( CNN ) -- Police officers in Memphis , Tennessee , are sick -- sick of having their healthcare benefits cut . Nearly a quarter of the city 's 2,200-member police force called in sick on Monday . That 's 522 officers , according to Police Director Toney Armstrong . `` We 're in a crisis mode , '' he said . `` We 're going to do absolutely everything we have to do to make sure that public safety is n't compromised . '' Last month , the city council voted to eliminate the city 's 70 % subsidy of health insurance premiums for members of the force . Premiums were also increased , apparently prompting an onset of the `` Blue Flu '' since June 30 . That 's when the number of officers out sick began to escalate . `` The police association has not sanctioned nor orchestrated a Blue Flu , '' said Michael Williams , president of the Memphis Police Association . `` I would characterize it as officers that are stressed out , and they are very concerned about their futures . '' The public finds itself caught in the middle . `` We 're in a Catch-22 as citizens because , yes , we want the protection , we need the protection , we deserve the protection , but they need their rights protected , too , '' Memphis resident Harriet Stanton told CNN affiliate WMC-TV . Armstrong said it 's not hard to figure out why officers are upset . The changes are hitting them in the pocketbook . `` I certainly understand their level of disappointment and their level of hurt , '' he said , stopping short of calling recent developments a strike . `` You have to respect the process , and certainly we have a certain percentage of our force that has chosen to take another action . '' For the officers who remain on the job , there are no vacation or off days . Shelby County Sheriff 's deputies are supplementing the force . Tennessee Highway Patrol officers may pitch in too , if needed , Armstrong said . One Memphis resident called for disciplinary action . `` I think they should be fired because it 's a responsibility for us that we have to be protected , '' Helen Fulp said . Yet , there was sympathy from others . `` Let 's start up on top . Let 's cut the mayor 's salary . Let 's cut some of his assistant 's salaries , then let 's cut from some of those making these decisions , '' said Calvin Harris . `` Then , we see where we need to go from there . '' Obama intervenes in Philadelphia rail strike .
More than 500 officers were off the street on Monday . The city has been under a state of emergency since last week, when it was declared by Gov. Andrew Cuomo. Premiums were also increased . Other law enforcement agencies are available to supplement the force .