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Union City council hires part‑time police officer as chief reports rising calls
Summary
Union City Borough Council on Aug. 13 approved hiring Kenneth Fye as a part‑time police officer from the certified civil service list and heard Police Chief David Pernice report 269 calls between June 1 and Aug. 13; the chief said recent incidents included domestic calls, mental‑health crises and other high‑demand responses.
Union City Borough Council voted Aug. 13 to hire Kenneth Fye from the certified civil service list as a part‑time police officer, a move councilors said will expand coverage while keeping costs lower than a full‑time hire.
The hire was approved by motion of Councilor Joyce, seconded by Councilor Osborn, and carried unanimously. Borough Manager Cindy Wells told council the 2024 budget allowed at least $33,560 for wages and benefits and that a part‑time hire would cost less depending on hours worked; a start date was not specified in the minutes.
Police Chief David Pernice reviewed the department’s July report and said from June 1 through Aug. 13 the department handled 269 calls, averaging about 3.63 calls per day. Pernice described a range of recent calls — vehicle pursuits, protection‑from‑abuse matters, warrants, domestic incidents, drug activity, homelessness and mental‑health crises — and said some calls can occupy an entire shift. He thanked council for approving supplemental staffing and noted he and an officer attended active‑shooter training July 24–25.
Chief Pernice also reported the UC Community Foundation awarded two grant applications the department submitted: funding for four tasers and funding for additional security cameras to cover another section of North Main Street.
The council’s motion to hire Fye was recorded as carried unanimously; the minutes do not list individual vote names or the officer’s full start details. The council adjourned at 7:06 P.M.; a post‑meeting executive session on personnel and contract matters ran until 7:52 P.M. with no action taken, per the minutes.
