Eagle & Badge Foundation End of Watch Memorial Trailer to transport a 58-ft long monument.
Case Study Details
Stretching an impressive 58-ft long and 9-ft tall, the Eagle & Badge Foundation’s End of Watch Memorial Wall is a traveling exhibit designed to memorialize the 207 Los Angeles police officers who lost their lives in the line of duty. It features the name of all the six historic badges of the LAPD, as well as the names of the fallen officers etched in acrylic crystal nameplates. Constructed of steel, stainless steel and glass, the End of Watch Memorial Wall combines five structures, weighing approx. 3,500-lb per piece, for a total weight of 15,000 lb.
Traveling exhibit
A fundamental part of Eagle & Badge Foundation’s vision for the End of Watch Memorial Wall was the ability to showcase the piece at major events around the city, state and country. For this reason, the massive memorial was designed as five structures on caster wheels, so it could be quickly assembled and displayed. However, transporting the heavy wall proved to be time consuming and expensive, requiring several flatbed trucks to haul the structure.
“We knew that in order to truly bring the memorial wall to as many people as we could, we needed to come up with a better way of transporting it,” says Peter Repovich, President of the Eagle & Badge Foundation. “After looking at our options, we decided we needed more than just a trailer — we wanted a mobile educational and entertainment facility that would both honor the officers and also explain the dangers of the job. As we travel to other cities, we will work with local law enforcement to highlight their officers and sacrifices. We liked the idea of a dedicated tractor-trailer that would ultimately be a part of the memorial. We consulted with several NASCAR racing teams and were told that Featherlite is the leading designer and manufacturer of custom trailers. We knew that if anyone could build what we wanted, it would be them.”
End of Watch Memorial Wall Trailer
Repovich contacted Featherlite Trailers, and within days Mike Galvin, Senior Specialty Sales Manager at Featherlite, flew out to take exact measurements of the End of Watch Memorial Wall. Based on those dimensions, Featherlite developed a total customized solution that houses the 5-piece, 58-ft long wall, making it easier to load and unload. This specialty trailer also provides the foundation with a facility that would enhance their efforts to honor the fallen heroes and help raise additional funds to support the cause.
The 53-ft long End of Watch Memorial Wall Trailer is built using premium aluminum alloy to provide a lightweight structure without sacrificing strength or durability. The 3-axle design maximizes the space available to house the five pieces. And, the trailer’s NASCAR style rear liftgate and winch system makes loading and unloading fast, safe and efficient.
The trailer features a totally customized communication system that delivers an impressive user experience for everyone who attends an event. A premium sound system provides surround sound inside and outside of the trailer. Event organizations have the ability to broadcast video on the outside of the trailer using three 70-in monitors that attach to the side of the trailer. The trailer is also wired and equipped with police computers, police radios, emergency police sirens and lights, WIFI, satellite TV and security cameras.
A 30-ft awning runs the entire length of the trailer so the Eagle & Badge Foundation can host private events and protect people from the elements. And, there is a roof-mounted marquee to provide VIP guests with a better view of event activities and the monument. The interior of the trailer is climate-controlled, equipped with a kitchenette area and has plenty of additional storage for emergency response equipment and supplies.
The trailer’s exterior grabs the attention of visitors and drivers with its customized paint job to match LAPD’s command post vehicles. The foundation also left space so that names of future donors to the cause can be displayed, similar to the way NASCAR sponsors are displayed on car trailers.
“We wanted to create an educational and entertaining experience for the visitors of the monument, something they haven’t seen before,” adds Repovich. “Featherlite was able to handle anything that we came up with. The result is a one-of-a-kind trailer that will greatly help our organization increase awareness, raise funds and allow the End of Watch Memorial Wall to be at more events throughout the year. Simultaneously, as we travel to cities throughout the country, it will tell the story of the dedication and commitment of every law enforcement officer – currently on the job, and especially to those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice.”
About Eagle & Badge Foundation
The Eagle & Badge Foundation is a philanthropic organization created by the members and supporters of the Los Angeles Police Protective League that funds community and special projects throughout Los Angeles. With the support of the political establishment, as well as fundraising efforts such as the Eagle & Badge Gala and End of Watch Memorial Wall, the foundation provides assistance for current and retired officers, as well as the families of officers who died in the line of duty. The Foundation also supports causes centered around the children in the Los Angeles community.
For End of Watch Memorial events and sponsorship inquiries, please contact Peter Repovich, President of the Eagle & Badge Foundation at 213-792-1086, or contact Executive Director, Scherr Lillico at Scherr@EagleandBadgeFoundation.org.