"Would you do this job?" Dallas police recruits pay tribute at memorial outside Dallas PD

DALLAS, Texas -- Many have stopped by the Dallas Police Department Monday, July 11th -- on the heels of the sniper attack that left five officers dead and seven others hurt, along with two civilians -- including new recruits with the Dallas Police Academy.

Stephen Toth

"I've been here 36 years and we've buried a lot of police officers in that period. But nothing like this," Stephen Toth, Dallas police sergeant said.

Toth has worked for decades to try to make this a better city. But even Toth, a Dallas police officer, had to ask a question after the tragedy in his city Thursday, July 7th:

"Ask anybody out here, would you do this job? And it's not just here -- but nationwide. Who wants to come out and do this job -- especially in light of seeing this?" Toth said.

Some of the Dallas police department's newest recruits were among those paying respects at the growing memorial outside the Dallas Police Department Monday.

"This is something I always wanted to be," Sammy Robles said.

Alyssa Ray

"My dad has always been a Garland police officer. I always wanted to help people. Do something better. This just seemed like a good fit for me," Alyssa Ray said.

Ray said she has the support of her family.

"We're ready to take on the challenge," Robles said.

But even now? After five of what would have been their co-workers were killed during what was a peaceful protest in downtown Dallas Thursday evening?

Dallas police recruits at memorial outside Dallas PD

"I understood what I was standing up for. Somebody has to do it. Someone has to be a guardian," Robles said.

Memorial outside Dallas PD

A candlelight vigil was held Monday night at City Hall in Dallas to honor the lives lost -- hosted by the Dallas Police Association.

Brent Thompson, Patrick Zamarripa, Lorne Ahrens, Michael Krol, Michael Smith

Vigil in Dallas

Vigil in Dallas