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Union City Council hires part‑time officer as police report shows 269 calls in summer
Summary
On Aug. 13, 2024 Union City Borough Council voted unanimously to hire Kenneth Fye as a part‑time police officer; Police Chief David Pernice reported 269 calls from June 1 to Aug. 13 and said recent incidents included pursuits, domestics and mental‑health calls.
Union City Borough Council voted on Aug. 13, 2024 to hire Kenneth Fye from the certified civil service list as a part‑time police officer, aiming to increase coverage without the expense of a full‑time hire. The meeting was held at First Global Methodist Church in Union City.
Police Chief David Pernice told council members that from June 1 through Aug. 13 the department handled 269 calls, "averaging about 3.63 calls per day," and that the caseload has included vehicle pursuits, protection-from-abuse matters, warrants, domestic incidents, drug activity, homelessness-related calls and several suicide or mental‑health incidents. Pernice said some calls can occupy an entire shift and that the added part‑time officer would help spread coverage.
Mayor Robert Wolf told council that maintaining a police department in the borough is important and recommended hiring a part‑time officer. Borough Manager Cindy Wells said the current budget had allowed at least $33,560 for wages and benefits and that the cost for a part‑time hire would be less, depending on the officer’s hours.
Councilor Joyce moved to hire Kenneth Fye as a part‑time officer; Councilor Osborn seconded the motion, which carried unanimously. The minutes record the motion as "MOTION TO APPROVE HIRING THE CANDIDATE, KENNETH FYE, FROM THE CERTIFIED CIVIL SERVICE LIST, AS A PART-TIME OFFICER." The council did not record a vote split; the outcome was unanimous.
Chief Pernice also reported that he and Officer Shelly attended Alert Active Shooter training hosted by Millcreek PD on July 24–25 and described the training as beneficial. He said the department applied to the UC Community Foundation for funding of four tasers and for security cameras to cover another section of North Main Street; both applications were awarded by the foundation.
Council approved the hiring and accepted the chief’s briefing. The council did not set a start date in the minutes; personnel and contract matters were discussed further in an executive session after adjournment with no action recorded in that session.
