Sheriff Brian Heino and family

Meet Brian

Brian was born and raised in the Flathead Valley. This is home — not just where he works, but where he and his wife, Brandy, are raising their three children and building their lives.

Family is at the center of everything Brian does. He is actively involved in his children’s school and athletic activities, serves on the Kalispell Lakers Baseball board, and enjoys hunting and fishing with his family. As a lifelong Montanan and avid outdoorsman, Brian believes in preserving the values, traditions, and strong sense of community that make the Flathead special.

Past Term Accomplishments

A Lifetime of Service

Brian’s commitment to public safety began early when he volunteered with the Smith Valley Fire Department, following in his father’s footsteps. He later served with the U.S. Forest Service out of the Hungry Horse Ranger District as the Jewel Basin Ranger, worked on trail crews, and was a wildland firefighter.

After earning his degree in Criminal Justice from Sheridan College, Brian began his law enforcement career in Sheridan, Wyoming in 2001. In 2003, he and Brandy returned home to the Flathead, where Brian joined the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office.

Over the years, Brian has served in nearly every division of the Sheriff’s Office, including:

  • Patrol Deputy
  • Field Training Officer
  • Narcotics Detective
  • Search and Rescue Coordinator
  • Posse/Reserve Liaison
  • Patrol Commander
  • SWAT Team Member and Team Leader

He also served as a rescue specialist and systems operator with Two Bear Air.

In 2019, Brian was elected Sheriff of Flathead County and was re-elected in 2023.

Sheriff Brian Heino
flathead valley

Leadership You Can Trust

Brian has been recognized for his dedication and leadership by the Lions Club as Deputy of the Year, as well as by North Valley Search and Rescue, Flathead Search and Rescue, and the Flathead County Sheriff’s Posse.

He currently serves as 3rd Vice President of the Montana Sheriffs and Peace Officers Association and remains actively involved in community organizations and local initiatives.

“This community is my home. I have the great honor of serving this community.”

Brian is proud to be for the Flathead and from the Flathead. His commitment is simple: strong leadership, public safety excellence, and continued service to the community he loves.

Make A Contribution

Delivering Results for Flathead County

Under Brian’s leadership, the Sheriff’s Office has focused on safety, efficiency, and responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars.

New Justice Center

Successfully completed with voter support — a cost-effective, efficient, and safe facility designed to serve our community for generations.

School Safety

Partnered with local schools and Flathead Electric to place two School Resource Officers (SROs) in schools to enhance student and staff safety.

Traffic Safety Enforcement

Secured grant funding for a dedicated traffic enforcement deputy to target impaired driving and
school zones.

Stronger Interagency Coordination

Improved coordination among SWAT, K9, SROs, Investigations, and Patrol to ensure faster, more effective responses across the county.

Investment in Deputies

Enhanced training and equipment, including less-lethal tools and e-citation systems, allowing deputies to work more safely and efficiently.

Full-Time Coroner Services

Established full-time coroners to better serve families during times of loss with professionalism and compassion.

Support for Volunteers

Invested in professional volunteers through improved funding, equipment, and training.

Modern Technology for Modern Policing

Expanded online reporting, drone programs (including underwater sonar capability), cell phone forensic tools, and investigative training.

Wellness for Public Safety Professionals

Implemented wellness programs to support the mental and physical health of deputies and public safety staff.