BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) — Tulare County Sheriff’s Deputy Randy Hoppert was laid to rest on Tuesday morning.
35-year-old Deputy Hoppert was killed in the line of duty when 59-year-old David Eric Morales ambushed Deputies serving an eviction notice. Morales was run over by a Kern County Sheriff’s Office BearCat vehicle and killed.
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Deputy Hoppert served in the U.S. Navy from 2010 to 2015, and in 2021 was recognized for his bravery for using the training he received with the U.S. Navy to help save a 2-year-old girl’s life.
Deputy Hoppert is survived by his pregnant wife and their two sons, as well as his mother and sister.
FILE – Tulare County Detective Randy Hoppert with his family (Photo: Tulare County Sheriff’s Office)
Detective Randy Hoppert’s funeral was held Tuesday morning at Visalia First Assembly Church.
Tulare County Sheriff’s Deputy Randy Hoppert was laid to rest on Tuesday morning. CREDIT: Visalia First
Inside the service, loved ones shared emotional tributes and memories of Hoppert.
His wife, Ashley Hoppert, spoke about her loss, saying, “To my best friend, there are days that I don’t know if I will survive this broken heart.”
Tulare County Sheriff Mike Boudreaux also reflected on Hoppert’s legacy.
“We must remember that Randy’s service mattered. His commitment—it mattered. His life—it mattered,” Boudreaux said.
Colleagues described Hoppert as someone who always put others before himself. Detective R. Vigil said, “Randy always put others first—his family, his unit, his team, his brothers—and the mission came before himself.”
Community members also shared their thoughts during the service. Visalia resident Michael Rocha said the tragedy has had a lasting impact.
“It’s always a loss when something like this happens. It’s a tragedy, but hopefully it brings the community together,” Rocha said.
Outside of his work in law enforcement, Hoppert was known as an avid hunter who enjoyed spending time outdoors. His family described him as a devoted husband, father, and man of faith.
The Deputy Sheriff’s Association created a donation page for the family that can be found here.