Hundreds gathered at First Assembly of God Church in Visalia on Tuesday to honor Tulare County Sheriff’s Deputy Randy Hoppert, who was killed in the line of duty April 9 in Porterville.
Law enforcement officers from across California, including Tulare and Fresno County agencies joined the rembrance of the brave Tulare CountySheriff’s Deputy.
Driving Tulare County Sheriff Mike Boudreaux escorted Hoppert’s widow, Ashley, and their family into the sanctuary, where a silent crowd filled the pews in respect and remembrance.
A legacy of service: Hoppert, 35, was born Feb. 11, 1991, in Visalia.
- After graduating from El Diamante High School, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy as a hospital corpsman and completed two deployments with the Marine Corps’ 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion.
- Upon returning home, he joined the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office, serving with the gang and narcotics task force, as a SWAT medic and on the fugitive apprehension team.
- He is survived by his wife, their two young sons and a third child due later this year, as well as his parents, sister and extended family.
What they’re saying: “He was not fearless, and he told me that many times. He understood the risk and he knew this day could come,” Ashley Hoppert said during the service. “But his courage was far greater than any fear. He was, without question, the bravest man I’ve ever known.”
- “No one ran from danger,” Boudreaux said. “Everyone ran toward it. This is a dangerous job. It requires courage to step into situations most people spend their lives trying to avoid.”
- “He answered the call to courage. Randy wore that badge with pride, carried himself with integrity, and he’s one of the best of our community,” Boudreaux said of Hoppert.
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