A weekly gathering of fun at a Thousand Oaks bar became a nightmare as a shooter stepped inside and opened fire on those attending “College Night” last November. Now, there is movement underway to honor the Ventura County sergeant who was killed while trying to stop the gunman.
In all, 12 people died the night of Nov. 7, 2018, including Sgt. Ron Helus, 54, a 29-year veteran of the department who was approaching his last year on the job before retirement. The gunman killed himself.
Sgt. Helus was one of the first law enforcement officers to arrive at the Borderline Bar & Grill that night. Tragically, amidst the very confusing and chaotic scene, Helus was struck and killed by a fellow officer.
California State Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin, D-Thousand Oaks, introduced a resolution to name a portion of Highway 101 in his honor.
“Although this is a small gesture, I hope that by dedicating a stretch of a highway traveled by so many in the region, we can continue to be reminded of Ron’s legacy of service and sacrifice to our community,” Irwin said.
The section of Highway 101 between Hampshire Road and Lynn Road in Thousand Oaks will be designated as the “Sgt. Ron Helus Memorial Highway” if the resolution is approved. This stretch of the highway is immediately adjacent to Borderline Bar & Grill.
“Just as was done for Deputy Kostiuchenko a few years ago, naming a portion of Highway 101 for a fallen officer is one of the highest honors the state can bestow,” said Ventura County Sheriff Bill Ayub. “I am grateful to Assemblywoman Irwin for authoring this resolution to honor Sgt. Helus.”
Concerts have resumed at the Thousand Oaks bar.
