In Memoriam Sergeant Ron Helus

(Graphics courtesy Rose Borisow GrafX)

Sheriff Geoff Dean of the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department in California, sadly reports the death of Sergeant Ron Helus.

Sgt. Helus, 54, was shot while he was responding to an active shooter situation at a country western bar just before midnight. Helus, less than three minutes time from the location, rushed into the bar and confronted the shooter. As a result, he was shot multiple times and critically wounded. Other responding officers pulled Helus from the scene and he was transported to the hospital. However, he did not survive.

Today we mourn the loss of Sergeant Ron Helus who gave his life serving the community. Please keep his family and the families of the victims in your thoughts and prayers. pic.twitter.com/EwDsnPRDCs
— Ventura Co. Sheriff (@VENTURASHERIFF) November 8, 2018

At the time of the shooting, the bar was occupied by about 200 students. Eleven civilians were killed and numerous others wounded. The suspect shooter was later located deceased in the bar.

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Ron Helus served the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department for 29 years. Moreover, he was a firearms instructor and a member of the Department’s SWAT team. He planned on retiring next year and devoting his time to his family. Furthermore, he reportedly planned to spend time with his gun store and firing range business. He is survived by wife and son.

Sergeant Ron Helus is gone, but will never be forgotten

EOW: Thursday, November 8, 2018

Author

Patrick Sharkey

Pat Sharkey earned an associate's Degree at Kellogg Community College and was hired by the Battle Creek Township Police Department as a dispatcher. Pat was then hired by the Michigan State Police and was initially assigned to the Capitol Security Detail. Eight years later, he attended the 98th Trooper Recruit School. Pat served as a trooper for the remainder of his career serving at State Police Posts in Erie, Sandusky, Northville, Flat Rock, Bridgeport, Ypsilanti, and Caro areas of Michigan. He attended Michigan State University’s Traffic Crash Reconstruction Program and was certified as an expert witness in several Michigan courts. Pat retired in 2010 after 35 years of public service. He is a correspondent for Law Enforcement Today and enjoys hunting, target shooting, and (most of all) sailing.