A sheriff's sergeant, Deputy Sgt. Ron Helus, who was on the verge of retirement was killed in the tragic shooting at the Borderline Bar & Grill in Thousand Oaks, California, on Wednesday, November 7.
"It tears at our hearts and emotions, as it should," Ventura County Sheriff Geoff Dean said of all the victims and their families.
Dean explained that Helus and a highway patrol officer immediately entered the bar when they knew what was happening.
"Ron was a hard working, dedicated sheriff's sergeant," Dean said. "He was totally committed. He gave his all. And tonight, as I told his wife, he died a hero."
According to multiple reports, the gunman has been identified as army veteran 28-year-old Ian David Long.
After opening fire on the bar, which included college kids, Long shot and killed Helus, along with at least 13 other people, and injured numerous others. He was found dead on the scene.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to all those affected. An emergency information hotline has been set up for victims and survivors at 805-465-6650.