Union City to hire part‑time police officer as chief cites staffing strain

Union City Borough Council voted Aug. 13 to hire Kenneth Fye as a part‑time police officer from the certified civil service list, moving to expand coverage while keeping personnel costs below the full‑time budgeted amount.

Mayor Robert Wolf told council members that maintaining a local police department is “important” and supported bringing on a part‑time officer. Borough Manager Cindy Wells said the 2024 budget provided about $33,560 for wages and benefits and that hiring part‑time would reduce total costs depending on hours worked. Councilor Matt Joyce moved to approve the hire; Councilor Osborn seconded and the motion carried unanimously.

Police Chief David Pernice reviewed recent activity and said the department handled 269 calls between June 1 and Aug. 13, an average of about 3.63 calls per day. He said the caseload has included vehicle pursuits, protection from abuse orders, warrants, domestic incidents, drug activity, incidents tied to homelessness, suicide and other mental‑health responses, vandalism and burglary. Pernice said some calls can occupy an entire shift and thanked council for approving the part‑time position as a way to increase coverage.

Pernice also briefed council on training and equipment: he and Officer Shelly attended an Alert Active Shooter training July 24–25 hosted by Millcreek Police Department, and the department received two grants from the UC Community Foundation to purchase four tasers and additional security cameras to cover another section of North Main Street.

The hire was recorded as a motion by Councilor Matt Joyce, seconded by Councilor Osborn, and carried unanimously by the councilors present.