The Duluth Police Department has leveled up its equipment in the form of a Lenco Bearcat G3 armored rescue vehicle, making it the first of its kind in their fleet. The City of Duluth had, until now, relied on the goodwill of neighboring forces—in particular, the Superior Police Department—when a situation warranted the heft and protection of such a machine.
"The purchase of this vehicle allows our officers to slow high-risk situations down and to have the protection to do so," Chief Mike Ceynowa explained, as quoted in a statement. He added that it enhances "not only the safety of our officers, but also the safety of the community." It is significant because previously, DPD had to outsource from the Superior Police Department to utilize their armored vehicle during high-risk calls for service within the City of Duluth.
This Bearcat is more than an armored vehicle; it is a state-of-the-art response unit designed to provide ballistic protection and operational mobility—capabilities essential in the most dangerous situations law enforcement may face. Its use extends beyond Duluth, as it will also be available to surrounding jurisdictions through mutual aid. The funding for the armored rescue vehicle comes from an interesting source—surplus funds resulting from unfilled positions within the department.
