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Union City council hires Kenneth Fye as part‑time police officer
Summary
The borough unanimously approved hiring Kenneth Fye from the certified civil service list as a part‑time police officer, citing budget considerations and the department’s call volume; the council also heard that a local foundation awarded the department grants for tasers and cameras.
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 was made by Councilor Joyce and seconded by Councilor Osborn.
Mayor Robert Wolf told the council the borough needs to maintain a police department and recommended adding staff. "They are doing the best they can with what they have," he said. Borough Manager Cindy Wells told council that the budget had allowed at least $33,560 for wages and benefits and that hiring a part‑time officer would cost less, depending on hours worked.
Police Chief David Pernice reviewed recent call activity and training to justify the personnel decision: from June 1 to Aug. 13 the department logged 269 calls (about 3.6 calls per day), including pursuits, protection-from-abuse matters, warrants, domestic incidents, drug activity, vandalism and mental‑health or suicide incidents. Pernice also said he and Officer Shelly attended active‑shooter training July 24–25.
Chief Pernice said the department applied to and received awards from the Union City Community Foundation for four tasers and for security cameras to expand coverage along North Main Street. Council members said the additional equipment and a part‑time hire will help coverage and shift flexibility.
The council’s motion to hire Fye carries no additional details in the minutes about start date or hourly schedule; those logistics were not specified during the public meeting.
