DURHAM -- Sheriff Mike Andrews wants to put deputies in more schools to serve as school resource officers.

The move comes as Durham Police reassign and pull back their SROs at five schools. Andrews wants to make up for that by hiring five additional SROs, bringing the total number on his staff to 28.

"Number one, to maintain safety for that school," said Andrews.

Andrews hopes the recent school shootings will help persuade county commissioners to approve his budget request. His total budget proposal is $39 million dollars. Up to $800,000 of that would go to hiring, training, and staffing the SROs.

"We hope and pray that it never happens here in Durham," he said.

Deputy Joseph Costa says being an SRO means more than just protecting children.

"We become that person that you can go to with any life situation. The kids know you. You've been there all year. They know you on a first name basis," he added.

Andrews says his goal is to have an SRO at every school but getting funding is a challenge. His new budget is set to take effect in July. He says if the county approves his request to add more SRO positions, it could take up to a year to staff them.