WESTLAKE VILLAGE--A Ventura County sheriff’s sergeant who was killed trying to stop the mass shooting in Thousand Oaks was remembered during a funeral service Thursday as a loving father and husband, a committed law enforcement officer, a selfless human being and a hero.

Hundreds of people, including law enforcement officers from across the state, mourned Ron Helus and celebrated his life at Calvary Chapel Community Church in Westlake Village.

Helus, 54, was among the first law enforcement officers to go inside the Borderline Bar & Grill on the night of Nov. 7. He rushed in amid continuous gunfire and immediately engaged the gunman in a shootout. Helus was struck by multiple bullets.

His courageous actions are credited with saving others, allowing several people inside to escape.

He was among the 13 people who died in the shooting; the count also includes the gunman, who eventually turned his weapon on himself.

Ventura County Sheriff Bill Ayub emphasized again on Thursday the bravery and heroic nature of Helus’ actions.

"Webster’s dictionary defines a hero as a figure in mythology and legend renowned for great strength, courage and daring. I agree with every part of that definition, except for the mythology part,” Ayub said. “Ron was real.”

A 29-year veteran of the Ventura County Sheriff's Office, Helus spent much of his career on the SWAT team, and also worked drug investigations.

He was also a firearms and defensive tactics instructor who was committed to training others, especially the younger, less-experienced deputies on his shifts, according to Ayub.

He had planned to retire next year.

He married his wife Karen in 1989 in Thousand Oaks and were devoted to each other throughout their 29-year marriage.

Their son Jordan was born March 16, 1994, and adopted by the couple.

Following the memorial service, Helus was laid to rest at Pierce Brothers Valley Mortuary and Cemetery in Westlake Village. (Source: KTLA)

Story Date: November 19, 2018