In a world where career longevity is increasingly rare, Darrin Woeppel stands as a shining example of commitment and excellence. This month, Darrin was honored with a 30-Year Milestone Achievement Award for his extraordinary service with Flathead County, a career marked by dedication, innovation, and community impact.
Originally from Havre, Montana, Darrin’s journey to Flathead County began after serving four years of active duty in the Air Force. He continued his service in the National Guard while pursuing a degree in microbiology with an emphasis in environmental health from Montana State University. As a combat engineer, Darrin was deployed to Iraq and Kuwait for nine months before retiring from the National Guard as a Master Sergeant in 2005.
In 1994, following his graduation, Darrin moved to Kalispell to accept a position with the Flathead County Health Department. His first role as a food sanitarian trainee introduced him to a department known for its forward-thinking approaches. Flathead County’s food grading system, which assigns A-F grades to licensed establishments, was one such innovation, and Darrin played a role in its development. This program remains unique in Montana, with Flathead County being the only county to implement such a rigorous system. With a team of just four inspectors, including Darrin, every restaurant in the county is inspected annually, ensuring public health and safety for a growing population.
Over the years, Darrin has seen significant changes in his role and the community he serves. For the first decade of his career, he focused on food safety before transitioning to the septic division for another ten years. He then returned to his roots in food safety, where he has continued to make an impact for the past decade. Despite the challenges of dealing with occasionally difficult individuals during inspections, Darrin’s outgoing nature and ability to build partnerships have been key to his success.
“I take pride in assisting places that may be struggling,” Darrin shares. “Working collaboratively to find solutions and educating people on how to safeguard public health creates relationships that evolve into partnerships.”
Darrin’s dedication goes beyond his professional contributions. For the past 30 years, he has also coached football, balancing his passion for mentorship with his commitment to public service. At 57 years old, Darrin plans to retire at 60, stepping away from both his career and coaching to enjoy a well-earned break. His retirement plans include spending time with his grandkids, boating on Flathead Lake, and taking six months to explore his next steps.
Darrin Woeppel’s three decades of service are a testament to his character, resilience, and dedication to improving the community. As he approaches retirement, Flathead County celebrates not just his achievements, but also the legacy of integrity and collaboration he’s made.