Ventura County Sheriffs Sgt. Ron Helus died a hero in Wednesdays shooting at the Borderline Bar & Grill in Thousand Oaks, California, Sheriff Geoff Dean said. Helus was among at least 12 killed when a gunman opened fire on the popular nightspot for local college students outside Los Angeles.

Helus, among the first law enforcement responders, entered the front door of the bar with a highway patrol officer, according to reports. He was shot multiple times before his fellow officer could move him out of the way. Helus later died from his injuries.

Helus, who was married and had a son, had been on the force for 29 years and was to retire in a year, CBS News noted.

He was totally committed, Dean said. He gave his all and tonight, as I told his wife, he died a hero ... because he went in to save lives.