Matthew Bowen

Police Officer Matthew Bowen of the Vacaville Police Department in California died on July 11, 2024, from injuries he suffered after being struck by a vehicle while initiating a traffic stop. While stopped along the road, both Officer Bowen and the stopped driver were struck from behind by a driver under the influence of drugs. Officer Bowen was thrown from his motorcycle by the force of the collision. He was transported to the hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. He was 32 years old and served with the Vacaville Police Department for just over one year and previously served with the Concord Police Department for over three years. He was the first Vacaville police officer killed in the line of duty. 

Bowen was born in Walnut Creek and grew up in Fairfield where he graduated from Rodriquez High School. In his youth, he enjoyed participating in soccer, wrestling, track and field, and he also played trumpet in the school band. He belonged to the youth group and children’s choir at Fairfield Community United Methodist Church. Bowen was a senior leader of Boy Scout Troop 83, working his way up to the rank of Eagle Scout.  

Bowen graduated from the Napa Police Academy in 2019 and earned his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Arizona State University in 2022. He served with the Concord Police Department before moving to the Vacaville Police Department on June 13, 2023. He was happy to participate on his motorcycle at the annual Law Enforcement Appreciation Night on the night before his tragic death. He served with the highest level of dedication and honor. He was a tremendous officer with a magnetic personality and a positive attitude. His loss was felt deeply by the department, the city, and the community. 

Bowen met his future wife, Elizabeth, in 2013. They married and had two sons together, Mason and Everett. He put his family first, above all else. He cherished family time and loved wrestling with the boys, taking them to the Sacramento Zoo, and traveling to Lake Tahoe and Hawaii together. He had the kindest soul, the softest heart, and the quickest wit. He was full of life and made an immediate impact on everyone who knew him. He was a dedicated and loving husband, father, and son who will never be forgotten. 

Police Officer Matthew Bowen is survived by his loving wife, Elizabeth, his sons, Mason and Everett, his parents, Marc and Becky Bowen, his brother, Jonathan, and many other cherished friends and family members. 

The Tunnel to Towers Foundation has paid off the mortgage on the Bowen family home through the Fallen First Responder Home Program.