Officers talk about risks on the job

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — We all know it’s dangerous work to be a law enforcement officer, but recently murders on the job have been attracting national attention.

Corporal Leslie Irving with the Wilmington Police Department said danger is always in the back of the minds of officers as they leave their loved ones for work each day. But Irving said she is passionate about her job and passionate about keeping people in Wilmington safe.

Irving said tragedy can strike at any moment, whether on the job or not, so at least when she is in uniform she is doing what she loves. Irving said it is the best way she can give back to the community she grew up in.

“Yes we do go to work and put our lives on the line everyday, but this is also the profession that we chose to do to better the good of the community. And that’s something that you have to face, that we may have to do that, give the ultimate sacrifice,” Irving said.

She adds that is it important for officers to be engaged in their community so folks see them as more than just people who issue tickets and citations.