On August 17th 1990 Richard married the love of his life and best friend, Lori Eberwein. Richard and Lori have shared a life together and have produced three productive and strong children. Anthony, Megan and Tyler West. Anthony was an Airman in our United States Air force and currently a professional working for a large local company. Megan is a marketing graduate of Central Missouri State University, and Tyler is currently in the United States Marine Reserves while he finishes his masters at Missouri Baptist University. Richard and Lori have instilled strong family values and the importance of the family unit into their children and while all families have ebbs and flows in their lives, Their children have established strong work ethics and are productive member of our community.

Richard graduated high school in 1985 and started work at the St Louis City Metropolitan Police Department in 1986 as a Communications Specialist II. In 1989 Richard entered the St Charles Law Enforcement Academy where he obtained his certification to be a Law Enforcement Professional and worked for Pine Lawn, Maplewood and Berkeley police departments. Working as patrolman, canine officer and finishing his career out as a detective in the city of Berkeley and in 2005 he achieved his Associates degree in business management. Richard was an NRA/FBI certified firearms instructor, Computer Voice Stress Analyzer, and an active member of the Greater St Louis Metropolitan Major Case Squad upon his retirement in August of 2008. In 2009 Richard accepted a position as an International Police Advisor and was under the guidance of the United States Department of State. Richard traveled to Iraq where he was stationed in the Kurdish region and worked with the Asaish, the Kurdish Special Police. Richard also spent another 14 months at the Baghdad Police College in Baghdad, Iraq where he was responsible for training and mentoring over 35 Iraqi Police Canine officers in transition from patrol to canine handlers. Returning home in late 2011, Richard accepted a position with a local insurance provider as a Fraud Analyst investigating Medicare and Medicaid fraud. On January 1, 2015 Richard and Lori Opened a small retail store which has grown over the years. They have been business owners for over 5 years and their business is thriving and very successful as they work as a team learning the tribulations of owning a small business.

Richard and Lori are well known in their community as Richard was elected to serve as the Mayor of New Melle in April 2014 and has served 3 terms and is starting a 4th term in April 2020. Richard is current member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in New Melle, MO. As Mayor, Richard has participated in the annual Mayors Charity Ball which is a fundraising charity which donates monies back to local charities. Richard also works with local charities in fundraising, food banks, donations and much more. In 2019 Richard became a member of the Wentzville Rotary Club and is active with the local Lions Club, VFW, and Schools.