Leaders in the Silver Creek Central School district met with Congressman Tom Reed Friday to discuss the value of having resource officers in every school.

Chautauqua County Sheriffs Deputy Wes Johnson has been in the role since late 2016 and serves as an enforcer, educator and mentor to more than 1,100 students.

"We're the first line of defense.  For the parents out there, I think just to know that I'm here to help your kids, keep them safe, teach them how to keep themselves safe," said Johnson.

"This is something that is very proactive and could help prevent tragedy. I'm a firm believer that this is something that should be done in every school district, and it provides so many benefits," said Joe Gerace, (D) Chautauqua County Sheriff.

Johnson's salary tops out at a little more than $75,000, which is paid out of the district's general budget. Next year, school leaders say the Seneca Nation of Indians has agreed to absorb a third of the cost.

"Frankly, having a school resource officer that's armed in the building is extremely comforting. They serve as a deterrent, creating a climate of trust within our student population," said Todd Crandall, Silver Creek Superintendent.

Crandall is calling on Reed to get the federal government to pay for the officers. Crandall says that would free up money for the district to invest in more mental health programs.

"We really need to get at the root cause, and as educators who have been in the field for over 25 years, I believe the mental health crisis is something we need to work hard to address," said Crandall.

"If we can put that package together, we can prevent the next horrific action from occurring," said Rep. Tom Reed, (R) 23rd Congressional District.

Reed says the newly signed federal budget includes $2.3 billion as well as additional funding that could now be tapped into funding resource officer positions.

"We want to make this the priority across the country that it needs to be. The resources are there to have our school resource officers in our classrooms, in our schools doing what they do best," said Reed.

Reed's visit comes on the heels of voters approving the district's more than $17 million capital improvement project earlier this week. Plans call for several upgrades, improvements and new classroom construction.

"It's going to have an immediate positive impact for students today but also well into the future," said Crandall.

Work is set to begin next spring.