Memphis PD catching the Blue Flu

Picked up a couple extra boxes of ammo today just in case. Last time this went down in the 70's the city called in the national guard and issued a curfew to cover for the day.

quote:

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MEMPHIS, TN -
(WMC) - After a controversial vote by the Memphis City Council to cut healthcare benefits for city workers, Memphis Police Department has issued an Information Bulletin concerning duty uniforms in response to a rumor about a potential "Blue Flu."

"Blue Flu" involves rumors that officers may call in sick at once.

Although "Blue Flu" is only a rumor at this time, the police department has issued a bulletin requiring all scheduled, "full-duty" sworn personnel (regardless of rank) to wear their MPD uniforms and equipment for the dates of July 1 – 7, 2014.

WMC Action News 5 talked to one city councilman who case his vote to make those tough cuts.

"This is a rumor but I'm glad to see that we have a contingency plan in place. Personally I think our police officers will all come to work and protect our citizens as they've always done," said Memphis City Council's Myron Lowery.

Memphis Police Director Toney Armstrong issued the following statement:

"Our officers are aware of our sick policy. If anyone is found in violation of this policy, corrective measures will be taken. At this time, the "Blue Flu" is only a rumor. We are prepared to address any issues that may occur if indeed these rumors become an actuality. We have taken a proactive approach to ensure that public safety will not be at risk by making sure that we have adequate manpower to address our citizens needs."

WMC reached out to the Memphis Police Association for comment, but has not heard back.

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What are they going to do? Fire the whole police department if they call in sick? At the pace they are cutting benefits and pay for PD in this city nobody in their right mind would want to work here.