GROVELAND, Fla. — School safety is at the forefront of parents’ minds. School resource officers (SROs) are the people on the front lines. Since the Parkland shooting happened, Florida has passed the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety Act, which requires heightened security within each school. But it’s not just about keeping kids safe.

School Resource Officer Howell is a bit of a celebrity at Groveland Elementary School.

"You’ll see me at PE, you’ll see me in the hallway, in the cafeteria. (The students) love when I give out badges and stickers," said Howell of the Groveland Police Department.

Howell said it’s just a perk of the job.

"They love coming up to me, giving me high-fives. It’s just a warm feeling when this is your job, to be a positive role model for these kids," said Howell.

It’s building these relationships with kids that allows him to gain their trust and better protect them when they’re in the classroom.

"I’m a parent myself. Coming into this job, you have to think of every kid as your own. If anything were to happen, you’re going to put yourself on the line for them," said Howell.

The Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety Act was put in place after the school shooting in Parkland. It requires each school to have at least one safe school officer trained and employed by law enforcement agencies. That is something that Howell takes very seriously. Back in the day, he says the SROs in his life as a kid inspired him to go into law enforcement.

"I remember when I was in middle school we had two school resource officers. They definitely molded me into the person I am today," said Howell.

And now he's being a role model in his community.

"We want students to feel comfortable around police, we want to give the whole perception of policing a whole new look. We want kids to be confident in telling us what’s going on, speak out if they see something, and just see us as humans."

Howell said the Groveland Police Department trains throughout the year. They also train with other agencies and share best practices to better serve their community.