McCandless police, local emergency responders receive state funding

A $50,000 state grant will enable the McCandless Police Department to purchase more computerized license plate-reading identification, according to Chief Ryan Hawk.

The award was through the Department of Community and Economic Development, which Hawk applied for with the assistance of state Rep. Arvind Venkat, D-McCandless.

“The grant will be used for us to deploy additional license plate-reading cameras at priority intersections,” Hawk said. “We installed this license plate-reading camera system at six intersections in 2023 and look forward to using these funds to add coverage at additional intersections.”

An example of an intersection that has the cameras installed is McKnight Road at Duncan Avenue in the heart of McCandless Crossing, according to Hawk.

The cost ranges from $12,000 to $15,000 per intersection for initial installation, he said. The cost difference depends on the complexity of the intersection and how many cameras may be needed to cover it sufficiently.

Additional costs include an annual subscription program of approximately $2,500 and yearly maintenance fees per camera.

McCandless budgeted about $100,000 in 2023 for the project, Hawk said. Venkat’s office assisted the police in eventually being awarded an additional $50,000, marking the first time the department received such a grant.

Hawk provided scenarios of how the camera can help police, including solving crime. For example, in the event of a retail theft at a nearby business, a perpetrator’s registration plate may be captured to provide police with a solid lead.

“These cameras can also be used to locate where a missing person may have traveled in their vehicle. They’ve also proved valuable demonstrating how crashes at these intersections occur,” Hawk said.

Other local emergency responders received grants, Venkat’s office announced. Local fire companies gaining funding from the Office of the State Fire Commissioner include $16,951 to Peebles District Volunteer Fire Company, $15,784 to Highland Fireman’s Association and $15,201 to Ingomar Volunteer Fire Company No. 2.

Franklin Park VFC No. 1 will use its $14,000 grant to help offset the cost of a new fire hose.

“The project costs a total of $22,900. This new hose will be used to equip a new rescue engine scheduled for delivery in the third quarter of 2024,” Chief Bill Chicots said.

The McCandless Franklin Park Ambulance Authority received $15,000. Chief Chris Dell said the money will be used to make payments on ambulances.

“We currently have five ambulances, with three currently being financed. The average cost of an unequipped ambulance is $300,000,” Del said.

Other nearby recipients included $15,201 to Emsworth Volunteer Fire Company, $14,617 to Ohio Township Volunteer Fire Company and $13,839 to Hampton Township Volunteer Fire Department No. 1.