The Santa Maria Police Department added a new BearCat to its armored fleet.
Police say it replaces an older vehicle from 1977.
Chief Marc Schneider says the vehicle will be key for officers responding to dangerous situations.
“When responding to crisis, when responding to violence these are key to our response it allows us to get out there and take proactive measures to contain a situation or put officers where they can affect rescues of downed individuals,” Santa Maria Police Department Lieutenant Russell Mengel.
According to the police department, the BearCat cost nearly $300,000.
The vehicle from the 70s is up for sale to any police departments that would like to purchase it.
Once it is gone, the department will have two BearCats.
