Union City Council hires part‑time officer after mayor stresses need to maintain police

Union City Borough Council voted Aug. 13 to hire Kenneth Fye from the certified civil service list as a part‑time police officer after Mayor Robert Wolf urged maintaining a local police department.

Mayor Robert Wolf told the council it was important to maintain a police presence in the borough and recommended hiring a part‑time officer. Councilors and borough staff discussed the cost tradeoffs of part‑time versus full‑time staffing; Borough Manager Cindy Wells said the 2024 budget allowed at least $33,560 for wages and benefits and that the final cost would depend on the number of hours worked.

Councilor Joyce moved to hire Kenneth Fye as a part‑time officer; Councilor Osborn seconded. The motion carried unanimously.

Police Chief David Pernice reviewed department activity for July and the summer months, reporting that from June 1 through Aug. 13 the department handled 269 calls — about 3.63 calls per day — including vehicle pursuits, protection‑from‑abuse matters, warrants, domestics, drug activity, homelessness matters, and recent incidents involving suicide and mental health. Pernice said some calls can occupy an entire shift and thanked the council for approving the part‑time hire to increase coverage.

The chief said he and Officer Shelly attended an Alert Active Shooter training July 24–25 hosted by Millcreek Police Department, which he described as beneficial. He also reported the borough applied to the Union City Community Foundation for funding for four tasers and for security cameras; both applications were awarded.

The council did not set additional conditions in the meeting. The next council meeting is scheduled for Aug. 27, 2024.