Aransas Pass approves $213,867 patrol boat for water rescues and enforcement

The Aransas Pass City Council voted to approve the purchase of a 26-foot Ford patrol boat for the Aransas Pass Police Department for $213,867, funded by the Aransas Pass Crime Control and Prevention District.

The council discussed the city's recurring need for capable water response. An Aransas Pass police officer identified in the record only as "Jack" told the council he joined the city in 2007 and the police department in 2017 and described repeated limits of the department's existing vessel, calling it a recreational boat unsuited for rescue and law-enforcement missions. "When we go out, it's typically not a nice day...these recreational boats just are not capable of handling that," Jack said, adding the new vessel would provide rescue, diving and firefighting capability.

Council members pressed on response times and redundancy. Mayor Pro Tem Randy Haskins and Council member Elise Chacon asked who currently responds to fires on the water; the officer said the Port of Corpus Christi can take 30 minutes or more and that the U.S. Coast Guard will not perform land firefighting. The officer said he is currently the only fully trained water-rescue responder but that he is coordinating part-time hires and could rely on Constable Cody Farenthold, who has some of the same certifications, in his absence.

Council discussion also covered storage and security for the vessel. Council members raised concerns about leaving an expensive craft on uncovered docks and suggested options such as moving it to the police department for storage, adding a canopy or acquiring a cover. Jack said the proposed plan is to keep the vessel on a lift at the harbor for rapid 24/7 response and that the dock is gated and camera‑monitored; he said the vehicle used now is a "money pit" and recommended auctioning it if the new boat is purchased.

A motion to approve the purchase carried after a voice vote. Council members also directed staff to pursue protective measures for the new boat, including getting quotes for covers or a canopy to limit sun and weather exposure.

The purchase will be funded entirely from the Crime Control and Prevention District; the city will be responsible for upkeep and maintenance. The council did not set a timeline for delivery or list specific training dates for additional personnel beyond the officer's statement that training a deputy capable of independent response is expected to take up to a year.

The council approved the motion by voice vote; the record shows the ayes and that the motion carried.