Union City Council hires part‑time officer and hears police report showing 269 calls

Union City Borough Council voted unanimously on Aug. 13 to hire Kenneth Fye from the certified civil service list as a part‑time police officer, responding to concerns about staffing and coverage.

Mayor Robert Wolf told the council he considers it important to maintain a police department in the borough and recommended hiring a part‑time officer to bolster coverage while controlling costs. Borough Manager Cindy Wells said the budget had allowed at least $33,560 for wages and benefits and that the actual cost for a part‑time hire would depend on hours worked. The motion to hire was made by Councilor Joyce and seconded by Councilor Osborn and carried unanimously.

Police Chief David Pernice reviewed department activity for July and the summer period, reporting 269 calls between June 1 and Aug. 13 — an average of about 3.63 calls per day — that ranged from vehicle pursuits and protection‑from‑abuse cases to domestics, warrants, drug activity, vandalism and incidents involving suicide and mental health. Chief Pernice said some calls have required multiple‑hour responses; he described the department’s staffing constraints and said the council’s decision to hire a part‑time officer would help cover shifts.

The chief also noted that he and Officer Shelly attended an active‑shooter training July 24–25 hosted by Millcreek Police Department and described the training as beneficial. Chief Pernice said he applied to the UC Community Foundation for funds for four tasers and for security cameras to extend coverage on North Main Street; the UC Community Foundation awarded both requests.

The council did not set a public start date for the new hire during the meeting. The decision follows the council’s review of budget implications and staffing needs; the borough manager said payroll costs for the hire will be determined once hours are assigned.