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101 Freeway in Thousand Oaks dedicated to Sgt. Ron Helus, who died in Borderline shooting

Sgt. Ron Helus was among the first law enforcement officers to arrive at the scene of a mass shooting at Borderline Bar & Grill last year. He was killed in the shootout.

THOUSAND OAKS, CA - NOVEMBER 6, 2019 Karen Helus, wife of Ventura County Sheriff's Sgt. Ron Helus who was killed in the line of duty during the Borderline Bar and Grill mass shooting one year ago with their son Jordan, left, and Ventura County Sheriff Bill Ayub at her side during a ceremony to dedicate a 3.4 mile section of Highway 101 between Hampshire Road and Lynn Road as the Sgt. Ron Helus Memorial Highway. “I just wanted to say thank you to Jacqui because I know how much love went into this, I know how much hard work went into this,” Karen Helus said. “And it just makes his life and his legacy keep going.” This stretch of highway is immediately adjacent to the Borderline Bar & Grill, the location of the shooting. Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin (D – Thousand Oaks) introduced Assembly Concurrent Resolution (ACR) 17 to name the portion of U.S. Highway 101 to honor Ventura County Sergeant Ron Helus who was killed in the line of duty while responding to the active shooter threatening the lives of more than 200 college students and residents on November 7th, 2018 in Thousand Oaks. The event hosted by the Ventura County Sheriff's Office and the City of Thousand Oaks at Los Robles Greens Golf Course occurred as the signs were unveiled on the 101 freeway. “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,” Assemblymember Irwin said. (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

Sgt. Ron Helus’ son Jordan and wife Karen appear with Ventura County Sheriff Bill Ayub at a ceremony to dedicate a 3.4-mile section of the 101 Freeway as the Sgt. Ron Helus Memorial Highway.   (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

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Karen Helus hugs grandmother of a victim

Karen Helus, right, hugs Carol Smith, 77, whose grandson Blake Dingman, 21, was killed in the massacre at Borderline Bar & Grill.  (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

Sgt. Ron Helus Memorial Highway sign is unveiled

Jordan and Karen Helus unveil a replica of the sign dedicating the 101 Freeway between Hampshire Road and Lynn Road as the Sgt. Ron Helus Memorial Highway.   (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

Karen Helus speaks to father of a victim

Karen Helus speaks with Ken Dunham, whose son Jake Dunham, 21, was among those killed at Borderline Bar & Grill.  (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

Sign for Sgt. Ron Helus Memorial Highway

A sign on the 101 Freeway in Thousand Oaks honors Sgt. Ron Helus, who was killed responding to the scene of the Borderline shooting.  (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

Assemblywoman Jacqui Irwin hugs mother of a victim

Assemblywoman Jacqui Irwin (D-Thousand Oaks), left, hugs Lorrie Dingman, whose son Blake Dingman, 21, was killed in the attack at Borderline Bar & Grill last year.  (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

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