MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. — Every morning students at Anna Maria Elementary are greeted by Holmes Beach Officer Josh Fleischer.
“Everyone knows who I am they all know my name they all call me 'officer Josh',” said Fleischer.
He’s been the only elementary school resource officer in Manatee County for several years, but that will change on Monday. Manatee County schools are funding school resource officers for every school in the county. Each elementary school will have an officer and the high school will add an extra officer.
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“I think the kids enjoy having me here and it gives them and their parents a sense of security,” said Fleischer.
Officer Fleischer said some people wonder what he does with his time — because there haven’t been any threats to the school.
He spends the day checking doors and gates, keeping a record of who is on campus, and educating kids.
“I spend my time with them and we teach them that the police are their friends,” said Fleischer.
He’s also trained in active shooter scenarios just in case a threat arises.
All Manatee County schools will see more officers on campus starting Monday.
