Union City Council hires part-time officer and hears police chief report

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 Matt Joyce and seconded by Councilor Osborn.

Mayor Robert Wolf told the council it is important to maintain a borough police department and recommended hiring a part-time officer. Council discussion focused on coverage and cost: Riley Cross said part-time staffing would reduce payroll expense, and Councilor Matt Joyce said part-time staff would help provide extra coverage. Borough Manager Cindy Wells said the cost would depend on the officer’s hours; the current budget had allowed at least $33,560 for wages and benefits and a part-time hire would be expected to cost less.

Police Chief David Pernice reviewed July 2024 activity and said the department handled 269 calls between June 1 and Aug. 13, averaging about 3.63 calls per day. Calls included vehicle pursuits, protection-from-abuse matters, warrants, domestic incidents, drug activity, incidents involving homelessness, suicide and mental-health-related responses, vandalism and burglary; some calls occupied entire shifts, the chief said.

Pernice said he and Officer Shelly attended Alert Active Shooter training July 24–25 hosted by Millcreek Police Department and found it beneficial. He also said he applied to the Union City Community Foundation for funding for four tasers and for additional security cameras to cover North Main Street; the foundation awarded both requests.

The council’s hire fills an open slot from the certified civil service list and was approved without objection. The meeting adjourned at 7:06 p.m., followed by an executive session that began at 7:06 p.m.