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Union City Council hires part-time police officer as chief reports surge in calls
Summary
Union City Borough Council unanimously approved hiring Kenneth Fye as a part-time police officer and heard Police Chief David Pernice report 269 calls between June 1 and Aug. 13, including domestic incidents, pursuits and mental-health responses; the chief said community foundation grants funded tasers and cameras.
Union City Borough Council voted unanimously Aug. 13 to hire Kenneth Fye from the certified civil service list as a part-time police officer.
The motion, made by Councilor Matt Joyce and seconded by Councilor Osborn, carried with all six councilors present voting in favor. Mayor Robert Wolf told the council he considered maintaining a police department important and recommended hiring a part-time officer to help sustain coverage.
Borough Manager Cindy Wells told the council the budget had allowed at least $33,560 for wages and benefits and that a part-time hire would cost less than a full-time hire; the exact amount will depend on hours worked.
Police Chief David Pernice reviewed department activity for July and said that from June 1 through Aug. 13 the department handled 269 calls — about 3.63 calls per day — including vehicle pursuits, protection-from-abuse actions, warrants, domestic incidents, drug activity, vandalism and burglaries, as well as suicide and other mental-health responses. Pernice said some calls can occupy an entire shift and thanked council for approving the part-time hire to increase coverage.
Pernice also reported that he and Officer Shelly attended Alert Active Shooter training July 24–25 hosted by Millcreek Police Department. He said the department applied to the UC Community Foundation for four tasers and additional security cameras to expand coverage of North Main Street; both applications were awarded.
The council took no further action on police staffing at the meeting; several other agenda items and routine approvals followed.
