Floor SpeechNeutral2026-04-28

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

ImmigrationHealthcareDefense

Context

On 2026-04-28, Representative David G. Valadao (R-CA-22) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF RANDY JOE HOPPERT, JR." in the House. The speech addressed immigration and also covered healthcare, defense.

Full Text

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

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 74 (Tuesday, April 28, 2026) [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. ____________________

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HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF RANDY JOE HOPPERT, JR. Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 74 (Tuesday, April 28, 2026) [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. ____________________