GROVE-- "The kids are number one." Tracy Bloss has been the student resource officer at Grove Public Schools for the past ten years. His job is on the line now that the district faces $850,000 in budget cuts.
"It's a little depressing knowing that, you know as police we see the need for everyone to be safe on a daily basis," said Bloss.
$25,000 would allow the district to keep the sro program. On Tuesday Bank of Grove owner Ed Townsend donated $5,000 to save the campus police.
"We felt like this was an expense that had to be incurred, we just can't predict the things that happen and it's just unacceptable to leave our kids unprotected," said Townsend.
School leaders said the Grove student resources officers don't just patrol the school. This past school year they took action on 28 tobacco and drug-related crimes and 29 bullying and fighting incidents.
"They're involved in any major thing that might happen in our school, they also do counseling with our students, they're great role models," said Grove Public Schools Superintendent Sandy Coaly.
Bloss said he hopes he can continue protecting the schools.
"Unfortunately we live in an age and a time that violent acts do occur and we all hope that one won't occur in this school district, but we have to be prepared for that,"
The school district is holding a fundraiser with the YMCA starting August 5th for more information go to click here.
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