Hollister Police Chief Westrick announces departure

Hollister Police Chief David Westrick has announced he will be departing the city at the end of 2019 after about seven years in the top role and 16 years with the department. 

Westrick made the announcement on social media Thursday. In a March interview with San Benito Live, he noted he was in his 29th year as a peace officer and had surpassed the allowable retirement age of 50, but Westrick gave no indication he would potentially retire this year. 

Today, he reflected about his career and time with the Hollister Police Department. He said his decision had nothing to do with the administration change in the city or any other specific factors like the return of the Hollister Motorcycle Rally this coming July. 

“It’s just a personal decision,” he said. “You want to leave while you’re happy and you’re content.” 

Westrick took over as chief in 2012 when former Chief Jeff Miller retired. He’s originally from North Fork and spent time with two departments – Los Banos and Redwood City – before coming to Hollister in 2003. 

Look back for more.

Watch this video interview with Westrick from earlier this year: