INDIANAPOLIS - The Central Indiana chapter of the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors' National Association (SMACNA) and Local 20 fabricated 20 new radio boxes for the Indianapolis Police Department's Motorcycle Drill Team. The Motorcycle Drill Team is made up of Indianapolis police officers that travel around the country to perform in parades or special events. The original boxes were chrome radio boxes that were mounted on top of the rear fenders of the bikes and had become old and worn.

Originally used to hold radio equipment, the boxes now are used for electronic controls for the lights and siren amplifier. They are approximately 14 inches square and are made of 18 gauge, 304 stainless steel that is chromed.

The project was a joint effort from start to finish. An apprentice welding class supplied some of the welding and polishing labor, however, SMACNA member, Bright Sheet Metal Co. Inc, Indianapolis, completed the bulk of the welding and polishing. In addition, SMACNA member Tarpenning-LaFollette Co. Inc., Indianapolis, was responsible for the laser cutting and forming.

Publication date: 01/16/2006