Paso Robles council approves armored rescue vehicle for police tactical response

Paso Robles — The City Council on Tuesday approved the purchase of a BearCat armored rescue vehicle for the Police Department, citing officer and civilian safety in high‑risk incidents.

Police Chief Damien Nord told the council the city lacks a locally staged armored vehicle and noted past incidents where response time and protective cover were critical. “Seconds matter,” Nord said, adding that the vehicle would be used to evacuate injured people, transport personnel into or out of unsafe areas and provide ballistic protection. The chief described the BearCat as a nationally adopted law‑enforcement rescue vehicle configured for tactical EMS support with ballistic protection, SCBA storage and medical cabinet space.

Funding and procurement: The vehicle will be purchased with supplemental state law‑enforcement funds (SLESF/COPS). Nord and finance staff said the total cost — including shipping and buildout — is roughly $421,569; the city’s SLESF balance is sufficient to cover the purchase. Staff estimated ongoing maintenance at roughly $2,000–$6,500 a year, depending on use; the city will include maintenance costs in future operating plans.

Use, mutual aid and limitations: Chief Nord emphasized the BearCat is a defensive tool and not an offensive weapon; it is designed to protect responders, shield casualties and serve in rescues and active‑shooter responses. The vehicle’s turret is not a weapons mount, and staff said the vehicle would be operated by trained personnel, with SWAT and other specially trained officers providing initial operation and training to additional staff. Mutual‑aid agreements mean the vehicle could be deployed in support of neighboring agencies under standard mutual‑aid protocols; staff said the federal government cannot unilaterally command the vehicle out of the city in the ordinary course.

Public comment at the meeting included both support and requests for additional public‑use policy. Speakers praised the department’s need for protective equipment but asked the council to adopt a deployment policy and community oversight before widespread use. The chief said staff will report back on training, deployment parameters and mutual‑aid procedures.

Why it matters: The vehicle is intended to reduce risk to officers, fire and medical personnel and to allow safer casualty extraction in situations where conventional vehicles or foot approaches would be hazardous. City officials said the BearCat will also be available for automatic aid or mutual‑aid responses within the region.

Council decision: The council approved the purchase by motion; the vote was unanimous.

Ending: Staff said they will return with training plans, deployment policy language and a timetable for delivery; the vehicle build timeline is lengthy and staff estimated delivery in roughly 18 months to two years.