Police Challenge Coin

Products of “The Perfect Super Bowl City”

Monday, March 19, 2012 by Peggy Whitaker

While Tom Brady and Eli Manning were gearing up to play in what became the most-watched program in the history of United States television, our entire city worked diligently planning and transforming our downtown and surrounding areas to ensure the most successful and safe Super Bowl in history!

As you may have heard Indianapolis recently hosted Super Bowl XLVI … #46 for those fellow Roman Numerically Challenged readers out there. And being that Recognition Services is located in Indianapolis, we were lucky enough to get in on the action by producing some unique pieces!

All kinds of Super Bowl merchandise was being produced and sold; hats, t-shirts, patches, luggage tags, keychains, and of course challenge coins!

So after …

600,000 people in the city

24,574 air port passengers

8,000 official volunteers

66 much anticipated commercials

And 1 censored halftime show

Indianapolis is now being dubbed “the perfect Super Bowl city”. So as our dedicated men and women are still catching their breath from the wonderful event, they are celebrating that success and hard work with commemorative pieces.

We were asked to create custom challenge coins for Indianapolis Police, Fire, Airport Communications Center, Airport Police, Sherriff’s Dept., EMS and Indiana State Police. Take a moment to Ooo and Aww with us over these spectacular mementos of history!

Throughout this post are the photos of the various coins we produced.

Click here to see more of our work!

A Navy Challenge Coin in a League of Its Own

Thursday, June 23, 2011 by Michael Meador

Every month we produce dozens of styles of custom challenge coins, and while each has their own unique story and design, there are a few challenge coins that stand out above the rest. We recently had the opportunity to work with a police officer out in Albuquerque who was also retired Navy. Dave wanted a custom coin that would symbolize his Navy pride and tell a story of Navy tradition. He wanted to make sure this coin stood above the rest in terms of size and uniqueness, and his idea of going above and beyond the conventional round coin idea ended up paying off great. By shaping the mold of the coin to mimic the seal for the United States Navy Recruiting Command logo we were able to create something truly unique and collectible.

It's this level of uniqueness and creativity that we love to work with. To create a visually striking custom piece that is the center piece of any collection is what we strive for. We are always eager to see the most unique coin in your collection as well so leave a comment and tell us what the most striking coin is in your collection, and how you came to own it.

If you are in the market for a unique military challenge coin then look no further.

Challenge Coins to Honor Fallen Heroes

Friday, April 22, 2011 by Michael Meador

In the spirit of Good Friday I wanted to make a quick post that honors those who make the ultimate sacrifice for their fellow man. Unfortunately we have seen many police officers killed in the line of duty this year, and frequently we are called upon by the families and departments involved to create a custom challenge coin in their memory. The police coin you see with this post was actually created for the Santa Ana Honor Guard, and I carry it around with me as a stark reminder of just how noble and courageous men and women of the thin blue line are. Our heartfelt thanks here at Recognition Services goes out to our civil servants and guardians, as well as their families for the support they offer. We wish you the best and blessings this Easter weekend.

Top Ten Reasons to Create a Custom Challenge Coin

Thursday, March 10, 2011 by Michael Meador

Ever since I first saw a Letterman Late Night Top Ten list I have always found the spirit of such a list alluring. I cannot seem to contain myself from clicking a "Top Ten Reasons...", or "Top Ten Places..." link, even if it doesn't hold the same satire that Dave has so famously infused in his lists. So in this vein of thinking I thought it was due time for me to create a Top Ten list of my own, the "Top Ten Reasons to Create a Custom Challenge Coin."

#10 - A challenge coin is a great piece of advertising. When you spruce up a coin with a company logo and contact info you've just created a great promotional piece for your organization. A great handout to prospective and existing clients.

#9 - Coins are a great way to show appreciation. It's a great feeling to give and receive a challenge coin in recognition of a job well done.

#8 - Celebrate an anniversary or a milestone. A custom challenge coin is a great piece to hand out at a commemorative event.

#7 - The collector's item appeal. Ask any person that has received a few coins over the years and they can tell you, once you start collecting you are always looking for more.

#6 - Great source of inspiration. After a person receives a coin they will likely carry it around in their pocket if it is sentimental to them. I have heard many stories of customers creating a pocket token with an inspirational passage engraved on it. When they are having a bad day they can pull the token out and appreciate the message.

#5 - Honor a civil servant. Police Officers / Firefighters / and Soldiers are all accustomed to the challenge coin appeal. Coins and tokens are traded between departments and units for many different reasons. A simple thank you coin to hand out to a soldier or officer would go a long way in making their day.

#4 - Speaking of Soldiers and Officers... If you are an active officer or soldier and your department or unit does not have a custom coin made then you need to get that resolved now. It's always polite to reciprocate the gesture when you are given a coin.

#3 - It's a fun process. Not everyone is an artist by trade, but that shouldn't stop you from having us design a custom coin for you. We enjoy coming up with new ways to manipulate the metal for your custom design.

#2 - Stimulate the economy! Let's face it, when you order a custom coin from us you're keeping our doors open and the business growing!

#1 - Something to call your own. When you create a custom coin it is entirely yours, no one will have a coin like it. There is a good feeling in knowing you have created something completely unique.

Honoring Officer Moore

Tuesday, February 8, 2011 by Michael Meador

Last week the city of Indianapolis had the privilege to honor the life of a fallen hero, Officer David Moore, as we laid him to rest. Many stories emerged from this tragedy that invoked great action and emotion from not only the Indianapolis community, but from communities all over the country. One story that stood out to me was the fact his mother and father are both veterans of the IMPD force. A local news station covered the story of the first officer to respond to the crime scene where Officer Moore was shot, and how this officer wore the same badge number that Officer Moore's mother wore when she was new to the force. To Sgt. Jo Moore this was a sign that she was always with her son, and a sign as to how all men and women who wear the uniform are tied together. You can read more about Officer Moore and his family here.

Any person can wear a lapel pin, or an embroidered patch, or carry around a challenge coin and be proud of how they earned it. But there is an honor in putting on a Police Badge that only a few in our community can know. They wear it with pride and we should be thankful for all that they are willing to sacrifice. As I see officers wearing memorial lapel pins, and embroidered patches I feel compelled to stop and give thanks, they are truly the thin blue line.

Giving Back to Police Community

Monday, January 17, 2011 by Michael Meador

Recently I was contacted by a customer of ours with the Holts Summit Police Department in Missouri. Carl has ordered several several custom coins and custom badges from us in the past, so when he asked for our help in promoting a contest he was in I was thrilled at the opportunity.

Carl is working with two programs that are being supported by the Pepsi Refresh campaign, and has the opportunity to win $250,000 in grant money to help get these programs off the ground. They are great programs aimed at keeping the streets safe through a stellar community outreach program from the Holts Summit Police Officers Association. The other program is a great idea to keep the youth of Holts Summit active and off the streets by opening a fantastic new recreation center.

Please check out the ideas here and here and cast your votes now.

Good Luck Carl! We cannot wait to produce more police challenge coins and embroidered patches for you in the future.

A Custom Coin for Albuquerque Heroes

Friday, January 14, 2011 by Michael Meador

We recently produced a custom challenge coin for a Police Officer Association in Albuquerque that we were honored to have the opportunity to do. This police challenge coin is an excellent example on how to integrate different production options to create a visually stunning piece. We combined elements of a die struck challenge coin with the addition of a printed insert to fully detail the elements of the painting. We were very grateful for the opportunity we received when producing this coin to give back to the police officer community.

If your department is looking to have a custom challenge coin made, please let us help you today.

Honoring our Heroes with Custom Coins and Custom Pins

Friday, December 3, 2010 by Michael Meador

I always love when we get the opportunity to deal with a new police or fire department in creating a custom coin, custom pin, or embroidered patch, it's exciting to help people bring their thoughts to form with a tangible token. However several times in the past few months I have had to field some pretty sobering phone calls from departments wanting to design a custom coin or lapel pin honoring a fallen officer or firefighter. I take these requests to heart each time knowing that we have the honor of creating a custom pin or challenge coin that will be cherished by these fallen heroes family and friends. With these requests coming in I wanted to take a minute to stop and say thank you to all the law enforcement, fire fighters, and EMS crews out there keeping the public safe each and every day. Our thoughts and prayers are with all these families and departments as they have lost their loved ones and friends recently.

Next time you see an officer or firefighter out, shake their hand, buy them lunch, or just say thanks and let them know you appreciate what they do.

Blauer Tactical Custom Coin and Custom Patch

Monday, August 16, 2010 by Michael Meador

A few months ago I was reading through one of our publications, S.W.A.T. Magazine, and I ran into an article about one of our newer customers. If you’re in the law enforcement / military field, then you should know the name Tony Blauer is synonymous with combat training. We were thrilled when Tony asked us to create a custom embroidered patch and custom coin for his company’s promotional use. If you’re looking for some top notch combat training you can learn more here about Tony and his highly effective S.P.E.A.R. system. Make sure to attend a seminar and see if you can snag one of his company’s custom coins or custom patches. They are sure to fit in nicely with your other military challenge coin and police challenge coin collections.

Laredo Police - Fallen Officer Memorial and a Custom Coin

Tuesday, June 15, 2010 by Michael Meador

Recently we were contacted by Officer Perez from the Laredo Police Department in Texas to create a custom challenge coin for their new fallen officer memorial. We were proud to help with this cause, and were able to rush production to meet their deadline for the unveiling of the memorial, which you can see in the video below. We praise the efforts of the Laredo Police Dept for their continued efforts to honor their fallen. When we created their custom coin, and custom mini badge, we were honored to take part in this noble gesture.

Our best wishes to the family and friends of the Laredo Police Department!

Leslie Hulse Custom Coin Story

Monday, June 7, 2010 by Michael Meador

A couple months ago I wrote a blog about a very special woman that I felt the need to share with you. Leslie Hulse was a fantastic lady, an upstanding officer, a caring sister, and a blessing to all she met. Leslie passed from breast cancer on September 28^th 2009. Even though her body is gone her spirit remains with all those she knew and even those she never met through her story.

The Leslie Hulse Memorial Fund carries on her spirit with the following mission:

Leslie was passionate about the issue of human trafficking. Her last job with the police department involved identifying victims of human trafficking and helping them out of their situation. She also loved working with children and spent part of her law enforcement career at Hamilton Southeastern School. In an effort to continue her work, our goal is to give a $2,500 scholarship yearly to a student at either Hamilton Southeastern or Fishers High School who is interested in law enforcement, social work or other areas that could work in the area of human trafficking.

Help us raise $100,000.00

Your donations will make this a self-sustaining fund that can make a difference for many years to come.

You can help by purchasing a custom coin made for Leslie in her honor and add to your police challenge coin collection. Also you can sponsor a golfer in the upcoming 100 Holes of Hope which is also dedicated to her memory and mission.

Thanks again and make sure to get involved!

Custom Coins to Honor Those Lost – Leslie Hulse Story

Thursday, April 29, 2010 by Michael Meador

Custom Challenge Coin for Police Officer Leslie Hulse

A bittersweet moment for us happens when we are able to create the perfect custom coin in celebration of one’s life. Below is a segment from Lisa Schnepp. Lisa is the sister of Leslie Anne Hulse, a police officer whose life was taken by cancer.

“Leslie Anne was a daughter, sister, friend, police officer and Christ warrior. She loved life, loved her work and family. Her smile would light up a room. She never met a stranger and was always just a little kid at heart. Leslie was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 32. She endured multiple surgeries as well as chemo therapy. We thought the cancer was gone. But as cancer so often does, it came back stronger than ever. She endured more surgery, more therapy. Leslie continued to work throughout her cancer treatment and didn’t let it get her down. Her faith became even stronger and helped her to fight the good fight. Leslie passed away on September 28th, 2009, surrounded by friends and family.

Leslie taught us all how to really live, to stay strong, and how to give it all to God. In all you do, glorify God. With the help of the Fishers Fire and Police Departments, a memorial fund has been set up in Leslie’s name. Money from the purchase of this coin will go into the fund. Our goal is to create an annual scholarship for a student interested in law enforcement, social work or a related field. Coins can be ordered through the fund website, www.lesliehulse.org. You can also hear Leslie tell her own story, see pictures of her life and learn about our fundraising efforts.”

The Leslie Hulse custom challenge coin is a 1 5/8" die struck Police challenge coin. The front of the memorial coin contains an image of Leslie in her police uniform. Her call sign for ERT is also displayed. The back of the custom coin contains a favorite bible verse and symbols for breast cancer and human trafficking. Each coin comes packaged in a PVC pouch and includes a printed card containing a special message. Coins are $15 each and you can purchase the custom challenge coins here. All proceeds will go to the Leslie Hulse Legacy Fund for a yearly scholarship and other causes important to Leslie.

Challenge Coin History - An In Depth Look

Wednesday, April 21, 2010 by Michael Meador

Challenge coins are often used by police and military to certify unit members. These custom coins have been called different names over the years such as unit coins or commander coins. The importance of these coins does not lie in the name; it lies in what they represent. To many, these coins stand for hard work, friendships and memories. A specific memory or set of memories are typically associated with each unit’s custom challenge coin set and the coins help ensure the memories are not lost. We have touched

briefly on the history of challenge coins with our video blog post and When Where and Why Challenge Coin post, but let’s take a closer look into the full history today.

There are several different stories on how the challenge coin originated, but one of the most commonly held views is that the tradition began in the United States Army Air Service. Air Warefare was still relatively new during World War I and most aircrafts were manned by people from an “everyday” walk of life. A wealthier lieutenant ordered small bronze medallions or coins which he gave to other pilots in his squadron to serve as a keepsake of their service together. The custom coin was gold-plated with the squadron’s insignia or logo. One of the pilots was so appreciative of the coin that he put it around his neck in a leather pouch to keep it safe.

The story continues that this pilot’s aircraft was heavily damaged during the war and he was forced to land behind enemy lines. He was captured by the Germans and they took all of his belongings except for the challenge coin he wore around his neck. He was able to escape from the Germans and eventually made contact with French patrol. The French had mistaken him for a German due to the civilian outfit he was wearing as part of his escape from German capture. The French captors were prepared to execute the pilot as he was unable to identify himself. He finally thought to present the coin to the Frenchmen in hopes to confirm his identity. One of the Frenchmen recognized the insignia or logo on the coin and the pilot was able to safely return to his squadron.

Once the pilot returned to his squadron, it quickly became tradition for all members to carry their coin at all times. Other members of the squad would challenge each other to produce their coin. If the coin could not be produced, the challenger was owed a drink by the other member. (revised from Wikipedia entry - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Challenge_coin)

The tradition continues to grow and there are several rules of the “challenge” that exist among the coin’s history. The one thing that will stay consistent among all stories is the amount of pride members take in their coins and all the memories associated with them.

We provide custom challenge coin packaging and accessories for all of your challenge coin needs. Check out our challenge coin & medals web page for more information.

Servicio al cliente en Español para ayuda con insignias, parchos bordados, monedas comemorativas y mucho mas.

Monday, April 19, 2010 by Orlando Burgos

Spanish Assistance with Lapel Pins, Challenge Coins and Embroidered Patches

We-Belong por Recognition Services ofrece servicios bilingües para asistir al cliente con sus proyectos de insignias de solapa o pines, monedas comemorativas, parchos bordados y otros articulos de promoción. Tu no tienes que saber Inglés para recibir nuestra ayuda con tus ideas de proyectos comemorativos o de reconocimiento. Nosotros podemos hablar contigo en Español por telefono o por correo electronico desde la conveniencia de tu hogar.

Nosotros proveemos articulos de colección, membresias de identificación, premios de honor, reconocimiento por años de servicio, reconocimiento de voluntarios, regalos de donadores o eventos especiales. Desde cumplimiento de la ley (policía), personales de seguridad y unidades militares, hasta clubes de motocicletas y eventos locales, nosotros proveemos recuerdos para él todo. Nosotros nos especialisamos en el diseño y manofactura de insignias, parchos bordados, pero nosotros tambien ofrecemos insignias de solapa , chapas, medallas, hebillas de correa, llaveros, placas de identificación, abridores de botella y muchos mas articulos de promoción.

Haci que no te preocupes, hablamos Español, communicate con nosotros! Nosotros en We-Belong estamos aqui para ayudarte. Trabajamos contigo desde el comienso hasta el final de tú proyecto.

Llamanos al 1-877-808-9400 desde las 8:30 de la mañana hasta las 6:00 de la noche tiempo este o nos puedes mandar un correo electronico al team@we-belong.com.

(If you don't speak Spanish, this post is about how we can help you in English or Spanish with custom lapel pins, challenge coins and embroidered patches.)

Custom Coins for Police Officers - Jason Fishburn

Friday, March 26, 2010 by Michael Meador

Police Challenge Coin for Officer Jason Fishburn

Custom coins are often created to honor those injured or killed in the line of duty. The Jason Fishburn story is an example of how custom military coins or a police challenge coin can mean so much to an individual.

Jason Fishburn was an Indianapolis police officer that was shot during a run in with a murder suspect in July of 2008 while serving a warrant for arrest. During the chase, Fishburn was wounded twice – once in the chest and once in the head. Fishburn was able to survive the wounds during his time at Wishard Hospital. All during his recovery he was surrounded by family and fellow officers offering their prayers and support.

As you can imagine, many people were affected by the story of this young and brave police officer. His dad, Dennis Fishburn, spoke often asking for prayer for this son’s recovery. Several other police officers, both on a local and larger scale, were affected by the news as well. Sargeant Jeff Baker, an ILEETA member and a Federal Law Enforcement Training Accreditation (FLETA) certified police instructor wrote an article for LawOffice.com entitled Jason Fishburn is in All of Us which gives great insight into how many people, including fellow officers, were feeling at the time.

Custom police coins were created by us to remember the courage displayed by Jason Fishburn in the line of duty. His story is one that will continue to live on and be remembered among officers with the custom coin serving as a reminder.

Challenge Coin History – When, Where and Why Challenge Coins?

Thursday, March 11, 2010 by Michael Meador

Challenge coins have become a popular item for all branches of the military, service clubs, organizations and departments. The challenge coin has a long tradition of symbolizing unity and providing recognition for fellow members.

“Coining” began in the ancient Roman army, where coins were presented as rewards. The history of the challenge coin dates back to the U.S. military in World War II. There are other undocumented stories of military coins in the early 1900’s, but we’ll focus on Soldiers Magazine’s version from their August 1994 issue.

In the early 1940s, a soldier in the 11th Special Forces Group (SFG), over-stamped some old coins with their emblem, and then gave them to unit members. The 10th SFG was the first to mint their own Special Forces challenge coin and remained the only unit with its own Army challenge coin until the 1980’s.

The military challenge coin tradition carries on today, but now almost every military unit creates its own custom challenge coin which every member carries. It identifies the soldier, sailor, airmen or Marine as a unit member and is a symbol of pride, respect and fellowship. Their revered symbols and mottos capture in metal the essence of their affiliation and fierce pride.

It is fascinating to watch a single batch of Special Forces challenge coins spread over the years to many different custom military coins, including Air Force challenge coins, Marine challenge coins, Navy challenge coins and USMC challenge coins. Even police departments, fire departments, service organizations, local clubs, universities, motorcycle clubs and poker tournaments now use custom coins. Not only are challenge coins a great fundraising tool and morale builder; they still provide the same recognition and appreciation they did in the Roman times.