VISALIA, Calif. (KFSN) — A ceremony honoring the bravery and heroism of Tulare County Sheriff’s Office employees recognized the actions of deputies, dispatchers and other personnel involved in a deadly April 9 incident in Porterville that claimed the life of Detective Randy Hoppert.
During the ceremony, Hoppert’s widow accepted the Medal of Valor on his behalf.
Hoppert was honored for his actions during the incident, including moving deputies out of active gunfire and ensuring they were properly equipped.
Sheriff Mike Boudreaux praised Hoppert’s actions during the event.
“He was protecting others. He was putting others in safer positions than himself. He was making sure people were achieving tactical advantage. He took the position of other deputies that were on scene,” Boudreaux said.
Emergency dispatchers and responding deputies also were recognized for their work that day.
Among those honored was Deputy Hector Negrete, who received a Medal of Valor for his actions during the incident.
Boudreaux said Negrete left a place of safety and moved toward danger to assist Hoppert.
“There is one moment, one decision and Hector made it. He chose to leave safety in immediate threat of gunfire. He chose to run towards a fallen officer. He chose to risk his own life in an effort to save Randy,” Boudreaux said.
According to the sheriff’s office, the recognition marks a first for the department, as it is Negrete’s second Medal of Valor. He previously received the award for rescuing family members from a deadly house fire in Strathmore.
Negrete performed life-saving efforts and remained with Hoppert, according to the sheriff.
“He went above and beyond, and he actually grabbed Randy’s body and pulled it away from harm, trying to get medical attention to him,” Boudreaux said. “Randy presumptuously received it today because he did the same thing. He went into harm’s way under constant gunfire. Both of them really deserve the Medal of Valor from the sheriff’s office.”
Boudreaux said he plans to present proclamations to every law enforcement agency and police department that responded on April 9.
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