County extends sympathies to shooting victims and families, recognizes Sgt. Helus

VENTURA, Calif. – The Ventura County Board of Supervisors and the County Executive Officer, on behalf of all the County’s nearly 9,000 employees, wish to express their deepest condolences to all the victims, their families, friends and the entire community suffering from the tragedy occurring last night in Thousand Oaks. The County also wishes to express their deep sorrow for the death in the line of duty of Sheriff’s Sergeant Ron Helus.

“It is a deeply sad moment in our community to experience the loss of so many who had their whole lives in front of them,” said Supervisor Linda Parks. “Our hearts go out to all who are dealing with the loss of a loved one or friend.”

Sergeant Helus responded to a call of shots fired at the Borderline Bar and Grill in Thousand Oaks at 11:15 p.m. on Wednesday, November 7. There was an active shooter incident in progress during the bar’s “College Night” and he and a CHP officer made entry to save lives. Sergeant Helus was struck with gunfire and later died at the hospital.

Sheriff Dean has called Sergeant Helus a hero, and our Sheriff’s Office personnel and all who knew him are mourning his loss. They have reached out to support his wife and son. Sergeant Helus entered the scene while shots were still being fired. It was an act of extreme bravery and committed public service.

“It takes a special kind of person to walk toward danger,” said Peter Foy, District 4 Supervisor and Board Chair. “Ron Helus heard gunfire and knew lives were in danger and without hesitation he stepped into that danger. We are so proud of our first-responders and their willingness to risk their lives to save ours. Ron will be deeply missed.”

“This terrible tragedy affects not only our County family, but our communities, college campuses and many friends and families,” said County Executive Officer Mike Powers. “Please keep them in your thoughts. The grieving has only just begun, and they will need our support.”

The respect our hardworking deputies and police officers have earned was evidenced by the thousands of people lining the streets, stopping on the freeway and saluting from the overpasses Wednesday morning along the entire route of Sergeant Helus’ procession from Thousand Oaks to Ventura.

We would also like to recognize and thank the support efforts being provided to the families by Ventura County Behavioral Health, the District Attorney Victims Assistance Unit, the Red Cross and Public Safety Chaplains.

Information on services for Sergeant Helus will be released by the Sheriff’s Office over the next few days.

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