FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. -- The number of officers working for the Fort Lauderdale Police Department has decreased in recent months, and many more could follow because of perceived low wages, according to the local chapter of the Fraternal Order of Police.

The police union said Fort Lauderdale's police department is losing an average of two officers each week.

"The morale has been on the decline, and the numbers speak for themselves," Fort Lauderdale police Sgt. Mike Tucker said. "Officers are leaving."

Officers, frustrated about their pay, have spent money on a new billboard that reads, "Your Fort Lauderdale police officers want to thank you for your support. Paid for by the lowest paid police officers in Broward County." While it doesn't state as much, the implication is that more officers might leave if the situation doesn't improve.

But Mayor Jim Naugle said there is still an adequate number of police protection and that officers are paid fairly when the benefits package is taken into consideration.

"The pension benefit in Fort Lauderdale is so lucrative that it's $34,000," Naugle said.

Still, many officers are leaving Fort Lauderdale for jobs with other police departments in surrounding cities.

Former Fort Lauderdale police Officer John Clark said his current job with the Hollywood Police Department offers "very good pay and good benefits. That's what means the most to me."