This is a tragic day, one that has become far too common. A gunman opened fire last night at the Borderline Bar & Grill in Thousand Oaks. The shooter killed 12 people, including Sheriff’s Sgt. Ron Helus from the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department. Sgt. Helus was a 29-year law enforcement veteran, who was set to retire soon. Helus entered that bar with the intention of saving lives and sadly lost his own life in doing so. He is a true hero and will always be remembered as such.

I have spoken to President Scott Peterson of the Ventura County Deputy Sheriffs’ Association and expressed our deepest condolences and support in dealing with such a horrendous and heartwrenching occurrence.

This senseless violence must stop. People should not have to fear going out to a bar, synagogue, church, school, concert, movie theater, shopping mall or any other public venue. We grieve along with our brothers and sisters of the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department as well as the loved ones of the 12 innocent lives taken in this bloodbath. We are also praying for all the victims injured in this massacre. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you all… today and always.

-Tom Dominguez, AOCDS President