Captain Mike Keller, Port Washington Police Department, presented information on their fleet propane autogas experiences and initiatives for our Propane Autogas Roundtable in Oak Creek, 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 fleet of 6
dedicated patrol vehicles.
• Due to volatile gasoline prices in 2011, we found
ourselves $24,000+ over budget in our fuel account.
– As a result, in 2012 began researching alternative
fuel options for police fleet use.
– Annual fuel budget in excess of $60,000 in 2013.
– Switching to an alternative fuel seen as a practical
means to significantly reduce annual fuel and fleet
operating expenses over time.

3. Propane in Law Enforcement
Port Washington Police Department
• Considered compressed natural gas (CNG) and
liquefied propane gas (LPG), also known as autogas, as
alternative fuels.
• Visited Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department
– LPG fueled patrol fleet for more than 20 years.
• Based upon considerable research, selected LPG bi-fuel
conversion system (vapor injected) manufactured by
Technocarb, along with a 26 gal. tank manufactured by
Manchester Tank.
• Cost, availability, infrastructure needs, space needs,
and vehicle platform/design were all factors.

4. Propane in Law Enforcement
Port Washington Police Department
• Investigated availability and compatibility of
conversion kits, equipment, and willingness of
local area vendors to assist with project.
• Became a member of Wisconsin Clean Cities
coalition, a non-profit organization whose
mission is to reduce dependence on petroleum-
based fuels, promote the use of alternative fuels
and technologies, and improve air quality in
Wisconsin.
• Networked with others who had, or were
working on similar projects.

5. Propane in Law Enforcement
Port Washington Police Department
• Based upon research, projected the potential
existed to save 30%-40% on annual fuel costs.
– Based on gasoline costs at time of project
implementation and anticipated savings, projected a
ROI of between 8-10 months on the conversion kit
costs (approx. $5k).
• Arranged to include lease of skid-mounted, 1,000
gal. propane tank along with purchase of
dispensing station in the project (took advantage
of federal 30% federal tax credit available at the
time for infrastructure expenses).

6. Propane in Law Enforcement
Port Washington Police Department
• Presented project, plans, and projected cost
savings to Police and Fire Commission for
review and approval, followed by presentation
to the Common Council, seeking the required
funding for the project of approximately
$25,000.
– Presented as a “green ($$), green” solution!
• Good for the budget (taxpayers) and the environment.
– Enthusiastically and unanimously approved by
both Boards, in the fall of 2013.

7. Propane in Law Enforcement
Port Washington Police Department
• Partnered with Boehlke Bottled Gas Corp.
(infrastructure and autogas) and Freistadt
Automotive (conversion installation) on project.
• Following site approval and permitting process,
purchased and installed dispensing station along
with a leased, skid-mounted fueling station (bulk
tank).
• In late 2013 purchased and installed first
conversion kit on a new 2014 Ford Police
Interceptor Utility (PIU).

8. Propane in Law Enforcement
Port Washington Police Department
• The first converted squad, a 2014 Ford Police
Interceptor Utility (PIU) was placed into service in
late December, 2013.
• During first month of operation, experienced fuel
savings of approximately $500 over a like
quantity of gasoline.
• Two, additional new 2014 replacement squads
(PIU) were converted in early 2014 and began
operating on propane as primary fuel in July of
2014, following initial break-in period (3k miles).

9. Propane in Law Enforcement
Port Washington Police Department
• In early 2015 took delivery of a new 2015 squad (PIU).
Aftermarket bi-fuel conversion kit was installed. Went
live using propane as primary fuel in July, following
initial break-in period. Brought our fleet inventory of
alternatively fueled, dedicated patrol vehicles to 4.
• Will order a replacement squad, 2016 Ford (PIU) in
coming months which will also be converted, leaving
one remaining dedicated patrol vehicle (Impala) in
fleet that will be rotated out of service in time and
replaced with a new vehicle and autogas conversion.

10. Our Experience
• To date, we have nearly 130,000 miles of experience
fueling/operating the squads on propane.
• Fuel economy, as expected, is slightly lower than on
gasoline, due to propane’s lower energy content.
– Averaging 10.5 mpg vs. 12 mpg for same vehicles burning
gasoline (Squads do experience significant engine idling
time, which contributes to reduced fuel economy).
– However, fuel cost savings far outweigh minor reduction in
average fuel economy.
• Significantly reduced annual fuel costs.
– Price of propane historically more stable than gasoline.
– Each additional vehicle conversion we deploy acts as a
“force multiplier,” resulting in additional fuel cost savings.

11. Outcomes
• Since the inception of the program, with the exception
of the propane “shortage” of early 2014, our per gallon
cost for propane has been at least 50% less than that of
gasoline.
• Based on current fuel costs and savings, we expect to
save approximately 54% over our typical annual fuel
expenses.
• 2015 savings have already enabled us to pre-purchase
our entire 2016 supply of propane out of our existing
2015 fuel account!
• Additional benefits include reduced vehicle
maintenance costs, less frequent oil and filter changes,
anticipated longer vehicle life, and a reduction in
emissions and greenhouse gases into the environment.

12. 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