Behind the Glass: Supporting San Bernardino and Chula Vista SWAT

We recently completed ballistic glass replacement on two Lenco BearCats for San Bernardino SWAT and Chula Vista SWAT. Both vehicles needed attention for the same reason: their aging glass had begun to delaminate.

The projects involved different scopes of work, from replacing Chula Vista’s windshields and front side glass to replacing every glass panel on San Bernardino’s vehicle. They also gave us an opportunity to reconnect with the teams we support, including a day spent visiting San Bernardino SWAT.

When Age Catches Up With Armored Glass

Ballistic glass consists of multiple bonded layers. Delamination happens when those layers begin to separate, and age was the reason for replacement on both of these vehicles.

In our experience, armored glass often needs replacement around the ten-year mark. That isn’t a fixed expiration date, but it helps explain why an armored vehicle may need new glass while the vehicle itself still has years of service ahead.

Working on these BearCats is part of how we support departments beyond an initial build, helping them care for the armored vehicles already in their fleets.

Chula Vista SWAT: Addressing Aging Glass in the Cab

Chula Vista SWAT brought their Lenco BearCat to us for replacement of both front windshields and the driver- and passenger-side glass. Delamination had developed as the glass aged, and our work focused on replacing those panels in the cab.

After installation, the adhesive required multiple days to set. That period is part of the replacement process, so our schedule had to account for time beyond the installation itself.

The photos accompanying this article show their BearCat outside our shop following the replacement work. We appreciate the Chula Vista team trusting us with the project and are glad to share a closer look at their vehicle.

San Bernardino SWAT: Replacing Every Panel

For San Bernardino SWAT, the scope extended throughout the BearCat. We replaced all of the vehicle’s glass, including the windshields, side windows, and rear panels.

A complete replacement means working through each glass position on the vehicle. Our installers coordinated the removal and installation of the panels, addressing the age-related delamination across the full set of glass.

This project was another opportunity to work with a department we already knew through a separate build: their armored van.

Spending Time With San Bernardino SWAT

After servicing their BearCat, we spent the day visiting Jason King and the San Bernardino SWAT team.

During the visit, they presented us with a knife plaque in appreciation for our support and craftsmanship in building their armored van. Receiving that recognition from the people using a vehicle we built made the visit especially meaningful.

Our crew puts a lot of time and effort into these projects. Having the team acknowledge that work, and welcome us for a visit, meant a great deal.

Thank you to Jason and the San Bernardino SWAT team for the hospitality and the plaque, and to both San Bernardino and Chula Vista SWAT for trusting us with your BearCats. We’re proud to support your teams and appreciate the chance to share the work.