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Tulare Today
By the People, for the People
Tulare County deputy killed in line of duty
Randy Hoppert, a 35-year-old father, was shot and killed while responding to a call for assistance.
Apr. 10, 2026 at 3:04am
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The tragic death of Deputy Hoppert underscores the dangers that law enforcement officers face while serving their communities.Tulare TodayRandy Hoppert, a 35-year-old deputy with the Tulare County Sheriff's Office, was shot and killed in the line of duty on Thursday while responding to a call for assistance in Porterville, California. Hoppert, who was a six-year veteran of the department and served as a detective, was the grandson of a former Tulare County Undersheriff. He is survived by his wife, who is four months pregnant, and his family.
Why it matters
The tragic death of Deputy Hoppert highlights the dangers that law enforcement officers face while serving their communities. It also underscores the sacrifices that officers and their families make to keep the public safe.
The details
Hoppert responded to a call for assistance from other deputies who were serving an eviction notice at a home in Porterville. During the incident, Hoppert was struck by gunfire and later pronounced dead at a local hospital. Hoppert was a decorated officer who had recently saved a 2-year-old girl's life and received letters of commendation for his service.
- On Thursday, April 10, 2026, Deputy Hoppert responded to a call for assistance in Porterville.
- Hoppert was shot and killed during the incident on Thursday.
The players
Randy Hoppert
A 35-year-old deputy with the Tulare County Sheriff's Office who was shot and killed in the line of duty. Hoppert was a six-year veteran of the department and served as a detective. He was the grandson of a former Tulare County Undersheriff.
Mike Boudreaux
The Tulare County Sheriff, who remembered Hoppert as a dedicated detective and father.
What they’re saying
“He's leaving behind a wife, and he has a family. He's a human being who takes his kids to sports, shops at the same shopping centers as you do.”
— Mike Boudreaux, Tulare County Sheriff
“This is a dangerous job, and it's one that you have to have a certain personality to do it, to serve your community, because each and every day families know that the officer may not come home, and that's what happened today.”
— Mike Boudreaux, Tulare County Sheriff
What’s next
The Tulare County Sheriff's Office and local community will hold a memorial service to honor Deputy Hoppert's life and service.
The takeaway
The tragic death of Deputy Hoppert serves as a somber reminder of the risks and sacrifices that law enforcement officers make to protect their communities. It underscores the importance of supporting and honoring the brave men and women who put their lives on the line to serve and keep the public safe.
