and the 49th annual Hometown Fair in Manhattan Beach, CA are just a few of the events Meridian Rapid Defense Group will be providing security for this weekend.

Event organizers across the country have been quick to appreciate the ease with which Meridian’s unique and mobile Archer 1200 Barriers can be moved into place, doing away with the heavy lifting needed to position the more cumbersome concrete and unsightly water barriers.

“We are getting great feedback from all these clients who rent our barriers,” said Eric Alms, Meridian’s President. “The Austin City Limits music festival is one example. It’s returning for the first time since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic and we’re proud to have been chosen to help ensure the safety of the tens of thousands of fans who will be attending.”

This weekend Meridian’s barriers will also be placed for the first time at the ShoalsFest country music festival in McFarland Park in Florence, AL, featuring local star Jason Isbell and Drive-By Truckers. The Archer 1200 Barriers, as with all the other locations, will be placed to ensure free access for the crowds while creating “a vehicle free zone.”

Meridian Rapid Defense Group rents and sells barriers throughout the U.S., Canada, Australia and Europe. The Archer 1200 Barriers made of 700 lbs of USA made steel are SAFETY Act Certified and can be quickly wheeled into place by one person.

Mr. Alms said, “Creating these secure pedestrian zones, which really turn into pedestrian plazas, using our pure mobile barriers and beam gates takes away a major issue which has been a real headache for event organizers in the past. And you can see by how many events we are protecting these days how successful our products are.”

“It’s going to a big weekend of work for our Meridian teams who do the set up and break down and remain at the ready throughout the event,” said Mr. Alms.

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

BARRIE, ONT, CANADA, August 12, 2021

The Open Air Dunlop Street Project is now even more of a “must visit” destination this summer with the addition of specially designed anti-vehicle barriers and a beam gate to protect the thousands who attend each weekend.

Safeguard Perimeter Solutions, one of the nation’s leading security companies, was given the job of securing the street and creating a pedestrian plaza where people can wander through downtown at their own pace without worrying about dodging traffic.

For the first time in Barrie, Archer 1200 mobile barriers, the same as those used this year around the Capitol Building in Washington D.C. during the Presidential inauguration, were placed on Dunlop Street to secure the area.

“It’s no longer acceptable to put out flimsy wood barriers or cones to protect people in areas such as this,” said Shaine Moore of Safeguard Perimeter Solutions.

The Archer barriers, manufactured by Meridian Rapid Defense Group, are made of 320 kilos of solid steel and will stop a speeding car or truck, yet once placed pedestrians can easily move, unobstructed, past them. They are SAFETY Act Certified by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

During the height of the COVID-19 outbreak the Archer barriers were also used to create a “no vehicle restaurant and shopping zone” on the tourist hot spot in Centre Street at Niagara Falls.

“Here on Dunlop Street we also installed a rather unique beam gate supplied by Meridian,” said Mr. Moore. “While we needed to make sure that no regular cars could enter to endanger pedestrians, having the beam gate there still ensures that emergency vehicles can get in if necessary.”

Kelly McKenna, Executive Director of the Downtown Barrie Business Association, stated, “We’re creating a safer and physically distanced downtown so the public can support the incredible and truly resilient businesses who are ready to welcome them back.”

Prior to creating what is now effectively a popular pedestrian plaza and outdoor restaurant zone, Safeguard Perimeter Solutions worked with the city and event organizers to prepare a fully certified vehicle safety mitigation plan.

Shaine Moore explained that the Archer Beam Gate, with its specially designed net designed to snare a vehicle, had already proven its worth last month in California. “On day one of the beam gate being set up the driver of a stolen car hoping to escape capture tried to ram through the gate. It did its job, stopped the car completely and he was arrested.”

The secure walking and biking area in Barrie is already attracting thousands of visitors each weekend so much so that many, including Keenan Aylwin, Barrie City Councillor for Ward Two, wants it to become a permanent solution.

“I think we should build our streets to prioritize people instead of just cars. It’s good for business so I think we should even consider expanding this program beyond just doing a few Saturdays every year. I think we should look at permanently pedestrianizing Dunlop Street,” Councillor Aylwin told CTV News.