Union City council hires part-time officer, chief reports 269 calls since June

The Union City Borough Council unanimously voted Aug. 13 to hire Kenneth Fye from the certified civil service list as a part-time police officer, following a recommendation to add part-time coverage to the force.

Councilor Matt Joyce moved the hiring motion, which Councilor Osborn seconded and the council approved without dissent. Mayor Robert Wolf had recommended hiring a part-time officer, stressing the importance of maintaining a local police department.

Police Chief David Pernice reviewed July 2024 activity and told the council the department handled 269 calls from June 1 through Aug. 13, “averaging about 3.63 calls per day,” with incidents ranging from vehicle pursuits and protective-family orders to domestics, warrants, drug activity, homelessness responses, vandalism and burglary. Pernice said some incidents can occupy an entire shift and noted recent suicide- and mental-health-related calls.

Pernice said he and Officer Shelly attended an Alert Active Shooter training on July 24–25 hosted by Millcreek PD and described it as beneficial. He also reported that the UC Community Foundation awarded funding for four tasers and additional security cameras to cover a further section of North Main Street.

Borough Manager Cindy Wells told the council the 2024 budget had allowed at least $33,560 for wages and benefits for the position; final cost will depend on the number of hours the part-time officer works.

The council’s action takes effect immediately; there was no recorded opposition. The council also held executive sessions before and after the meeting to discuss personnel matters.