Unveiling of Detective Randy Hoppert's name on Tulare County Peace Officer Memorial

TULARE COUNTY, Calif. (KFSN) -- Hundreds gathered in Visalia on Wednesday to remember Tulare County's fallen peace officers, marking a somber and at times emotional memorial that included the addition of a new name.

One by one, the Tulare County community honored 30 officers who have died in the line of duty, with each name read aloud. At the memorial, 30 pairs of boots with flags were displayed to symbolize that the fallen officers will never walk alone.

"We do these memorials so, in fact, we remind people of, really, the tragedies that have taken place for law enforcement families," Sheriff Mike Boudreaux said.

Boudreaux said this year's ceremony carried added significance, coming just weeks after a suspect shot and killed Deputy Randy Hoppert during a Porterville standoff over an eviction notice.

On Wednesday, Hoppert's name was etched in stone as his family laid flowers.

"It's fresh, and it's painful, but I see those families who have come through and healed, and I think that's a lesson for all of us that this is a dangerous job, which takes bravery," Boudreaux said.

So far this year, Boudreaux confirmed that 29 peace officers have died in the line of duty across the country, including Hoppert.

"I've been here for 40 years, and I have nine friends' names on that wall," he said.

Members of the Sheriff's SWAT team attended the ceremony, including deputies who responded to the Porterville house after Hoppert was shot.

"Some of these young deputies coming in, they see a name on the wall, and yes, (they) want to remember and honor that name. This one is what's going to carry on the tradition for them because they lived it," Boudreaux said.

Boudreaux said Deputy Hoppert's name will be added to the National Peace Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C., next year, and that he will travel with the fallen deputy's family when that happens.

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