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As an athlete, you thrive on teamwork, discipline, and pushing your limits—traits that make you invaluable in law enforcement. Imagine channeling your training, resilience, and ability to perform under pressure into protecting and serving your community. Both paths demand quick decision-making and sharp instincts, whether it’s on the field or in critical situations on duty.
Law enforcement provides an arena where leadership and accountability shine. You'll collaborate with dedicated teammates, lead by example, and have a tangible, positive impact on people’s lives. If you’re driven to achieve and make a difference, the Irving Police Department offers an opportunity to take your passion, stamina, and commitment to the next level.
SWAT
OFFICER TRAVIS REYES
I started my college playing career at Foothill College and then was fortunate enough to continue my playing career at Louisiana Tech University and then Indiana State University.
After graduating from Indiana State with a bachelor’s in criminology in 2015, I ended up joining the Dallas Police Department. I went through the lateral program and joined the Irving Police Department in 2017.
I couldn’t be happier with the choice I made to become a police officer. The fundamentals of teamwork, perseverance, determination, and grit are all applicable to this job.
PATROL
OFFICER REBECCA FINLEY
After college, I applied to Irving and was offered a job at the jail, where I had the opportunity to gain experience and build the confidence that would help me in the future. Softball taught me about accountability and dedication. We were always taught to treat every day as if we were wearing the uniform because, in the uniform, we represented ourselves, the team, the coaches, and the school.
When one person did something, it reflected on all of us. We had people relying on us to be at our best so the team would succeed. Now, instead of doing my best for my team and my school, I do it for the people I work with and the people I serve.
PATROL
OFFICER MARIA HERRING
My name is Maria Herring, and I am a police officer with the Irving Police Department. Before I became a cop, I was an athlete. Growing up as the only girl among my siblings, I was always playing sports in the backyard. I played soccer and basketball throughout middle and high school and later attended college on an athletic scholarship for basketball.
I’ve always enjoyed the team aspect of sports and the importance of working together toward a common goal. Sports provided me with a solid foundation of discipline and dedication. What I enjoyed most about the teams I was a part of was the diversity of skill sets, personalities, and leadership styles. We all found a way to create an environment that allowed each of us to be successful in our specified roles.
As I grew older and continued to pursue my interest in law enforcement, I realized that working for a police department is very much like being part of a sports team. Your co-workers have your back just like your teammates would. You form bonds with people you might never have crossed paths with, and the officers on your shift become family and lifelong friends. Together, you work toward a shared mission: to serve and protect the citizens.
As an athlete, the good days usually outweigh the bad, and the same can be said for law enforcement. In the end, the reward of making a difference in someone’s life is far more impactful than any win or championship. If you enjoy playing a team sport and want to make a difference, consider a career in law enforcement.
CRIME SCENE
INV. MICHELLE KOTLIK
My name is Michelle Kotlik, and I’m a police officer with the Irving Police Department. I played collegiate soccer for Texas A&M University-Commerce for three years. It was an incredible experience playing at such a high level, and it taught me many lessons that I carry with me in my current career.
Being an athlete instills the ability to handle pressure in challenging situations and the drive to be the best at what you do. Athletes are dedicated, disciplined, and hardworking—qualities that are equally important for police officers. In law enforcement, we face many stressful situations, and we constantly strive to excel in our careers in order to serve our communities more effectively.
Whether you’re an athlete or a police officer, your background, race, culture, or ethnicity don’t matter. We train together, fight together, and win together.
