Union City Council approves part‑time police hire amid rising call volume

The Union City Borough Council voted unanimously Aug. 13 to hire Kenneth Fye from the certified civil service list as a part‑time police officer.

Mayor Robert Wolf told council members maintaining a local police department is important and recommended hiring a part‑time officer to increase coverage with limited staff. Councilors Riley Cross and Matt Joyce said a part‑time hire would lower costs while improving patrol coverage. Borough Manager Cindy Wells said the budget had allowed at least $33,560 for wages and benefits and that the final cost will depend on the number of hours the officer works.

Police Chief David Pernice reviewed recent activity for the department, reporting 269 calls between June 1 and Aug. 13 — an average of about 3.63 calls per day — and listed incidents including vehicle pursuits, protection‑from‑abuse enforcement, warrants, domestic incidents, drug activity, homelessness, vandalism, burglary and suicide/mental‑health calls. Pernice said some calls can occupy an entire shift and that the department recently completed active‑shooter training on July 24–25.

Chief Pernice also said he applied to the Union City Community Foundation for funding to buy four tasers and to add security cameras covering additional portions of North Main Street; the foundation awarded both requests. Council members said they appreciated the funding and supported the part‑time hire.

The motion to hire Fye was made by Councilor Matt Joyce and seconded by Councilor Osborn and carried unanimously. No vote tallies beyond unanimous approval were recorded in the minutes.

The council recorded the hiring motion as a formal action; the borough will establish hours and wage details consistent with the civil service list and available budget.