Sergeant Richard J. Helbush, Lake County Sheriff's Office, California

Sergeant Richard J. Helbush

Lake County Sheriff's Office, California

End of Watch Saturday, May 2, 1981

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Richard J. Helbush

Sergeant Richard Helbush was shot and killed when he stopped to assist a disabled vehicle in an isolated area around midnight.

Unbeknownst to Sergeant Helbush the two occupants were wanted for murder in Stockton. After making contact with the two Sergeant Helbush was shot in the back three times as he returned to his patrol car. The two suspects then stole his wallet, revolver, and patrol car.

When Sergeant Helbush failed to return radio calls other units went searching for him and found his body at the scene. Another unit spotted the stolen patrol car and engaged the suspects in a pursuit and shootout. The suspects were arrested and the man hung himself in jail while awaiting a court hearing.

Sergeant Helbush had served with the Lake County Sheriff's Office for 13 years.

Bio

Age 34
Tour 13 years
Badge 408

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Gun; Unknown type
Offender Committed suicide

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It was my junior year of high school when my dad nominated Mr. Helbush and coached him to join Masonic Lodge #199. To become a Mason, a member must be formally nominated at a meeting. During the next formal gathering, the master passes around a box. Each member holds one white ball and one black ball, then drops either one into the box. If there is even one black ball, the nominee is not accepted. To be a Mason, you must be an honorable person with good morals. I love you, Mr. Helbush! I'm grateful for the time we had together, and I wish it could have been forever. Love.

Sergeant Richard J. Helbush, Lake County Sheriff, is a brother to me in the Hartley Masonic Lodge #199. My father coached him in the Lodge April 1981.

August 1, 2025