Union City Council hires part-time officer from civil service list; chief reports staffing and safety needs

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.

Mayor Robert Wolf said maintaining a local police department is important and recommended hiring part-time staff to bolster coverage. Council members said part-time hiring will lower costs while improving shift coverage. Borough Manager Cindy Wells said final cost depends on the officer’s hours; the borough’s budget had set aside at least $33,560 for wages and benefits, and hiring part-time would be expected to cost less than that.

Police Chief David Pernice reviewed recent public-safety activity and department needs. He reported the department handled 269 calls between June 1 and Aug. 13—about 3.63 calls per day—including vehicle pursuits, protection-from-abuse matters, warrants, domestic incidents, drug activity and homelessness-related responses. Pernice said some incidents can occupy an entire shift and described recent calls involving suicide and mental-health concerns. He thanked council for approving the part-time hire.

Pernice also reported department training and grant activity: he and Officer Shelly attended an active-shooter training July 24–25 hosted by Millcreek Police Department, and he applied to the Union City Community Foundation for funding for four tasers and for security cameras to cover additional sections of North Main Street. The foundation awarded both requests.

The motion to hire Kenneth Fye was made by Councilor Joyce, seconded by Councilor Osborn, and carried unanimously.