THOUSAND OAKS, California -- Residents and public safety workers crowded overpasses along the 101 Freeway near Thousand Oaks to honor Ventura County Sheriff’s Sgt. Ron Helus as his body was transported to Ventura County Medical Examiner’s office Thursday morning, Nov. 8.
The procession arrived just after 11 a.m. and was greeted by two lines of uniformed deputies, arms raised in salute, and civilians with hands over their hearts.
Helus reportedly responded to a call about shots fired and ran into the Borderline Bar and Grill to help. He was shot multiple times and later died at Los Robles Regional Medical Center, where a procession waited earlier Thursday morning to escort his remains . Thirteen people died, including the shooter.
Road closures and traffic delays were expected as the motorcade left the hospital and made its way to the northbound 101.
Helus, a 29-year veteran of the force and a California Highway Patrol officer, ran into the bar on Rolling Oaks Drive when the shots rang out about 11:20 p.m.
At an emotional news conference, Ventura County Sheriff Geoff Dean recalled Helus a well-respected lawman and a personal friend.
“Ron was a hardworking, dedicated sheriff’s sergeant,” the sheriff said. “He was totally committed, he gave his all, and tonight, as I told his wife, he died a hero because he went in to save lives, to save other people.”
Before the procession departed, about 200 people turned up outside the hospital to grieve and pray.
“I needed to be here to show my respect,” Thousand Oaks resident Lilly Rigg said, adding that something like this “never happened so close to home. It’s such a tight community. So safe.”
Ellen Rivera of Newbury Park came to lend support to shooting victims. A survivor of the 2017 Las Vegas mass shooting, Riveria said she wasn’t hurt physically but still recovering emotionally.
“People are going to need help and care,” Rivera said.
Helus leaves behind a wife and son, officials said.
“Ron’s selfless, heroic actions will never be forgotten,” the department said in a statement. “Our hearts go out to his family and friends during this difficult time.”
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