Eighteen of 21 Tulsa police officers that were just laid-off are now getting their jobs back.
The layoffs came with millions of dollars in citywide cutbacks, last Tuesday. But late Monday the officers found out they'd be back on the force thanks to a grant.
It’s been the talk around the town folks wondering what's next, and how the streets could possibly remain safe with fewer officers and a steady flow of crime.
It started with a phone call forcing 21 of Tulsa's finest to trade in life long dreams for pink slips.
“I was Officer Darren, now I am now just Darren Ehrenrich,” said Darren Ehrenrich last week, right after the layoffs took effect, less than a year into his job.
"I've wanted to do this since i was five-years-old and this is all I've ever wanted,” said Ehrenrich.
Teary eyed and heartbroken he, and 20 others salaries were slashed. Caused by a $6 million citywide budget crunch.
In all, Mayor Taylor announcing 37 city worker layoffs; but nearly a week later duty calls.
"It’s a good feeling, knowing that you're coming back," said Ehrenrich.
A $3.5 million grant, through the Department of Justice making it possible. 18 of the 21 officers laid off got the good news.
But, it means three of Ehrenrich's former co-workers are still waiting by the phone.
"I will easily give up as much money as I can to survive and let them come back," he said.
There's no indication that that would be an option, but for a man who’s been willing to put his life on the line since he was five, it's another sacrifice he's willing to make.
The grant was initially brought up to hire new officers, but the budget crunch changed all of that.
The money received will only cover the city for the next 3 years.
Those layoffs were supposed to become effective, November 4th. Instead, that's the day officers will return to work.
None of the 18 officers will miss a day of pay, or benefits. As for the three officers who won't be rehired, the Fraternal Order of Police tells us they're getting offers for security work.
