Fifty-one members of the New Orleans Police Department — 45 officers and six civilian employees — were fired Friday for abandoning their posts before or after Hurricane Katrina.

"They were terminated due to them abandoning the department prior to the storm," acting superintendent Warren Riley said. "They either left before the hurricane or 10 to 12 days after the storm and we have never heard from them."

Police were unable to account for 240 officers on the 1,450-member force following Katrina. The force has been investigating whether they left their posts during the storm.

The mass firing was the first action taken against the missing officers. Another 15 officers resigned when placed under investigation for abandonment.

"This isn't representative of our department," Riley said. "We had a lot of heroes that stepped up after the storm."

Another 45 officers have resigned from the force after the Aug. 29 storm. The resignations were for personal reasons ranging from relocation to new employment, Riley said.

Have they thought that some of the missing 240 may have unforunately been caught up in it.

Just thinking that myself half of them might be dead now

So they dont need a job then

Who will they get to replace them. Thats a lot of probationers to have on patrol.

Yea thats true. But theres also alot less of a city to cover also and i think there is still a strong army presence there

If I had to chose between the serious safety of my family's lives and staying at some post which was about to be flooded I know what I and most of you would choose.

Specials - NO dedication!!!

(Sorry Boss, I will leave now )

Warning Issued :

You're right it's so hard to get a job these days, choosing another family is so easy by comparison.

No dedication No dedi.......oh i cant be bothered

I would sent my family to safety but guys we all signed up to preserve the lives of the people of our countrys and to preserve the laws of our country corrrect???

True true Sarge (Except for Specials!!!!) lol

I know - 2nd Warning!!!

Did a special once only half groom your horse or something

But also would you leave the lifes of your co-workers on the line because you deserted your post