Sheriff Westrick is a graduate of Bowling Green State University. In 1973, he joined the Sheriff's Office as a Road Deputy. He also served as an Adult Probation Officer before becoming Sheriff in 1985. Sheriff Westrick is married and the father of two children. He and his family reside on a farm in Adams Township where the Sheriff has lived all his life. 

The Sheriff is active with numerous organizations in both Defiance County and on the State Level.  He has taught religious education at his church, St. Michael of the Ridge, for 21 years and held numerous positions with the Church’s council.  Sheriff Westrick serves on the Ohio Sentencing Commission and is Chairman of the Uniform and Car Markings committee for the State of Ohio.  Sheriff Westrick served as president of the Buckeye State Sheriff’s Association in 2003. 

The Sheriff is charged with the responsibility of keeping the public peace for all Citizens of Defiance County.  The Sheriff’s responsibilities include Civil Process, Housing of prisoners, warrants, S.O.R.N. (Sexual Offender Registration), Sheriff’s Sales, D.A.R.E., Court Services, road patrol, criminal investigations, civil executions, oversees the operation of the M.A.N. Unit, and is responsible for the E911 Center. 

In all of Ohio’s 88 counties the Sheriff is the chief law enforcement officer and all Sheriffs are elected and serve four year terms.  The Office of Sheriff is the oldest law enforcement position in the United States.