As a Mechanicsville resident, it’s comforting to see those white cruisers parked throughout the community.

Whether it’s alongside the highway or in the parking lot of a Hanover County business, the sight of a Hanover County Sheriff’s Office vehicle signals security for us.

Today, our sheriff, Col. V. Stuart Cook, will appear before the Hanover County Board of Supervisors with his budget proposal. Economic conditions have forced him to provide services with fewer officers in recent years. Unfortunately, positions remain in limbo with an ongoing hiring freeze. Cook chose that route before County Administrator Cecil R. “Rhu” Harris Jr. made it official for government offices.

In November, the sheriff had to make a difficult decision: He removed school resource officers from the middle schools. With the holidays, Cook said he had to ensure public safety with increased patrols. The move was not easy for him because he has grandchildren in the county’s middle schools.

A police presence is so common in our schools today that students can’t imagine an officer not being available on-site. It doesn’t seem that long ago that the only time a police officer was in a school was to present a program on a topic like “Don’t do drugs.”

We’re fortunate to have a very visible Sheriff’s Office. Around the Mechanicsville Turnpike, you can often see a deputy just keeping a check on activity or helping a motorist. And, yes, there are those times when a driver has been charged with a moving violation. Whatever the case may be, it’s nice to know they’re nearby.

As Sheriff Cook shares his funding needs with the supervisors, let’s hope our county can continue to provide the best in public safety and education. However the money is doled out, these are on the must lists.

And, if you have an opinion on the budget, mark your calendar for Wednesday, March 31. The supervisors welcome your input at a public hearing that will get under way at 7 p.m.

It’s up to you to take advantage of the opportunity.