The Fraternal Order of Police had a representative address City Council members Wednesday night to make a plea for manpower. According to FOP officials, council members had told them at least four retired officers would not be replaced.

In the meeting, Detective Scott Haymaker told council members that would be a bad decision, because it would affect the safety of the community and the officers.

He claimed they would not have enough manpower for backup, nor the training time they needed for special units. He also said overtime pay would likely be an issue.

FOP officials also said the city is looking into freezing their salaries and cutting back on their health-care benefits. Now, the question is, will the city listen?

"We have to support our police," said Johnstown resident Ellen Kirsch. "It's good the city workers got their raise, but the police force, they put their lives on the line for us all the time. We need to back them up."

"I think it's an issue especially for public safety," said resident Ed Ruane. "Not enough people come to town as it is."

It's not clear what the council will decide when it comes to the police department's manpower. However City Manager Curt Davis made it apparent at Wednesday's meeting, how much he and other council members appreciate the work the police force does.

"The police officers do a fine job," said Davis. "I have no problem with that. By the same token, they've already applied for arbitration, so really, I can't speak to it."

The Johnstown FOP is expected to comment Friday about their contract negotiations.

Stay with Channel 6 News for more on this developing story.