[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 74 (Tuesday, April 28, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E379]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF RANDY JOE HOPPERT, JR.

                                  _____
                                 

                         HON. DAVID G. VALADAO

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 28, 2026

  Mr. VALADAO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today along with my colleague, 
Representative Vince Fong, to honor the life and legacy of Deputy Randy 
Joe Hoppert, Jr. A Central Valley native, Deputy Hoppert dedicated his 
life to protecting the people of Tulare County with integrity, courage, 
and a deep sense of purpose.
  On April 9, 2026, he made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty, 
leaving behind a legacy that will endure in the community he served and 
among all who knew him.
  Deputy Hoppert was raised in Visalia, California, graduating from El 
Diamante High School before answering the call to serve in the United 
States Navy. As a Hospital Corpsman from 2010 to 2015, he provided 
critical care to sailors and Marines during two deployments.
  After his service in the Navy, Deputy Hoppert reaffirmed his 
commitment to public safety by enrolling in the Tulare Kings Police 
Academy in 2019. A year later, he joined the Tulare County Sheriff's 
Office as a Deputy I assigned to the Patrol Division out of the Orosi 
Substation. He was quickly promoted to Deputy II and then reassigned in 
2022 as a detective with the TAGNET Unit. In 2025, he was assigned to 
the Sheriff's office CATTCH Unit and served as a SWAT medic, using his 
military medical expertise to ensure timely trauma care for officers 
and others during critical, high-risk operations. He will be sorely 
missed by both the Tulare County Sheriff's Office and the community he 
protected and served so valiantly.
  Deputy Hoppert is survived by his wife, Ashley; his sons, Austin and 
Everhett; his unborn son, Levi; his mother, Stacy Schwab; his father, 
Randy Hoppert, Sr.; and countless loved ones who will carry on his 
memory.
  Mr. Speaker, Representative Vince Fong and I ask our colleagues in 
the House of Representatives to join us in honoring the life and legacy 
of Deputy Randy Joe Hoppert, Jr. His courage, sacrifice, and unwavering 
commitment to others will never be forgotten.

                          ____________________