Michael Keller from the Port Washington Police Department presented on Propane in Law Enforcement at the 11th Annual Green Vehicles Workshop & Showcase on Tuesday, April 22, 2014.

1. Propane in Law Enforcement Port
Washington Police Department
Alternative Fuel Project
Presented by: Mike Keller, Captain
Port Washington Police Department
262-284-2611
or
mhkeller@pwpd.org

2. Propane in Law Enforcement Port
Washington Police Department
• Department currently operates a patrol fleet
of 7 patrol vehicles.
– Annual fuel budget of $60,000+
• Began researching alternative fuel for police
fleet use in early 2012.
– Seeking a way to reduce annual fuel and fleet
operating costs.

3. Propane in Law Enforcement Port
Washington Police Department
• Considered compressed natural gas (CNG) and
liquefied propane gas (LPG) or autogas as
alternative fuels.
• Visited Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department
– LPG powered patrol fleet for more than 20 years.
• Based upon research, selected LPG bi-fuel
conversion (vapor injected system).
• Cost, availability, and vehicle platform/design
were factors.

4. Propane in Law Enforcement Port
Washington Police Department
• Researched availability and compatibility of
conversion kits, equipment, and willingness of
vendors to assist with project.
• Became a member of Wisconsin Clean Cities.
• Networked with others who had/were
working on similar projects.

5. Propane in Law Enforcement Port
Washington Police Department
• Projected the potential existed to save
between 30%-50% on annual fuel costs.
– Anticipated a ROI of between 8-10 months on
conversion kits.
• Arranged to include purchase of skid-mounted
dispensing station as part of the project.

6. Propane in Law Enforcement Port
Washington Police Department
• Presented project, plans, and projected
savings to Police and Fire Commission and
Common Council seeking project funding.
– Presented as a “green ($$) green” solution!
• Good for the budget (taxpayers), and the environment.
– Enthusiastically and unanimously approved by
both boards last fall.

7. Propane in Law Enforcement
Port Washington Police Department
• Partnered with Boehlke Bottled Gas Corp. and
Freistadt Automotive on project.
• Purchased and installed first conversion kit on
new 2014 Ford Police Interceptor Utility.
• Purchased and installed skid-mounted fueling
station.

8. Propane in Law Enforcement Port
Washington Police Department
• Became operational late December, 2013.
• First month of operation, experienced fuel
savings of approximately $530 over like
quantity of gasoline.
• Two, 2014 replacement squads have just been
converted and will be operational as soon as
recommended break-in mileage is reached.
• Converted squad is on display in the Green
Vehicles Showcase area.

9. Propane in Law Enforcement Port
Washington Police Department
• Questions?
Contact Info:
Mike Keller, Captain
Port Washington Police Department
Phone: 262-284-2611
Email: mhkeller@pwpd.org