Rich Byrd
Sheriff Candidate
Experience, Stability, and a Lifelong Commitment to Home
Rich Byrd is a lifelong resident of Pacific County, born and raised in South Bend. His dedication to this community is personal; it is where he built his life, his career, and his family. For Rich, public service isn’t just a profession—it’s a commitment to protecting the neighbors and the home he has known since 1967.
Rich’s foundation of service began in the United States Army, where he served honorably from 1986 to 1990. Upon his return, he began a distinguished 20-year career with the Pacific County Sheriff’s Office. Starting as a Corrections Officer—graduating as the Honor Graduate and Top Student of his academy class—Rich went on to serve in nearly every facet of the agency. From the front lines of the Patrol Division to the high-stakes work of the Pacific County Narcotics Enforcement Team, Rich earned a reputation for integrity and effectiveness. His leadership was recognized through his promotions to Patrol Sergeant and eventually to Lieutenant, a role from which he retired in 2010.
Following his law enforcement career, Rich transitioned into private-sector leadership, managing large-scale operations and budgets for regional companies like Astoria Ford and Dr. Roof Inc. This decade of “real-world” business management provided him with a unique set of skills: fiscal accountability, operational efficiency, and a deep understanding of personnel management.
Rich Byrd is running for Sheriff to restore transparency, respect, and professionalism to the Pacific County Sheriff’s Office. He brings a rare combination of deep law enforcement roots and modern business acumen, offering a steady hand to bridge the gap between the agency, county leadership, and the citizens of Pacific County.
Heath Layman-
Declared Undersheriff: Heath Layman
Technical Excellence and Operational Leadership
Heath Layman complements Rich Byrd’s vision for a restored Sheriff’s Office by bringing 30 years of “boots-on-the-ground” command experience and a nationally recognized expertise in law enforcement training. A resident of Raymond, Heath has spent his career ensuring that officers are not only equipped to handle the complexities of modern policing but are also led with dignity and respect.
Heath’s journey in Pacific County also began in the early 1990s as a Reserve Deputy Sheriff, where he worked alongside Rich Byrd patrolling everything from the north county rivers to the Surfside community. This shared history forms the bedrock of their partnership today. Heath rose through the ranks to serve as Chief of Police in Cosmopolis, where he gained local acclaim for his selfless leadership. During a severe municipal financial crisis, Heath personally negotiated the transition of police services to ensure community safety remained intact—even though it meant the loss of his own position.
As Undersheriff, Heath will serve as the Chief Operating Officer of the Sheriff’s Office. He is a certifying Instructor for the NRA Law Enforcement Division and NLEFIA, and he will use this expertise to modernize training and rebuild the technical proficiency of the department. Heath’s background as a small business owner for over 20 years mirrors Rich’s business experience, ensuring the Sheriff’s Office is managed with fiscal discipline and a “People-First” culture.
Together, Rich Byrd and Heath Layman offer a balanced, professional leadership team. While Rich focuses on the agency’s vision and community trust, Heath provides the operational execution and training excellence required to make that vision a reality.