VACAVILLE, Calif. — Family, friends and several law enforcement agencies gathered Tuesday to remember Officer Matthew Bowen who died in the line of duty.
Bowen was killed during a traffic stop when he was hit by a suspected DUI driver on July 11. he was taken to a hospital where he ultimately died. The Solano County District Attorney's Office accused the driver, Serena CJ Rodriguez, of intentionally killing Bowen.
Bowen was 32 years old. He was born in Walnut Creek and grew up in Fairfield where he graduated from Rodriguez High School in 2010. He graduated from the Napa Police Academy in 2019 and earned his bachelor's degree from Arizona State University in 2022.
Bowen leaves behind his wife Elizabeth; his two sons, Mason and Everett; his parents and a brother. Elizabeth Bowen wrote a love letter to Matt, which was read by her aunt Laurie Gagnon at the service.
"I'm so happy you got to ride at the Giants game Wednesday night. You did great. I'm so happy we got to sleep in late on Thursday morning, cuddling in our bed one last time. I'm so happy you kissed me and the boys before you left," Gagnon read.
Elizabeth wrote in the letter she doesn't know how to say goodbye or how to go on without him.
"I will rely on our memories and your strength to move forward. Give me courage and peace. The boys and I will live to honor you and the dreams we had. Thank you for being the best husband, father and grillmaster. You were more than enough," Gagnon read.
Bowen joined the Vacaville Police Department on June 13, 2023.
Vacaville Police Chief Ian Schmutzler said at the memorial service he first met Bowen about 13 months ago when Bowen interviewed for a position with the police department.
"My parking spot at the police department is right next to where the Vacaville Police Department motor officers park, so I would see Matt quite often just coming and going," Schmutzler said. "Each time I saw him, he had a big smile on his face — a positive attitude which was contagious amongst his motor officers and myself. He truly loved serving the Vacaville community as a motor cop."
Schmutzler said the Vacaville Police Department family, Vacaville city family and the Vacaville community are here for Bowen's family now and always.
"To Liz, Mason and Everett, words cannot express the depth of our sorrow. Matt was a hero, not just to us, but to you most of all. His love for his family was evident in everything he did. Liz, your strength and courage at this time of immense loss inspires us all. Mason and Everett, your father was a great man and his legacy will live on through you," Schmutzler said, holding back tears.
Bowen previously served with the Concord Police Department from 2019 to 2023.
Dylan Luciano, a detective with the Concord Police Department, was Bowen's partner for about a year and a half. He said Bowen was a sought-after person to work with and passed the character test on all accounts.
"Matt's memory will never be forgotten. Every new police officer who comes through our police department will know who Officer Matthew Bowen was, what he meant to us, the type of police officer and man that he was for our city. I would tell any new officer 'if I could give you a road map to be successful, be like Matt,'" Luciano said.
Vacaville Police Department Traffic Sergeant Carly Stone said Bowen joined the team at the beginning of the year. Though his time on the team was short, she said his impact with last a lifetime.
'I hope Matt's family knows when this is over, when the music stops and the flower vases are emptied, we want to continue to be there for them if they wish. To support and surround them with the love and kindness the way that Matt did for us, " Stone said.