Send us a textFlathead County spans an area the size of Connecticut—and for Sheriff Brian Heino, every mile tells a story. Raised here, he’s fought wildfires in these forests, walked these roads in uniform, and now leads a department balancing explosive growth, seasonal surges, and shifting expectations. In this candid conversation, Heino traces his path from Forest Service firelines to law enforcement, sharing the moment he realized that serving this place was more than a job.We dig into the realities behind the badge: skyrocketing call volumes, fentanyl and meth challenges, and the ripple effects of mental health funding cuts and an overburdened detention facility. Heino explains how his team adapts through smarter outreach, training, and tools that prevent tragedy—alongside the quiet victories that keep them going, from letters of gratitude to second chances that stick. It’s a grounded, human look at what it takes to keep the Flathead safe while protecting the values that make it home.Heart of the Flathead is brought to you by: Glacier Investment Management Whitefish Financial Services Heart of the Flathead, is produced by David Wigginton, in partnership with LeftBrainRightBrain Marketing. Listeners can find the podcast online at HeartoftheFlathead.com and LeftBrainRightBrain Marketing at lbrbm.com. The content for Heart of the Flathead podcasts and any show notes and transcripts are copyrighted by David Wigginton. All rights are reserved. Reproduction and rebroadcasting, in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited without written permission. Contact David Wigginton by clicking the Send Us a Text link at the top of the episode description. Disclaimer The views and opinions expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host or production team. Appearance on the show does not constitute an endorsement of any goods, services, or opinions discussed. This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered professional, legal, medical, or financial advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making decisions based on the content of this show.

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