Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Safety topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Union City hires part-time officer as chief reports rising call volume
Summary
Union City Borough Council unanimously approved hiring Kenneth Fye as a part-time police officer Aug. 13 and heard Police Chief David Pernice report 269 calls from June 1 to Aug. 13 and recent active-shooter training; the chief also said the UC Community Foundation awarded funding for tasers and security 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 council approved the hire after Mayor Robert Wolf stressed the importance of maintaining a police department and recommended adding part-time coverage to expand staffing without the cost of a new full-time position. Borough Manager Cindy Wells told the council the budget included at least $33,560 for wages and benefits and that hiring part-time would cost less depending on hours worked.
Police Chief David Pernice gave the council a summer report on public-safety activity. "From June 1st to August 13th we had 269 calls averaging about 3.63 calls per day," Pernice said, noting that some incidents—particularly domestic or mental-health calls—can occupy an entire shift. He said the department has handled pursuits, protection-from-abuse cases, warrants, vandalism and burglary calls in recent weeks.
Pernice said he and Officer Shelly attended an Alert Active Shooter training July 24–25 hosted by Millcreek Police Department and described the training as beneficial. He also told the council he applied to the UC Community Foundation for funding of four tasers and additional security cameras on North Main Street; he said the foundation awarded both requests.
Council members who spoke during the discussion said a part-time officer would increase coverage while reducing cost. The motion to hire—moved by Councilor Matt Joyce and seconded by Councilor Osborn—carried unanimously.
The council will reconvene for a special meeting on Aug. 27 and move to a new regular schedule (first and third Mondays at 6:30 p.m.) for September through April.
