11th Annual Sergeant Ron Helus Ride for the Blue Returns May 30
The Californer/10346907

VENTURA, Calif. - Californer -- More than 300 motorcycles, as well as first responder vehicles, will make their way across Ventura County on Saturday, May 30, as the 11^th annual Sergeant Ron Helus Ride for the Blue returns to honor local heroes.

The ride begins at Simi Valley City Hall where participants check in, receive a commemorative event t-shirt, and enjoy breakfast before opening announcements begin. The lineup stretches more than a mile long, as riders travel to eight additional police stations throughout the county, with lunch provided by Firehouse Subs at the Oxnard Police Station. Residents of all ages are invited to show their support and cheer on the riders at each stop along the route.

Originally called Ride for the Blue, the event was renamed in 2019 in memory of Sergeant Ron Helus, who gave his life protecting others during the 2018 Borderline shooting. "This event is a tribute to Sergeant Ron Helus and to every first responder who serves the community," says John Short III, the ride's founder. "It's a time for the community to come together and show their support for those who put their lives on the line every day."

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"We ask our first responders to handle the unimaginable, and we owe it them to make sure they have the support they need when the call is over," says Jim Fryhoff, Ventura County Sheriff. "This ride helps fund the wellness programs that give them that support. I am proud to stand behind a community that shows up for one another."

Riders interested in participating are encouraged to register (https://ridefortheblue.com/event-info/) in advance, as registration will not be available the day of the event.

WHAT:  11th annual Sergeant Ron Helus Ride for the Blue honoring Ventura County's first responders

WHEN:  Saturday, May 30, 2026

WHERE:  6:00 AM Simi Valley City Hall

For more event details visit www.RideForTheBlue.com.

About Sergeant Ron Helus Ride for the Blue

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What began in 2016 as a small group of friends on motorcycles stopping at local police stations to say thank you, has grown into an annual event dedicated to honoring first responders. In 2019, the ride was renamed in memory of Sergeant Ron Helas, who gave his life protecting others during the 2018 Borderline shooting. Now in its 11^th year, the Sergeant Ron Helus Ride for the Blue continues to grow in size and impact, supporting all first responders of Ventura County, including police officers, firefighters, EMTs, paramedics, doctors, nurses and dispatchers, through funding for wellness and resiliency training programs.