GREENSBORO, N.C. -- A new hero has been added to the Greensboro Police Department and he's not your typical officer.

• Hero will serve as the mascot of the Guilford County Schools' "Students Overcoming Situations" program
• Officials say the program was designed to help kids deal with conflict in their lives
• Hero will be there to provide emotional support to the kids

K-9 officer Hero will serve as the mascot of the Guilford County Schools' "Students Overcoming Situations" program, which helps build relationships between children and police officers.

Officials say the program was designed to help kids deal with conflict in their lives.

The program debuted in five schools last year and officers hope to expand it to 10 this year.

"I breaks down barriers not just with kids but with adults," said officer J.R. Labarr. "There's something about Hero coming into a room that breaks down all the barriers that we would've had and we get to have a really good conversation."

Students will talk to police about topics like bullying and safety. Hero will be there to provide emotional support to the kids.