In the days following one of the deadliest mass shootings in modern U.S. history, a chorus of proposed solutions has been heard.

And now, the Cattaraugus County sheriff is adding his voice.

Timothy Whitcomb says the ongoing debate over gun control and mental health checks don't get to the heart of the most immediate need.

So, he's proposing that schools start being treated like most government buildings, with secured entrances, armed guards and metal detectors.

According to Whitcomb, retired law enforcement officers would leap at the chance to do this job.

"If at some point in time we decided as a government to find money to protect those people while they do their work, then it only makes sense that we revisit it for kids,” said Whitcomb.

Whitcomb says he's planning to meet with every superintendent in the county next month to determine how much equipment and how many officers each school would need.