9-7-05 - Ardmore Police say they're not short on manpower even though they've temporarily lost six officers to Louisiana relief efforts.

The Ardmore Police Department was contacted by an outside security agency earlier this week requesting assistance, and six officers have already left.

They're taking vacation time and will likely be gone for 30 days working 12-hour shifts.

"They're going down there for the right reasons," Deputy Chief Ricky Lawrence said. "They went there to help, and I'm very proud of them. I know they'll be ready to get back home to their families also."

Ardmore police say manpower will not be affected because most volunteers were from divisions other than patrol.