Union City Council hires part-time officer and hears police chief report

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

Mayor Robert Wolf told the council it is "important to maintain a Police Department in the Borough," and recommended hiring a part-time officer to help sustain coverage. The motion to hire Fye was made by Councilor Joyce and seconded by Councilor Osborn and carried without dissent.

Police Chief David Pernice reviewed department activity for July and the period June 1–Aug. 13, saying the department answered 269 calls during that span—about 3.63 calls per day. He described a range of incidents, including vehicle pursuits, protection-from-abuse cases, warrants, domestic incidents, drug activity, vandalism and burglary, and several incidents involving suicide and mental health. Pernice said some calls have required an entire shift to resolve; he also thanked the council for approving the new hire.

The chief reported that he and Officer Shelly attended an active-shooter training July 24–25 hosted by Millcreek Police Department. Pernice said he applied to the Union City Community Foundation for two equipment requests and that the UCCF awarded both: funding for four tasers and funds for security cameras to cover an additional section of North Main Street.

Borough Manager Cindy Wells said the municipal budget had allowed at least $33,560 for wages and benefits; she noted final cost for the new hire will depend on the number of hours assigned but is expected to be less than the full-time budgeted amount. Council members voiced support for the part-time hire as a way to increase coverage while limiting personnel costs.

The council completed the appointment with no further action required. The meeting adjourned at 7:06 P.M.