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Union City council approves part‑time hire after police chief reports rising calls
Summary
Union City Borough approved hiring Kenneth Fye as a part‑time police officer and heard that the department handled 269 calls between June 1 and Aug. 13, including domestic incidents and mental‑health responses. The chief said training and foundation grants helped equipment needs.
Union City Borough Council voted unanimously Aug. 13 to hire Kenneth Fye from the certified civil service list as a part‑time police officer, after discussion about coverage and budget.
Mayor Robert Wolf said it is important for the borough to maintain a police department and recommended adding part‑time staff. Councilors noted that a part‑time officer would cost less than a full‑time hire while improving coverage; Borough Manager Cindy Wells said the budget had allowed at least $33,560 for wages and benefits and that final cost will depend on hours worked.
Police Chief David Pernice told the council the department handled 269 calls from June 1 to Aug. 13 — “about 3.63 calls per day” — ranging from vehicle pursuits, PFA’s and warrants to domestic incidents, drug activity, vandalism, burglary, homelessness and several suicide or mental‑health calls. He said some incidents can occupy an entire shift and gave an example of a domestic call that ran from 8:50 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Pernice said he and Officer Shelly attended Alert Active Shooter training July 24–25 hosted by Millcreek Police Department and described it as very beneficial. He also reported that the UC Community Foundation awarded grants the department requested for four tasers and for additional security cameras to cover North Main Street.
The hiring motion — moved by Councilor Matt Joyce and seconded by Councilor Osborn — carried unanimously. The council did not set specific hours for the new part‑time officer during the meeting; Borough Manager Wells said cost depends on hours scheduled.
The council’s action follows the executive session earlier in the evening in which personnel matters were discussed.
