Last week Vacaville Police Officer Matthew Bowen was honored at both the county and state levels. This week, his name joins the revered ranks of 345 fallen law enforcement officers now memorialized in the heart of the nation’s capital.
Officer Bowen, who was struck and killed by a vehicle on July 11, 2024, is the first officer in Vacaville Police Department history to die in the line of duty. His sacrifice has now been etched into the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C., ensuring his legacy endures for generations.
As part of the 37th Annual Candlelight Vigil on Tuesday, held during National Police Week, Bowen’s name was formally dedicated alongside thousands of others who gave their lives in service. The Memorial now bears 24,412 names — representing officers from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, U.S. territories, and federal, campus, and military law enforcement agencies
“As we gather once more to honor our fallen officers, we’re reminded not only of the lives they gave, but of the unwavering devotion that led them to serve,” said William Alexander, CEO of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund. “Their courage and selflessness continue to guide us — they embody the very spirit of law enforcement. This solemn moment is a time to grieve, to remember, and to ensure that we carry their legacy forward with gratitude and purpose.”
Bowen’s family has been in attendance for the activities associated with the annual Police Week commemoration and his mother, Rebecca Bowen, shared images on Facebook, noting in particular brigades of bicyclists from law enforcement agencies across the country who arrived as part of the Building The Road to Hope program that raises funds for charities. A large contingent arrived at the hotel where the family was staying, she said.
“They had ridden hundreds of miles in the names of our fallen officers, raising money for needy causes,” she explained. “We met Ryan Peterson from Minnesota, who was riding in Matt’s name. Really good guy. He has done this for several years and even had tattooed some of the names of his honorees into his leg!”
Fairfield Police Officer Shane Raftery was among those to participate in another ride, taking part in the annual 300 mile Police Unity Tour ride that started last week in New Jersey and concluded at the national memorial in Washington D.C.
“We see you Officer Raftery, representing us well during #NationalPoliceWeek!” a social media post from the department noted. “Officer Raftery rode on behalf of fallen Vacaville Police Officer Matthew Bowen, whose service and legacy will never be forgotten.”
In addition to the bike ride, the Bowen family was there at Kelly’s Irish Times, an Irish pub in Washington, as the Vacaville Police donated a motorcycle helmet in Officer Bowen’s memory. “The place was packed as cops from throughout the country, plus just general tourists, raised a glass to our son,” Rebecca noted. “Then we all signed the helmet, which will be added to the establishment’s collection of law enforcement mementos.”
The honors are deeply felt by the entire Bowen family, said Rebecca.
“The outpouring of love from everyone continues to be so uplifting,” she said in a text message Wednesday. “Today I met other mothers of fallen officers from around the country, and not all of them have experienced that level of support. So I am truly grateful for ours.”
National Police Week traces its roots to 1962, when President John F. Kennedy proclaimed May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day and the surrounding week as a time to honor fallen law enforcement. What began in 1982 as a small gathering of 120 survivors and supporters has grown into a nationwide movement, drawing thousands of visitors each year to the capital.
