VISALIA, Calif. (KFSN) -- Law enforcement officers from across the region stood side by side in Visalia to honor fallen Tulare County Sheriff's Deputy Randy Hoppert during a public viewing, where his flag-draped casket was carried into Visalia First Assembly Church ahead of his burial.
The gathering reflected days of public mourning and support for Hoppert's family as deputies, retirees and community members paid tribute to what many described as a selfless public servant.
"Randy was just one of those guys that everybody loved," said Greg Burns, a retired Tulare County deputy. "He was always there if you needed him if someone needed help he'd be the first one there."
For Burns, the loss was deeply personal. He recalled a dangerous encounter with a suspect in which Hoppert intervened.
"We were fighting on the ground doing all kinds of stuff. He eventually got this guy, subdued," Burns said. "He ran around to help a supervisor as fast as he could get around that truck I didn't have to ask for it. He heard me fighting with this guy and that's all it took."
The public viewing drew law enforcement personnel wearing a wide range of uniforms and patches, symbolizing unity across agencies and jurisdictions.
"You can see all the different colors, you get you got green and tan. You got blue. You got different patches everywhere," Burns said.
Support for Hoppert's family has continued across the region in recent weeks, from Tulare to Valley Strong Ballpark.
Steve Cloyd, a retired Valley California Highway Patrol officer, said the family's roots in the community run deep.
"The Hoppert family has been around for a long time in this general community between Tulare and here they've been here three generations four generations," Cloyd said.
The loss has weighed heavily on Hoppert's fellow deputies.
Sheriff Mike Boudreaux said the department has taken steps to help personnel cope in the days since Hoppert's death.
"We've had uniform personnel standing guard with Randy's body 24 hours day seven days week until since his death until he has never been left alone," Boudreaux said.
As the South Valley community prepares for a final farewell, many are looking toward healing while continuing to honor Hoppert's sacrifice.
"I wish I had been there. I wish I could've protected him," Burns said. He added, "We can't change what did happen, but at least we can show our respect for what did happen."
Ahead of tomorrow's funeral, aircraft were seen flying over Visalia during evening hours as part of planned preparations. Officials said the planes are coming from across Central Valley to honor Deputy Hoppert.