Roll of Honor
Incident
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.
In Our Keeping
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BO-US-CA-A8DF09DC- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Sergeant Helbush gave the Lake County Sheriff's Office 13 years.
Thank you for your service to the Lakeport community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Sergeant Helbush.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Sergeant Richard J. Helbush is one of 17,558 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 53.9% of all 32,585 officers honored here.
In CA, 974 of 1,837 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 53% of this state's fallen. That is 0.9 percentage points below the national rate of 53.9%.
At Lake County Sheriff's Office, 4 of 5 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 80% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Richard J. Helbush's cause is highlighted.
How Richard J. Helbush Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Richard J. Helbush is highlighted in May.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Richard J. Helbush was killed by gun.
Others Who Wore This Badge
4 officers from Lake County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
