Touching Sheriff's Post Falls Closer To Home After Gwinnett Loss

GWINNETT COUNTY, GA – Just a few days after Gwinnett County endured the loss of their own fallen hero, police officer Antwan Toney, a Gwinnett County Sheriff's post Thursday about the most recent fallen hero, strikes even closer to home.

Here is the post on the Sheriff's Facebook page:

“I’ve got to go handle a call. I love you. I’ll talk to you later.”

Those were the last words that Ventura County Sheriff's Office Sergeant Ron Helus spoke to his wife. He was murdered shortly after he hung up the phone. The call he "had to handle" was at the Borderline Bar & Grill in Thousand Oaks, California, where a killer was on the loose last night.

As terrified patrons were running away from the gunfire, our brave blue brothers and sisters charged towards it. Their job was to stop it. Have you ever thought about that? About what it's like to run toward gunfire? Ever wonder why some people are willing to put their lives on the line for complete strangers?

Most law enforcement officers have probably never questioned it themselves. We just do it. We train hard so that we can do it to the best of our ability. Sometimes it ends like this anyway. We hate to hear stories like this.

Twelve people were killed. Innocent people. Many of them were young people with their whole lives ahead of them. We ask that you keep everyone affected by this horrific tragedy in your thoughts and prayers and that you remain ever mindful of the great sacrifice that law enforcement officers are willing to make for you."

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• Schools, Police Honor Fallen Officer Before Game
• Hero Gets Incredible Send Off After His 'End Of Watch': Photos
• Slain Officer's Procession Route Planned, Community Invited
• Slain Georgia Police Officer Antwan Toney: 5 Things To Know
• Cop Killer Shot, Killed After Wielding Lawnmower Blade: Police
• Slain Officer's Funeral, Visitation Arrangements Made
• Manhunt Ongoing For Cop Killer After SWAT Search Comes Up Empty
• Cop Killer Identified, Still At Large: Gwinnett Police

Photo courtesy Gwinnett County Sheriff's Office