Venkat: $300,000 in grants going to local first responders

Rep. Arvind Venkat    March 23, 2026 | 10:54 AM

McCANDLESS, March 23 – Two McCandless-based first responder organizations will receive a total of $300,000 in grant funding from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development for equipment purchases due to the advocacy of state Rep. Arvind Venkat, D-Allegheny.

The grants awarded include $235,000 to the McCandless-Franklin Park Ambulance Authority for the purchase of six Lucas CPR devices and a new heart monitor, and $65,000 to the Peebles Volunteer Fire Department for necessary equipment purchases.

“As an ER doctor and legislator, I know how critical our first responders are to the well-being of our community,” said Venkat. “I am proud to prioritize our EMS professionals and firefighters who do so much for all of us and ensure they get the support they need.”

Venkat said he advocated at the state level for these organizations to bring the grants to fruition.

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