Union City Council unanimously hires Kenneth Fye as part‑time police officer amid rising call volume

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 council members said will expand coverage while reducing staffing costs.

The hire was approved by motion of Councilor Matt Joyce, seconded by Councilor Osborn, and carried unanimously. Borough Manager Cindy Wells told the Council the budget had allowed at least $33,560 for wages and benefits and that the final cost will depend on the number of hours the new part‑time officer works.

Mayor Robert Wolf said it is important to maintain a police department in the borough and recommended hiring a part‑time officer to help preserve coverage. Streets and council members agreed part‑time hours would cost less while providing additional coverage.

Police Chief David Pernice reviewed recent activity and told councilors that from June 1 to Aug. 13 the department logged 269 calls—about 3.63 calls per day—including vehicle pursuits, protection-from-abuse cases, warrants, domestic incidents, drug activity and homelessness. Pernice said some calls can occupy an entire shift depending on the nature of the incident.

Pernice also reported that he and Officer Shelly attended Alert Active Shooter training July 24–25 hosted by the Millcreek Police Department, which he called beneficial. He said the department applied to the UC Community Foundation for four tasers and for security cameras to cover another section of North Main Street; the UC Community Foundation awarded both requests.

The Council approved the hire as a formal motion; the minutes record the vote as unanimous. The Council meeting adjourned at 7:06 p.m. and reconvened only for an executive session to discuss personnel and contracts, with no further action taken that evening.