Randy Hoppert, a Tulare County Sheriff's office deputy, was shot and killed by David Morales in Porterville, California.
Deputies were serving a search warrant when Morales opened fire, and Hoppert was hit by a bullet from what authorities believed to be Morales' 'high-powered' rifle.
Hoppert was taken to a hospital and declared dead at 11:20am.
Locals, friends, and family are mourning Hoppert's demise, and here are 5 things to know about the slain deputy:
Hoppert comes from a family in law enforcement, with his grandfather being a retired undersheriff.
He served on the Tulare Area Gangs and Narcotics Enforcement Team and was a fun-loving guy who was very confident and 'a very good cop.'
Hoppert received a Letter of Commendation from the Tulare County Sheriff's Office in 2021 for using his training to help save a 2-year-old girl's life.
Hoppert's death marks the first line-of-duty death for the Tulare County Sheriff's Office since December 7, 2007.
