Incident
Detective Randy Hoppert was shot and killed while responding to officers who were met with gunfire while serving an eviction notice.
Around 10:20 a.m., deputies were serving an eviction notice at 1713 W Brian Lane in Porterville when the subject shot at them with a high-powered rifle. When Detective Hoppert arrived, he was struck by gunfire while he engaged in the shootout with the suspect. He was transported to a local hospital, where he succumbed to his wounds.
The suspect remained barricaded and exited the home six hours later. He was fully camouflaged and was firing at officers while hiding in the foliage in the backyard, stating that he would not surrender. A tactical vehicle ran him over while he fired at officers.
Detective Hoppert was a United States Navy veteran and had served with the Tulare County Sheriff's Office for six years. His father also served with the Tulare County Sheriff's Office, and his grandfather was an Undersheriff.
Survivors
Survivors include his expectant wife. His father also served with the Tulare County Sheriff's Office, and his grandfather was an Undersheriff.
On behalf of Point 27, we would like to offer condolences for Detective Randy Hoppeert. Please know we are eternally grateful for Randy’s service and his ultimate sacrifice.
To honor Detective Randy Hoppert, Point 27 sent Thin Blue Line Dog Tag Necklaces, engraved with “Blessed are the Peacemakers for they will be called children of God” Matthew 5:9, to the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office in Visalia, California for Randy’s partner and fellow deputies. Point 27 also sent Folded Flag Necklaces engraved with “Greater Love has no one than this; than to lay down one’s life for one’s friend” John 15:13 for Detective Randy Hoppert’s family.
Point 27 is a Non-Profit organization with a mission to strengthen and encourage members of the Armed Forces, First Responders, and their families, with God’s Word inscribed on Shields of Strength jewelry.
Surviving Wife of Detective Jerry M. Rhodes, Dallas Police Department Retired
In Our Keeping
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BO-US-CA-A71077E9- Stewardship
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- Added to badge.nw
- April 13, 2026
- Last updated
- July 23, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I served 1985 to 1993. You served too, before the badge - different uniform, same idea. You go where you are sent and you do not get to pick the call.
Detective Hoppert gave the Tulare County Sheriff's Office 6 years.
Thank you for your service to the Visalia community, and for your service before it. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, brother.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Military Service
Randy Hoppert served in the United States military before joining law enforcement. Full service record available on salute.nw.
Detective Randy Hoppert is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 54.2% of all 32,508 officers honored here.
In CA, 974 of 1,837 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 53% of this state's fallen. That is 1.2 percentage points below the national rate of 54.2%.
At Tulare County Sheriff's Office, 5 of 16 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 31.3% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Randy Hoppert's cause is highlighted.
How Randy Hoppert Compares
Offender Outcome
Suicide by cop
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Randy Hoppert is highlighted in Apr.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Randy Hoppert was killed by rifle.
Others Who Wore This Badge
15 officers from Tulare County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.













