Safety is always a priority in schools and recreation programs, but this summer, a local camp has taken an extra step.

When families drop off and pick up their children at the village of Cornwall-on-Hudson’s Summer Playground, they may notice an added presence.

“With all the mass shootings that have occurred in the country over the last few years, it’s a great opportunity to have police officers here protecting our children,” said Russell Vomero, a grandparent of campers at the camp.

For the first time ever, an armed police officer is on location each day at the camp.

“We feel extra secure and extra protected having someone on our campus all the time, and he’s super great. He interacts with our kids all day and is always keeping an extra eye out,” said Jenna Park, camp director at COH’s Summer Playground.

The officer on duty is an employee of the village of Cornwall-on-Hudson Police Department. During his detail, he is tasked with ensuring the children and camp counselors are kept safe at all times.

“I patrol the school grounds. I walk around. I check the hallways, and then I just make sure everyone is good and everything’s going how it’s supposed to go during the day,” said Robert Thompson, a member of the Cornwall-on-Hudson Police Department.

Village Mayor James Gagliano said he was exploring options to add extra security measures to the camp prior to the mass shooting in Uvalde, Texas. After the tragedy, a number of parents reached out asking what was being considered.

“I think this world is, it’s crazy times right now, so having a police presence here for these children, it gives them a more comfortable and safe feeling, as the camp counselors as well,” said Chris Robinson, assistant camp director at COH’s Summer Playground.

“This is an effort that we can make to be here as a preventative measure, as well as also, it gives us an opportunity to meet the kids in the community and work with the young staff,” said Cornwall-on-Hudson Police Chief Steven Dixon.

Some parents also believe the community policing effort can be beneficial for their children.

“I certainly think we have larger problems in America that maybe we reflect on as we see those police officers around our children at places like this. Those problems can’t be solved in a day, so I do think it’s nice to see friendly faces in uniform around these parts,” said Amy Bandolik, a parent of a camper at COH’s Summer Playground.

Gagliano said if he remains mayor, he will push to have an officer at camp each summer for the foreseeable future.