Fresno Police to enhance safety with new armored rescue vehicle

FRESNO, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) – The Fresno Police Department has added a powerful new tool to its tactical fleet: a state-of-the-art Lenco BearCat designed to protect officers and civilians during high-risk situations.

The armored vehicle, which arrived just two weeks ago, is engineered to handle some of the most dangerous calls officers may face — from barricaded suspects to active shooter scenarios.

“The ballistic capabilities are still the same,” said Lt. Brian Pierce, SWAT commander with the Fresno Police Department. “However, they’ve engineered a lot of the angles that really help with bullet deflection.”

This latest-generation BearCat offers enhanced interior space enough to carry a full SWAT team or even evacuate civilians from dangerous zones. It’s also equipped with advanced technology, including a 360-degree camera system that gives officers a complete view of their surroundings.

Fresno now owns two BearCats: one specifically assigned to the Fresno Police Department, and another shared with partner agencies like the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office and Clovis Police Department.

“This one is solely owned by Fresno PD,” Pierce said. “The other one is a shared BearCat amongst us, Fresno SO, and Clovis PD.”

While the BearCat’s imposing presence might seem intimidating, officers say it’s often used as a de-escalation tool signaling that SWAT is on scene and encouraging suspects to surrender peacefully.

“It can at times de-escalate the situation and have somebody come out and surrender to us with no use of force, no shots fired, nothing,” Pierce said.

The BearCat will be deployed to high-risk calls, including situations involving armed suspects, barricades, or other critical incidents where officer and public safety are at stake.

Beyond tactical advantages, Fresno Police say the new vehicle is a reflection of the city’s investment in safety and preparedness.

“It shows the city is investing in the safety of its officers and the community,” said Lt. Pierce. “That’s our mission—keeping the community safe.”