VACAVILLE, Calif. — First responders from around the region and community members came together Tuesday for a memorial service and procession for Vacaville Police Officer Matthew Bowen. The 32-year-old was killed in the line of duty two weeks ago.
Hundreds of people lined the streets around Vacaville for the procession to show their support for the family and pay their respects to the officer.
Tuesday morning, fellow officers and friends of Bowen shared stories and gave tributes to the fallen officer at the memorial service at The Father's House Church in Vacaville.
“He filled our lives with so much warmth," Vacaville Chief of Police Ian Schmutzler said. “Right from the start, I knew he was the person we wanted on our team.”
Bowen joined Vacaville PD in 2023 after working with Concord PD for three and a half years. Schmutzler, friends and fellow officers shared their memories of Bowen, highlighting his kindness and dedication to his family and serving the community.
”Rest in peace Officer Matthew Bowen. Your watch has ended, but your legacy will live on in our hearts forever," Schmutzler said.
“He was everything you’d want in a good beat partner,” said Dylan Luciano who was partners with Bowen at Concord PD for about a year. "I would tell any officer, if you can be like someone, be like Matt."
Bowen was raised in Fairfield and graduated from Rodriguez High School in 2010. His best friend Josh Nash said he was an athlete and a musician with big dreams.
He was also a husband to his wife Elizabeth and a father to his two young sons.
Officers paved the way as he was laid to rest and community members lined the streets throughout Vacaville to honor his memory.
They also placed flags around a growing memorial outside of Vacaville police headquarters in honor of Bowen.
“We’re out here to show our support for this family, this young family that has been devastated by this senseless act,” local Gayle Crawford said.
For Danielle Jimenez from Vacaville, showing her support means even more.
“My husband is a CHP officer,” she said. "It hit very close to home for us.”
Bowen served his community until his final day.
“Until we meet again, we love you buddy,” Luciano said.
Bowen’s name will be memorialized on the California Peace Officers Memorial Monument in Sacramento next year.
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