Testimonials

I have known John Short for many years. He has always been an active member of our community; participating as the President of the Thousand Oaks Little League for 15 years and was an elected official with the park district. 

I had the opportunity to work closely with John when we brought the parade back to Thousand Oaks after many years. It was for the city’s 50th Anniversary and the parade provided the residences the opportunity to feel good about the community where they live, coming together and showing support, having local school bands perform in front of friends, families, and neighbors.

It is in this spirit of serving, that John started the Ride for the Blue (8) years ago. John, a long supporter of law enforcement, saw the need to support a profession that had been criticized severely over previous years as there was an increase of random attacks on law enforcement officers nationally.

The Ride For The Blue started with a small group of riders who also shared John’s vision and passion for supporting law enforcement. After Sergeant Ron Helus was killed in the Borderline Mass Shooting, John renamed the ride to honor Sergeant Helus.

The community has a great sense of pride in the actions of Sergeant Helus, as he paid the ultimate sacrifice in keeping our community safe. The ride has grown to over 400 riders annually. Riders come from as far away as Utah, Texas, San Diego, and Oregon. Today, the ride not only celebrates and thanks our law enforcement and first responders, but in recent years has raised money close to $50,000 to support the First Responders of Ventura County through wellness programs focusing on first responders’ mental health.

I am thankful to have so much community support for our first responders.

We all strive to provide excellent public safety services here in Ventura County.

Sheriff Jim Fryhoff

"Each year I am amazed by the outpouring of love and support for the Sergeant Ron Helus Ride for the Blue. This special day honors all the First Responders of Ventura County for their hard work, dedication and sacrifices they make to keep our communities safe.

On a personal note, this ride provides an opportunity to honor my husband Ventura County Sheriff Sergeant Ron Helus who paid the ultimate sacrifice to save the lives of over 200 patrons during the Borderline shooting on November 7th, 2018. On behalf of my family, we want to thank all who participate in the annual Sergeant Ron Helus Ride for the Blue - Honoring the First Responders of Ventura County."

Sincerely yours,
Karen Helus
Wife of Sergeant Ron Helus
EOW – 11/8/2018 “So that others may live.”
“I am so excited to have such amazing opportunity to again participate in the 8th Annual Sergeant Ron Helus Ride for the Blue – Honoring the First Responders of Ventura County. Using the proceeds to send first responder agency supervisors to learn about Stress Management and how to identify when an employee is struggling is critical to the success of our EMS system.

Thanks to John Short and the entire Ride for the Blue team of volunteers for putting on this amazing event each year.

Julie Frey
Ventura County Critical Incident Stress Management
Coalition Coordinator
"This is one of the most important events in our community! Recognizing and supporting those who put their lives on the line for you and I every day is a "no brainer" for me. In the time of crisis or immediate need, not one of these police officers have to think, they react, and protect us. First responders, fire, EMT and ER nurses and doctors don't think if they want to save our lives on a daily basis, they just do. Why anyone has to think about participating is just mind boggling to me. Plus, the Ride for the Blue is a lot of fun."

Dave Daniels
KHAY Country
Radio Personality
Ventura, CA.
“The Sgt. Ron Helus Ride for the Blue – Honoring All The First Responders of Ventura County brings together individuals from all over the Western United States”... We have riders coming from over 70 different cities and multiple states outside of California. This ride provides a unique sense of “extended community”. We all ride with a mission to show support, give thanks, and raise money to provide services to help the first responders of Ventura County to “be the best that they can be at their jobs.”

Our journey takes us through 9 Cities encompassing 16 different agencies on our ride honoring those who protect and serve. We honor those that go to work every day knowing they may not come home to their families.” These individuals often take heroic measures, like Sgt. Ron Helus did the night of November 7th, 2018, at the Borderline in Thousand Oaks, CA. as he paid the ultimate sacrifice, to keep others safe and out of harm’s way.

Thank you for supporting the Sergeant Ron Helus Ride for the Blue – Honoring All The First Responders of Ventura County. May God Bless you, our Veterans, First Responders, and May God Bless America.

Sincerely yours,
John Short III
Founder - Sergeant Ron Helus Ride for the Blue
Honoring the First Responders of Ventura County