Procession Honors Fallen Tulare County Deputy

Law enforcement partners escorted Deputy Randy Hoppert's body from Tulare to Visalia.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 10:53pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a police badge or other law enforcement equipment, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, creating a stark, gritty, investigative aesthetic.The procession for fallen Deputy Hoppert was a somber tribute to his service and sacrifice.Porterville Today

A procession was held on Monday afternoon to honor Tulare County Sheriff's Office Deputy Randy Hoppert, who was killed in the line of duty last Thursday. Law enforcement partners from surrounding agencies escorted Hoppert's body from the Tulare County Coroner's Office in Tulare to a funeral home in Visalia.

Why it matters

Deputy Hoppert's death in the line of duty has deeply impacted the local law enforcement community. The procession was a solemn tribute to honor his service and sacrifice.

The details

Deputy Hoppert, 35, was killed when 59-year-old David Eric Morales ambushed deputies serving an eviction notice. Morales was run over and killed by a Kern County Sheriff's Office BearCat vehicle. Hoppert had served in the U.S. Navy from 2010 to 2015 and was recognized in 2021 for using his Navy training to help save a 2-year-old girl's life.

  • The procession was held on Monday afternoon, April 13, 2026.
  • Deputy Hoppert was killed in the line of duty last Thursday.

The players

Randy Hoppert

A 35-year-old Tulare County Sheriff's Office deputy who was killed in the line of duty.

David Eric Morales

A 59-year-old man who ambushed deputies serving an eviction notice, leading to a confrontation where he was run over and killed by a Kern County Sheriff's Office BearCat vehicle.

Tulare County Sheriff's Office

The law enforcement agency that Deputy Hoppert worked for.

Kern County Sheriff's Office

A neighboring law enforcement agency that assisted in the incident that led to Deputy Hoppert's death.

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The takeaway

The tragic death of Deputy Hoppert underscores the risks and sacrifices law enforcement officers make to protect their communities. His procession was a solemn tribute to his service and a reminder of the importance of supporting our local police.