Prev
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
- Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtpg78n9ahz73ad1fb4ab- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew Richard. Claim this record.
This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.
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
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Lake County Sheriff's Office has lost 5 officers; 4 of them killed feloniously.
Richard is one of 974 officers killed feloniously in CA, 53% of the 1,839 remembered there.
Richard is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Richard is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1981, 10 officers in CA were killed feloniously, the 18th heaviest of 163 years on record. The heaviest was 1970, with 24.
In 1981, 126 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 39th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1981, 152 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 32nd heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Richard was 34. Of the 905 killed feloniously in CA whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 43; the middle age was 35. Richard had served 13 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Richard was 34. Of the 14,220 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. Richard had served 13 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Richard was 34. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Richard had served 13 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
May holds 7.7% of these deaths in CA; October holds the most, 9.3%. Saturdays: 16.4%.
May holds 8% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Saturdays: 16.3%.
May holds 8.5% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Saturdays: 16.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 80% of all 5 deaths at Lake County Sheriff's Office, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 50% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 53% of all 1,839 deaths in CA, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 22.6% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 22.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 20.4% of these deaths.
His people
Lake County Sheriff's Office has 5 officers remembered here, Richard among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 16-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
4 officers from Lake County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
