Sheriff's Sgt. Ron Helus 'Died A Hero' In California Shooting

Ron Dicker
Updated

Ventura County Sheriff’s Sgt. Ron Helus died “a hero” in Wednesday’s shooting at the Borderline Bar & Grill in Thousand Oaks, California, Sheriff Geoff Dean said. Helus was among at least 12 killed when a gunman opened fire on the popular nightspot for local college students outside Los Angeles.

Helus, among the first law enforcement responders, entered the front door of the bar with a highway patrol officer, according to reports. He was shot multiple times before his fellow officer could move him out of the way. Helus later died from his injuries.

Helus, who was married and had a son, had been on the force for 29 years and was to retire in a year, CBS News noted.

“He was totally committed,” Dean said. “He gave his all and tonight, as I told his wife, he died a hero ... because he went in to save lives.”

(Photo: Facebook)
(Photo: Facebook)

Capt. Garo Kuredjian said in the video below posted by CNN that a young man who was inside the club told him that Helus “saved additional people from being victims.”

“That’s what cops do,” Kuredjian said. “That’s what he did.”

Helus, 54, also owned a business called Gun Control, specializing in firearms training, according to his Facebook page. He was a University of Oklahoma graduate.

“It’s so tragic losing Ron,” Dean said, per CNN. “We go to the gym together, work out together. It’s horrific and terrible and it saddens our hearts.”

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People comfort each other after a mass shooting at a bar in Thousand Oaks, California.
People comfort each other after a mass shooting at a bar in Thousand Oaks, California.
People comfort each other as they stand near the scene.
People comfort each other as they stand near the scene.
Nellie Wong cries as Chyann Worrell holds her. The two and Erika Sigman (right) were all inside when the shooting started inside the Borderline Bar & Grill.
Nellie Wong cries as Chyann Worrell holds her. The two and Erika Sigman (right) were all inside when the shooting started inside the Borderline Bar & Grill.
Tim Dominguez, who was in the bar with his son, sits under the freeway.
Tim Dominguez, who was in the bar with his son, sits under the freeway.
In this image taken from video, a victim is carried from the scene of the shooting Wednesday evening.
In this image taken from video, a victim is carried from the scene of the shooting Wednesday evening.
Holden Harrah, 21, (right), who witnessed the shooting, hugs family and friends.
Holden Harrah, 21, (right), who witnessed the shooting, hugs family and friends.
People leave the scene in Thousand Oaks.
People leave the scene in Thousand Oaks.
Sheriff and FBI investigators huddle at the command post.
Sheriff and FBI investigators huddle at the command post.
Police work in the area.
Police work in the area.
A man speaks with law enforcement personnel as people stand near South Moorpark Road.
A man speaks with law enforcement personnel as people stand near South Moorpark Road.
Molly Esterline is hugged by David Crawford near the scene.
Molly Esterline is hugged by David Crawford near the scene.
People stand in a parking lot along South Moorpark Road.
People stand in a parking lot along South Moorpark Road.
Jason Coffman displays a photo of his son Cody outside the Thousands Oaks Teen Center, where he came hoping to find his son who was at the Borderline Bar & Grill.
Jason Coffman displays a photo of his son Cody outside the Thousands Oaks Teen Center, where he came hoping to find his son who was at the Borderline Bar & Grill.
A forensics team works the scene on Thursday in Thousand Oaks.
A forensics team works the scene on Thursday in Thousand Oaks.
Police officers guard the scene.
Police officers guard the scene.
Ventura County Sheriff Geoff Dean identifies Ian Long as the shooter at the Borderline Bar & Grill in Thousand Oaks. 
Ventura County Sheriff Geoff Dean identifies Ian Long as the shooter at the Borderline Bar & Grill in Thousand Oaks. 
Police investigate the scene.
Police investigate the scene.

This article originally appeared on HuffPost.