Tim Burbich is on the front lines of ensuring the health and safety of Fishers’ residents—one food inspection at a time. As a FHD Retail Health Inspector, Tim has dedicated his career to protecting the community by upholding the highest standards of food safety.
Over 16 years ago, Tim’s journey with the city began in public works, followed by roles in the water quality department and municipal code enforcement. After earning credentials through the National Environmental Health Association (NEHA) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), he joined Briggs Gonzalez and Dan Stuart in launching FHD’s food inspection department, building a robust system that prioritizes both public health and restaurant success.
Today, Tim plays a vital role in maintaining food safety in Fishers, bridging the gap between food operators and the community.
“Ultimately, our goal is to keep the food safe for the general public and everyone who visits us,” explains Tim. “Through uncovering potential risks, we aim to remediate before there’s any possibility of food-borne illnesses in our community.”
On any given day, Tim can be found conducting inspections, responding to complaints, and guiding food operators with corrective actions. Each inspection, which takes about an hour, results in a letter grade that is displayed publicly. “These grades ensure transparency,” Tim shares. “They reflect our dedication to maintaining high food standards in the restaurants Fishers residents and visitors frequent.”
More than just an inspector, Tim sees himself as a partner to local restaurant operators. His approach is rooted in education and collaboration, not punishment. “We work with restaurants and food operators to ensure their success,” he says. “If you see a lower grade, it’s our responsibility to collaborate and provide tools to help restaurants improve. We’re here to help them succeed, not just enforce rules.”
Tim takes pride in working closely with these local operators to uncover root causes and develop solutions that benefit everyone involved. For the operators, FHD provides more than oversight—it offers a valuable second set of eyes and an advocate for their business.
Tim’s role is integral to advancing FHD’s mission of promoting the health and well-being of Fishers’ residents. “We want to be good teachers and good listeners,” Tim emphasizes. “By thoroughly following guidelines and enforcing food codes, we support the health and safety of Fishers, while helping local businesses thrive.”
See our retail health inspections in action. Explore our interactive food grade and inspection dashboard here.
