Union City council hires part-time officer; police chief reports 269 calls since June

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

Police Chief David Pernice told council the department handled 269 calls from June 1 through Aug. 13, averaging about 3.63 calls per day, and said some calls can occupy an entire shift — citing a domestic call that lasted from about 8:50 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. Chief Pernice said he and Officer Shelly attended an Alert Active Shooter training on July 24–25 and described the training as beneficial. He also said he applied to the UC Community Foundation for funding for four tasers and for additional security cameras on North Main Street; Pernice said the UC Community Foundation awarded both funding requests.

Mayor Robert Wolf, speaking earlier in the meeting, emphasized the importance of maintaining a borough police department and recommended hiring a part-time officer to increase coverage while managing costs. Borough Manager Cindy Wells told council the budget had allowed at least $33,560 for wages and benefits and that hiring a part-time officer would cost less than the full-time budgeted amount.

Councilor Joyce moved to hire the certified list candidate as a part-time officer; Councilor Osborn seconded the motion, and it carried unanimously. The motion record does not specify hours for the position or a start date. The council did not take additional public testimony on the hire. The police report and grants were presented as informational items.