The first Carnegie Volunteer Fire Department 5K Run/Walk April 26 attracted 260 participants -- many from out of state.

The event raised approximately $5,000 for the cash-strapped fire department.

"It couldn't have gone better. It went off without a hitch," reported Carnegie Police Chief Jeffrey Harbin, who organized the race.

Approximately 90 people registered the day of the race. Many participants were from outside Carnegie, with one man coming from Charlotte, N.C. He said he had learned of the 5K from the Runners High of Cranberry, which timed the race.

Collier is among 17 communities offering free smoke alarms from the Allegheny County Health Department.

The township has been given a priority because of its high fire rate.

Other priority areas are Braddock, Collier, Duquesne, Etna, Forward, Homestead, McKeesport, North Braddock, Versailles, Wilkinsburg and the Pittsburgh neighborhoods of Allentown, Beltzhoover, Carrick, Hazelwood, Homewood, Lincoln-Lemington and Perry South.

The smoke alarms are powered by built-in lithium batteries designed to last 10 years and come with free installation and fire safety education.

To schedule an installation, call the health department, 412-247-7800.

Funding for the program is provided by the state Department of Health.

Council members have appointed attorney Loretta Kendall to fill the seat of Larry Hawk, a councilman who died in March. The vote Monday night was 5-0 with Tim Thomassy absent.

Ms. Kendall, a resident since 1990, has a private law practice on East Lincoln Avenue. In addition to a law degree, she holds degrees in accounting, her application letter said. She has 25 years of military service and is a judge advocate with the West Virginia Air National Guard.

She volunteers for the Pennsylvania SeniorLAW Helpline and is a member of the Primrose School and Museum restoration committee.

• The McDonald Volunteer Fire Department has received a $6,446 federal grant to purchase a gear washer and extractor, which is used to clean and remove contaminants from firefighters' protective turnout gear.

The money came from the Department of Homeland Security's Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program. The fire department serves McDonald and Robinson and provides mutual aid to Midway and Mt. Pleasant.