Captain Michael Keller, Port Washington Police Department, presented on propane at the Badger Sheriff's Association Conference on December 10, 2014 at the Radisson Paper Valley Hotel in Appleton, WI.

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 6 dedicated patrol vehicles.
– Typical 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
• Based upon research, projected the potential
existed to save between 30%-40% on annual
fuel costs.
– Based on anticipated savings, projected a ROI of
between 8-10 months on conversion kit costs
(approx. $5k).
• Arranged to include purchase of skid-mounted
propane dispensing station in the project
(took advantage of 30% infrastructure tax
credit).

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, fall of 2013.

7. Propane in Law Enforcement
Port Washington Police Department
• Partnered with Boehlke Bottled Gas Corp. and
Freistadt Automotive on project.
• Purchase and installation of first conversion kit
on a new 2014 Ford Police Interceptor Utility
(PIU).
• Purchase and installation of dispensing station
and lease of skid-mounted fueling station.

8. Propane in Law Enforcement Port
Washington Police Department
• First converted squad placed into service late December,
2013.
• First month of operation, experienced fuel savings of
approximately $500 over a like quantity of gasoline.
• Two, new 2014 replacement squads (PIU) were converted
in early 2014 and became operational, using propane as
primary fuel as soon as the recommended break-in mileage
was reached.
• Have placed order for a new, 2015 squad (PIU) and bi-fuel
conversion kit. Will bring our total of alternatively fueled,
dedicated patrol vehicles to 4.
• A fully functional, bi-fuel converted squad is here on display
and available for inspection.

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