Glendale police receive propane-powered vehicles

GLENDALE, Ariz. — Glendale now has five propane-powered police SUVs patrolling the streets.

The Chevrolet Tahoes are part of a gift of 18 patrol cars from the Gila River Indian community.

“The engines last longer, you have less wear and tear, your oil doesn’t get dirty as fast, plus the fact that propane is half the cost of gasoline,” said Glendale Mayor Jerry Weiers. “Where’s the downside?”

The first five are already on patrol being tested, but Weiers feels it’s more of a formality.

“I’m not worried about the testing because I own a propane-powered vehicle that I’ve had for 14 years,” he said. “I know it works.”

The retro-fitted police Tahoes have similar performance and the ability to switch to gas at the flip of a switch.

“That’s where our real savings is is in the cost,” he said. “And if we can have a smaller carbon footprint and less pollutants in the air, the state wins…the citizens win.”