Union City council hires part-time officer from civil service list

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 decision followed an executive session on personnel and a round of discussion in which Mayor Robert Wolf stressed the importance of maintaining a local police department and recommended adding part-time staff to improve coverage. Councilor Riley Cross said part-time staffing would lower costs, and Councilor Matt Joyce said it would provide additional coverage for shifts.

Borough Manager Cindy Wells told council the budget had allowed at least $33,560 for wages and benefits; she said the final cost would depend on the number of hours the officer works and would be less than the budgeted amount if the hire remains part-time. The motion to hire Fye was made by Councilor Joyce and seconded by Councilor Osborn; the motion carried unanimously.

Police Chief David Pernice earlier reviewed department activity for July and said the department logged 269 calls between June 1 and Aug. 13, an average of about 3.63 calls per day. Pernice noted that some incidents, including domestics and mental-health calls, can occupy an entire shift and said the council's approval of added part-time coverage was appreciated. He also reported attending active-shooter training and said the UC Community Foundation awarded grants for four tasers and additional security cameras.

The council did not assign a start date in open session; councilors did not record any vote against the hire.