Placer honors retiring chief probation officer

After close to 28 years of service to Placer County, the Board of Supervisors honored Chief Probation Officer Marshall Hopper with a commendation Tuesday. Hopper joined Placer County Probation in 1997, following tenures with the Shasta County and El Dorado County probation offices, and worked his way up the ranks to serve as chief probation officer for 14 years. According to the staff report, Hopper pioneered initiatives to address homelessness and reduce justice system barriers, and advocated for innovative, evidence-based approaches to public safety and rehabilitation. "Marshall is committed to making a positive impact on the community, the individuals under probation supervision and the staff within his organization," the commendation reads. After Board Chair and District 1 Supervisor Bonnie Gore read the commendation into the record, the board thanked Hopper for his innovation and dedication to Placer County. "I think the legacy of any of our careers is the people's lives we've touched and the testament is in front of you and all around you, and what you've brought to this county is just remarkable," District 5 Supervisor Cindy Gustafson said of the packed board chambers and Hopper's accomplishments. Added Gore, "... What I have seen in you is a man who is innovative, willing to try different things and willing to do difficult work and encourage your team to do really hard work, but work that is really rewarding. The changes you have made in this county because of your willingness to innovate and try something new and do some of the hard stuff, you've made a huge impact in our community." Following the board's comments, Judge Jeffrey Penney, Placer County Sheriff Wayne Woo, Placer County District Attorney Morgan Gire, former Supervisor Jim Holmes, appointed Chief Probation Officer Brian Passenheim, Placer County Health & Human Services Director Dr. Rob Oldham, county employees and members of the public thanked Hopper for his service, noting his dedication to compassion, integrity and innovation. Hopper thanked everyone for the kind words regarding his career and left words of encouragement for the probation team. "To my staff, it has been one of my greatest honors to work with you, to stand beside you and to serve as your chief probation officer, and I thank you for allowing me that opportunity," Hopper said. "I know that the department is in great hands. My next chapter, to be honest, I'm nervous and excited all at the same time, but I know that I'm leaving this department in the hands of Chief Passenheim and his team, who are truly capable of continuing the great things that we have done here in Placer County, and I'm extremely proud of that." Hopper was met with a standing ovation in the board chambers following his remarks. The board unanimously approved Hopper's commendation.