Tulare deputy remembered as hero at memorial service. ‘Bravest man I’ve ever known’

More than 1,500 people including law enforcement, community members, and family and friends remembered Tulare County Sheriff’s Office deputy Randy Hoppert at a memorial service Tuesday for his service and sacrifice.

Hoppert was shot and killed in the line of duty on April 9 after a man ambushed deputies serving an eviction notice at a home in north Porterville. Hoppert, 35, was part of the response to the initial shots-fired call. The man, identified as David Morales, 59, was later killed by law enforcement after a six-hour standoff.

With a broken voice, Hoppert’s wife Ashley, who has been in law enforcement for 14 years, thanked the community for the love and support they have shown her family at the memorial service Tuesday held at Visalia First Assembly in Visalia.

Ashley shared how they met 10 years ago through her coworkers at the Farmerville Police Department, how she cooked chicken pot pie on their first date, which then became his favorite meal, and how a ride along with her agency was the turning point in his career decision — falling in love with the job in law enforcement — and dropping his nursing classes to join the police academy. He wanted to become a Tulare County Sheriff’s deputy following the long line of Tulare County deputies in his family, she said.

“He was not fearless, and he told me that many times, he understood the risk, and he knew this day could come, but his courage was far greater. He was, without question, the bravest man I’ve ever known,” Ashley said.

Ashley recalled the fateful day her husband died and how she prayed for everyone’s safety and for “righteous justice.”

“A single high caliber round ended Randy’s life,” she said. “Randy saved several lives that day as the true hero. Randy passed away in the 11 o’clock hour.”

Among his peers, Hoppert was known not only for his bravery and skill, but also for his selflessness, integrity and the way he showed up without hesitation when others needed him most, said Peter Anderson, pastor of First Baptist Hanford, where Hoppert and his family attended church.

Hoppert, an avid hunter, was remembered for his appreciation for life, family and tradition. Hoppert, a detective, was a six-year veteran of the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office.

“Randy’s life was defined by his service, sacrifice and unwavering love,” Anderson said. “He leaves behind not only a legacy of courage and honor, but a lasting imprint on every life he touched.”

Hundreds of law enforcement officers and deputies traveled from across the country, including Chicago and Texas and all over the state, to attend funeral services and pay tribute to the fallen deputy, said a Tulare County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson.

“Randy’s service matter, his commitment matter, his life matter,” said Sheriff Mike Boudreaux at the service.

Boudreaux thanked all agencies who helped during the tragic event that took deputy Hoppert life.

Hoppert was the first California officer killed in the line of duty in 2026. He was rushed to Sierra View District Hospital in Porterville, where he was pronounced dead.

The memorial service, which was open to the public and streamed live, included a procession from Salsar and Dillard Funeral Home to the church, a flyover at the church, and a procession back to the funeral home after the service. There was no graveside service. According to the Sheriff office, Hoppert will be cremated.

Hoppert is survived by his wife Ashley, their three sons, Austin, Everhett and unborn son Levi who is expected to arrive in the fall, his parents and sister.

“He was a damn good father, one of the best,” Ashley said.

This story was originally published April 28, 2026 at 6:49 PM.

María G. Ortiz-Briones

The Fresno Bee

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María G. Ortiz-Briones is a reporter and photographer for McClatchy’s Vida en el Valle publication and the Fresno Bee. She covers issues that impact the Latino community in the Central Valley. She is a regular contributor to La Abeja, The Bee’s free weekly newsletter on Latino issues. | María G. Ortiz-Briones es reportera y fotógrafa de la publicación Vida en el Valle de McClatchy y el Fresno Bee. Ella cubre temas que impactan a la comunidad latina en el Valle Central. Es colaboradora habitual de La Abeja, el boletín semanal gratuito de The Bee sobre temas latinos. Support my work with a digital subscription