Before he began his career with Henry County Police Department in June 2000, Major Ireland served 21 years in the United States Army. Ireland also served as a reserved officer with the Havre de Grace Police Department in Maryland from 1990 to 1993.

Major Mike Ireland began his career with Henry County Police Department in June 2000 after retiring from the U.S. Army. In 2001, Ireland resigned from full time police service but remained with the reserve unit for 3 years. Ireland returned to full time Law Enforcement with Henry County in 2004. Ireland was promoted to Detective and assigned to the Criminal Investigation Division. Ireland was promoted to the rank of Sergeant in 2007 and remained in the Criminal Investigation Division where he supervised Crime against Children and the Violence Against women unit. In 2010, Ireland was transferred to Internal Affairs where he was responsible for hiring and recruitment along with Internal Investigations. In 2012, Ireland was promoted to Lieutenant and was transferred to Uniform Patrol Division where he was assigned to the South Precinct as the Day watch supervisor. Ireland was transferred back to the Criminal Investigation Division and assigned to north precinct as the Criminal Investigation North precinct Commander for the day and evening watch detectives. In February 2017 Ireland was promoted to Captain and assigned as the Internal Affairs Commander where he is responsible for several aspects of the police department including internal investigations, hiring and recruiting, open records requests, and Public Information Officer/media relations. Ireland was promoted to Major in July of 2017 and remained as the Commander of Internal Affairs. In January of 2018, Ireland was appointed to Deputy Chief of Police. In October 2023, Ireland was appointed to Chief of Police.

Ireland currently serves as a board member for the Southern Crescent Sexual Assault and Child Advocacy Center. Ireland has received several community service awards, Commendations, Chief's Awards, NAACP Bass Reeves Law Enforcement Award, Associate of Science degree from Harford Community College and supervisory and Management Certifications.