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Union City hires part-time police officer as chief reports rising call volume
Summary
The Union City Borough Council voted unanimously Aug. 13 to hire Kenneth Fye as a part-time officer and heard Police Chief David Pernice report 269 calls between June 1 and Aug. 13, an average of about 3.63 calls per day; the chief also said the UC Community Foundation funded tasers and security cameras.
The Union City Borough Council voted Aug. 13 to hire Kenneth Fye from the certified civil service list as a part-time police officer, a move Councilors said will increase coverage while reducing payroll costs compared with a full-time hire. Councilor Matt Joyce moved the hiring; Councilor Osborn seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously.
Mayor Robert Wolf said the borough should maintain its police department and recommended hiring a part-time officer to extend coverage within current resources. Borough Manager Cindy Wells told council the budget had allowed at least $33,560 for wages and benefits, and that the actual cost for a part-time officer would depend on hours worked.
Police Chief David Pernice summarized recent activity in the department, saying the force logged 269 calls from June 1 through Aug. 13 — about 3.63 calls per day — including vehicle pursuits, protection-from-abuse matters, warrants, domestic incidents, drug activity and homelessness-related calls. Pernice noted some incidents required an entire shift to handle, citing a domestic call that lasted several hours. He also said he and Officer Shelly attended an active-shooter training July 24–25 hosted by Millcreek Police Department.
Pernice added that the UC Community Foundation awarded two grant requests: funding for four tasers and for security cameras to extend coverage along North Main Street. The chief said both awards will improve officer safety and public surveillance in targeted areas.
The council’s hiring vote follows an earlier executive session on personnel. With the hiring approved, Borough Manager Cindy Wells and police leadership will finalize start dates and scheduling for the new part-time officer.
