By Police1 Staff
PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — A Florida police officer was suspended after calling in sick because she couldn’t find anyone to look after her children during Hurricane Irma.
The Treasure Coast Newspapers reports that Port St. Lucie Officer Erika Curry originally requested to use vacation time on Sept. 9 and 10 during Hurricane Irma, which was denied. She instead called in sick on those two days, leading to her suspension. She was suspended for 120 hours, which equates to 12 days of full shifts.
Master Sgt. Frank Sabol said officers in the department are obligated to work during hurricanes. The officer said she couldn’t find anyone to care for her kids because her firefighter husband was also required to work during the hurricane.
A complaint was issued against Curry on Sept. 20 and was signed and finalized in November. Curry did not deny the allegations.
Sabol said the officer already served her suspension.