The Public Safety committee recommended acceptance of a Department of Homeland Security Port Security grant worth $955,811 toward a new 40‑foot rescue fireboat. Battalion Chief John Wood said the vessel would be capable of carrying 10 ambulatory patients and one stretcher patient and will deliver about 3,000 gallons per minute of firefighting flow — sized to Coast Guard and NFPA peer‑city guidance for the river cargo the Memphis port handles.

Committee members voted the recommendation down to the full council with a favorable committee report. Chief Wood said the boat’s total estimated cost is about $1.3 million and that the city has capital funds set aside to cover the local match.

Separately, the committee approved two federal grants: an Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) award of roughly $76,960 to purchase 120 powered suction devices to replace manual suction units, and other small equipment grants. Angie Sullivan of the fire department explained the devices will be distributed so each truck has at least one powered suction unit.

The committee also reviewed interagency automatic‑aid memoranda of understanding with Valero Refinery and FedEx industrial fire departments. Deputy chiefs and legal staff said both private departments are state‑recognized and are the authority having jurisdiction on their properties; the MOUs formalize mutual aid lines, clarify that the private departments may decline outside response when appropriate, and set expectations for assistance when requested. The Valero agreement was pulled briefly for committee members to inspect the final exhibit language but both MOUs were recommended to move forward.

All public safety items will be considered on the council floor. Committee members emphasized the grants and agreements are intended to strengthen readiness on the Mississippi River and at major industrial sites.