Memorial procession, service held for Vacaville police officer killed in the line of duty
VACAVILLE – The community came together to honor fallen Vacaville police officer Matthew Bowen, who was hit and killed earlier in July during a traffic stop.
Tuesday's memorial service was closed to the public, but those who wished to pay tribute to Officer Bowen did so on the streets along the procession route.
"As everybody stands here holding up the American flag we hold it up because we are honored to be served and to be protected by such a great group of men and women," said Tina Chechourka, a lifelong Vacaville resident who lined Browns Valley Road on Tuesday.
Some neighbors like Alice Quinn brought their children and grandchildren to be a part of it all.
"I wanted to show them with so much stuff going on in this world, that there are good people and we should honor them," said Quinn, with her two granddaughters.
It was a moment to pause in Vacaville as community members watched a fleet of motorcycles and vehicles from law enforcement agencies all across the region escort Officer Bowen's body to its final resting place in Vacaville.
"What a tribute. We came out because we are family in Vacaville. The Vacaville Police Department treats us like family. They support us 100% in our community," Chechourka said.
More than a dozen businesses gave out American or Thin Blue Line flags to the community to help honor Bowen.
Stems Florist has been working around the clock making the floral arrangement for the memorial, something appreciated by law enforcement and their supporting agencies.
The casket of #vacaville #policeofficer Matthew Bowen leaves for the service at the Father’s House @CBSSacramento pic.twitter.com/5HN5z2BWFX
— Rachel Wulff (@rachelwulff) July 23, 2024
"It's a super honor. Sad honor. I hope I don't have to do that again," Caryn Mikich with Stems Florist said. "I have a great team backing me up, My girls have been coming in all night having shifts."
The police officers association board acknowledged how Bowen's work impacted the community, thanking everyone for their support.
"If you have never been to a law enforcement funeral, it is something. You can't even imagine the emotion that comes with it," said Joe Valenzuela with the Vacaville Police Foundation.
While the service for Bowen was closed to the public, the public was able to watch via a livestream.
The aunt of Bowen's wife, Elizabeth Bowen, read aloud at the service a love letter Elizabeth wrote to her late husband and the father of their two young sons.
"You've loved those boys more than anything in the world. They will know that forever. Your spirit lives in them," Elizabeth's letter said.
Vacaville Police Chief Ian Schmutzler also spoke on behalf of Bowen at the service. Bowen is the first police officer to be killed in the line of duty in department history.
"The traffic section has always been a close, tight-knit group and Matt fit in with that family seamlessly, building friendships that would have lasted until the end of time," said Schmutzler.
Serena Rodriguez, the woman accused of hitting and killing Bowen while allegedly under the influence of drugs, was in court on July 22.
The judge was asked to determine Rodriguez's competency to stand trial, ordering a doctor's report. She's scheduled to be back in court on August 19.