Departments throughout the region have stepped to help. With 34 Tulare County Sheriff's Office deputies on leave, they are offering assistance with staffing, patrol operations and investigations. At the Porterville Police Department, an American flag is flying at half-staff in honor of Deputy Hoppert's sacrifice.
Detective Hoppert was shot last Thursday while responding to a call for support after an eviction notice served to 59-year-old David Morales led to the suspect opening fire on officers. One bullet struck Hoppert, and he later died at a local hospital.
"This is a tragedy beyond explanation. It is not just a tragedy for law enforcement. It is a tragedy for an entire community," Porterville Police Chief Bobby Rader said.
The Porterville Police Department was the first agency on the scene. Rader said many officers, including himself, knew Hoppert personally.
"He lit up a room, he brought joy to everything. He was the best of the best. Randy is exactly who you would want with you in any situation. He was a consonant professional, he was an outstanding cop and he was full of life, and he loved his family. He was always talking about his family, and his hobbies, hunting and fishing, being outdoors," Rader said.
Hoppert's death has prompted an outpouring of support from the community. One local gas station donated $10,012.04 to honor Hoppert, with "12-04" representing his badge number. Jack's Gas said the donation was inspired by the fact that Hoppert was a father and leaves behind a pregnant wife.
Local law enforcement agencies have also pledged ongoing help to the sheriff's office.
Porterville city leaders echoed calls for unity as the community and Hoppert's family grieve.
"The greatest love there is in the world is a sacrifice for another, and we take that for granted sometimes, and we have to make sure that we are pulling together in this time of grief and trial. We also have to lift up that family because they are going to be living with that the rest of their lives, and we have to support them," Porterville Vice Mayor Ed McKervy said.
Detective Hoppert will be laid to rest April 28. His funeral is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. at Visalia First. A public viewing will be held April 27.
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