For years, Diecast Direct has made model police cruisers for departments worldwide from Kentucky to Kuwait.
For product development manager Dennis Deal, it only made sense to get Frankfort involved.
“When Frankfort (Police) adopted their new colors, we thought to ourselves, ‘That’d be kind of neat to do,’” Deal said Friday in Diecast’s showroom on Old Lawrenceburg Road.
“It’s in our own backyard.”
Recently, the company debuted the model police cruisers to the public. Through Diecast’s website or by stopping in its showroom, anyone can purchase a replica of the department’s black and white Ford Crown Victoria cruiser, small enough to fit in the palm of your hand.
“The guys are pleased and quite excited about them,” said Maj. Fred Deaton. “I suspect (Diecast) will receive a significant amount of orders.”
Deal contacted Chief Walter Wilhoite last fall for permission to use the department’s name and markings. Wilhoite says he’s also pleased with the outcome.
“When contacted about this production, it seemed to be a way to promote the department without any cost to our budget,” Wilhoite said in a statement. “… It also seems to be a popular collector’s item for the officers. They appear, at this point, to be quite well received.”
Both Deal and Deaton stressed that the cars were produced solely by Diecast and not through Frankfort Police. Sales are through Diecast and all profits go to the company. The cars are manufactured at Diecast’s factory in China and sold through the distributor in Frankfort.
Diecast has produced models of police cruisers from all 50 states, including replicas of Kentucky State Police vehicles, and for a few departments outside of the U.S., such as cars for Kuwait Traffic Control and Lebanon Security Services.
Deal said typically, Diecast produces models for larger departments, but for Frankfort, the company made an exception.
“We did Frankfort on our own,” Deal said. “We funded it simply because … we’re here.”
This is the second time Diecast built a model Frankfort cruiser. Several years ago, the company also sold replicas of the all-white cruisers, Deal said.
Officers can also personalize each car with their number. The replicas sell for $24.95 with the number and $19.95 without.
To learn more, go to www.diecastdirect.com or visit the showroom at 3005 Old Lawrenceburg Road.
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