MUSKOGEE, Okla. -- Muskogee families are growing concerned at the potential of losing resource officers in the Hilldale District.
City councilors will look at funding on Monday.
The two Hilldale officers help out schools for the day to day while preparing for an emergency. Now they're asking the community to join them as the city council evaluates the budget. With Parkland and Houston still fresh in the public's memory, there's been an outpouring of support.
"Muskogee is no exception to any rule. There could be a shooting here just like there has been in Texas or wherever it may have happened," former Hilldale parent Lee Munson said.
Those who know the officers said they leave an impact on every student who walks through the door.
"His heart is very into the job. This is more than just a paycheck to him. He values the kids here, he values his interaction. That's something that money can't buy," Munson said.
Teachers on campus said the SRO's are always prepared for the worst, giving this community peace of mind.
"I see him out checking the exits and the doors and he constantly is driving around. He gets on to us if we prop a door open and tries to take care of us and make things safer for all of us," high school teacher Phil McWilliams said.
McWilliams is relieved to be in the same building as his children, and realizes most don't have this luxury.
"I know what I would do if it happened. I would be finding them and doing everything that I could in my power to stop it because they're my kids but I think someone who has kids here that's not here it's even worse," he said.
Staff with the city do expect to quickly approve this funding on Monday, but officers are still asking the community to show up in support for the 5:00 meeting.
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