Union City council hires part‑time officer and approves safety equipment funded by local grants

Councilors in Union City unanimously approved hiring Kenneth Fye from the certified civil service list as a part‑time police officer during their Aug. 13 meeting, aiming to expand coverage while keeping costs below the full‑time wage and benefits amount budgeted for 2024.

Mayor Robert Wolf told council that maintaining a borough police department is important and recommended adding part‑time staff. Councilor Riley Cross and Councilor Matt Joyce said a part‑time officer would reduce costs and increase coverage; Borough Manager Cindy Wells told council the final cost would depend on the officer’s hours but would be less than the $33,560 budgeted for wages and benefits.

Police Chief David Pernice reviewed recent activity and training. He reported the department handled 269 calls from June 1 through Aug. 13 (about 3.63 calls per day), including vehicle pursuits, protection from abuse orders, warrants, domestic incidents, drug activity and homelessness; he noted a recent domestic call that extended from 8:50 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. Pernice said he and Officer Shelly attended an active‑shooter training July 24–25 hosted by Millcreek Police Department.

Chief Pernice also said he applied to the Union City Community Foundation for funding for four tasers and for security cameras to cover additional sections of North Main Street; the foundation awarded both requests. Council expressed appreciation for the funding and for hiring additional coverage.

The hiring motion, moved by Councilor Matt Joyce and seconded by Councilor Osborn, carried unanimously. The council did not specify an exact start date for the new officer during the meeting.