Union City council approves part‑time officer as police calls rise

Union City Borough Council on Aug. 13 unanimously approved hiring Kenneth Fye from the certified civil service list as a part‑time police officer.

The move followed a presentation from Police Chief David Pernice, who reported the department handled 269 calls between June 1 and Aug. 13, averaging about 3.63 calls per day, and said incidents ranged from vehicle pursuits and domestic disturbances to warrants, drug activity, vandalism, burglary and mental‑health and suicide‑related responses. Chief Pernice told the council some calls can occupy an entire shift.

Borough Manager Cindy Wells told council the budget had allowed at least $33,560 for wages and benefits; Wells said hiring a part‑time officer would cost less than that total, with the final amount depending on the number of hours worked. Councilor Riley Cross and Councilor Matt Joyce spoke in favor of a part‑time hire to increase coverage while controlling costs. The council approved the hire on a motion by Councilor Joyce, seconded by Councilor Osborn, carried unanimously.

Chief Pernice also said he and Officer Shelly attended an Alert Active Shooter training July 24–25 and reported two successful grant applications to the Union City Community Foundation for four tasers and one additional set of security cameras to expand coverage of North Main Street.

The Borough’s stated vision — "The Union City area is a thriving rural community of families, businesses and organizations dedicated to encouraging growth while maintaining small town values" — appeared in the meeting materials that opened the record. The new part‑time hire will be added to the department roster following standard hiring and onboarding procedures.

Next steps: the Borough will complete hiring paperwork for Kenneth Fye and account for part‑time wages and benefits within the current budget framework.