Military, Police & Firefighter Shadow Boxes
We create custom shadow box presentations for military, police and fire service members in Wakefield, Rhode Island and throughout the region, combining photos, badges, patches and other memorabilia into a single tribute that reflects a career of service.
A Piece We're Proud Of
A retiring K-9 officer received this piece from a colleague as a retirement gift. The design opens with a photo from when he started as a K-9 officer with his first dog, moves through his patches, and closes with photographs of him with his last dog at retirement. It brought his friend to tears.
You can also see our Vietnam nurse shadow box on our shadowboxes page for another example of this kind of tribute.
What Goes Into a Service Shadow Box
- Photos, badges and patches
- A shadow box for medals, ribbons and commendations
- Discharge papers and citations
- Service portraits and career milestones
- Unit insignia and rank markers
What to Gather Before You Start
- Take Inventory First: These pieces come together best when everything is on the table at the start. Medals, ribbons, insignia, patches, unit coins, photographs, citations and discharge documents are all common inclusions, and it's easier to design around the full set and edit down than to add a significant item after the layout is settled.
- Documents Have Their Own Requirements: Discharge papers and citations are paper documents, often decades old and folded for most of their life. They're subject to the same acid and light deterioration as any other document, and their sizes rarely coordinate neatly with the objects around them. Both factors shape the design.
- Ribbons and Fabric Fade: Ribbon colors are among the more fugitive materials in a display of this kind, and uniform fabric fades as well. In a piece meant to last generations rather than years, glazing choice is not a small decision.
- Order Matters: Military decorations follow an established order of precedence, and arrangement is not merely a design question. Anyone who has served, or their family, will notice if it's wrong. It's always worth confirming the intended arrangement rather than assuming, and bringing any documentation of awards received alongside the items themselves.
Order of Precedence
Customers usually let us know the correct order for their ribbons and medals, and we research it ourselves when needed to make sure everything is arranged correctly. Getting this right matters, and we'd rather ask a question than assume.
Retirement, Promotion & Memorial Displays
A military shadow box, a police retirement shadow box or a firefighter display is most often commissioned for a retirement ceremony, a promotion, or as a memorial tribute. We work directly with whoever is arranging the piece.
If a piece is being made as a surprise, we handle communication directly with you by text or call, or however you'd prefer, so nothing reaches the recipient early.
Built to Last
Medals and ribbons fade in direct light and fabric degrades over time. We use conservation framing materials and UV-protective glazing on service displays so they hold up for generations rather than years.
Common Questions
How long does a service shadow box take?
These projects typically take 3 to 4 weeks, longer than other shadow box work because of the layout involved. Every project is different, so we'll give you an accurate timeline once we meet and understand the full scope.
How much does a military shadow box cost?
Cost depends on size, depth and the number of items mounted. We quote every project at consultation, and there's no fee for the consultation or design work.
Can items be removed later?
We use reversible mounting methods whenever possible, so medals, patches and insignia stay protected and can be removed unchanged if needed.
Can you include a uniform or other fabric items?
Yes. Uniforms, patches and other fabric elements are mounted using the same reversible methods we use for textile framing, so nothing is damaged.
Who usually commissions these pieces?
Often a family member or a colleague rather than the recipient. These are frequently given as retirement gifts, and we work directly with whoever is arranging it.
What if I'm working toward a ceremony date?
Tell us the date at your first visit. We ask every customer whether they need a piece by a specific date and we'll be straight with you about whether the timeline works.
Schedule a consultation to discuss your project.
Finishing Touches
We assist each client in finding just the right design and combination of materials that is best for the artwork and suits the individual’s tastes and budget. We deliver the best quality workmanship ensuring that your framed artwork can be enjoyed and appreciated forever.