Union City council hires part-time officer as police chief reports rising call volume and foundation grants

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, passed with all six councilors present voting yes at the meeting held at First Global Methodist Church.

Mayor Robert Wolf told the council it was important to maintain a police department and recommended hiring a part-time officer, saying the borough was "doing the best they can with what they have." Councilor Riley Cross said a part-time hire would lower costs, and Councilor Matt Joyce said it would provide broader coverage. Borough Manager Cindy Wells told the council the budget had allowed about $33,560 for wages and benefits; she said the actual cost will depend on how many hours the officer works and would be less than that figure.

Police Chief David Pernice summarized department activity for July and the summer period, reporting 269 calls from June 1 through Aug. 13, an average of about 3.63 calls per day. He cited a range of incidents, including vehicle pursuits, protection-from-abuse matters, warrants, domestic incidents, drug activity, vandalism, burglary, homelessness and several suicide or mental-health episodes. Pernice said an Alert Active Shooter training July 24–25 hosted by Millcreek Police Department was "very beneficial." He also said he applied to the Union City Community Foundation for funding for four tasers and for security cameras covering another section of North Main Street; the foundation awarded both requests.

The council approved the hire by motion; the transcript does not specify the officer's scheduled start date or the number of hours to be assigned. The borough will finalize scheduling and pay details with the hire from the certified civil service list.