MIDDLESBORO - Middlesboro High School is a little safer now with the help of Officer David Buis of the Middlesboro Police Department. Buis has been serving as the resource officer for the school year while working closely with assistant principal Ed Jones and principal John Chadwell.

"It was a lot worse before I was there," said Buis. "I don't mean that the school itself was a lot worse but the behavior of the kids. I think it comes back to some issues at home. I've dealt with a lot of things in my past years and I really appreciate the teachers in what they have to deal with."

Buis spends, on average, four days a week at the high school. He admits that while he enjoys working with the kids, he does miss the excitement of being out on the street. His main goal is to make all the students feel safe about coming to school.

In addition to providing an overseeing presence in the hallways, Buis does a little counseling and has even taught a few classes on law related issues such as alcohol and drugs.

"I'm currently working on a few programs for them in the spring to participate in when the weather warms up," he said.

One of those programs includes fatal vision courses in which the students wear goggles that allow them to see how difficult it can be to drive and even walk while under the influence of drugs or alcohol..

Since Buis has been present in the halls of MHS, violence in the school has dropped substantially from what is was last year. He was required to take a 32 hour course to be eligible the position but adds that it was well worth it.

"I think my presence here in the school and the presence of this uniform helps keep a lot of trouble out of here," said Buis. "At the first of the year, a lot of the kids were standoffish towards me but now, it's getting to the point where a majority of the students can come up and want to talk. I'm trying to show them a little positive influence for the police and I think it is working out that way."

Buis adds that it wouldn't hurt to have an officer present at the other schools as well. He is not sure if he will be the resource officer at MHS next year or not but added that it takes someone who has a special 'knack' for kids.

"If they have any trouble, I'm glad to help them out," he said.

Principal Chadwell said that this time last school year, MHS had around 12 fights. This year, only six have occurred.

"Just having Officer Buis in the building is a comfort, his personality fits right in with the children and it's just priceless," said Chadwell. "There isn't much visibility with the way our school is laid out and the fact that he is at the main entrance, patrolling the halls and patrolling the parking lots - it's a big relief."