At the Lincoln Medical Center, this banner and two blue flags were posted in honor of Officer Bowen. Photo by Scott Mullins

DIXON, CA (MPG) - Dixon has long been known for being a special town. As a community, we have come out to support our residents in hundreds of ways who have been devastated by cancer, by loss of a child, or a tragic death.

When our town learned of a Vacaville Police Officer killed during a routine traffic stop last week who lived in Dixon and who had a young family, even those who did not know him were gravely saddened and support began to pour out for Matthew Bowen.

First, the “Blue Lives Matter” flags began to pop up on street corners near his house. Then the Downtown Dixon Business Association covered downtown with them, along with posting a banner at the Pardi Plaza honoring the officer. On the main intersection in town a sign read, “Rest in Peace Officer Matthew Bowen” underlined with hearts.

Within days, a beautiful floral memorial was placed at South Lincoln and another banner adjacent thanking him for his service.

The public was invited via social media to line up with their flags on A Street early Tuesday morning, the expected procession route for the Dixon family to the Vacaville services. People lined from South Lincoln and along West A Street to nearly I-80 with flags in hand. One of Dixon’s firetrucks was parked at the end.

“I was not surprised by the incredible turnout along our local roads during the procession. This is what makes Dixon special. Our community stands united in support of its police, fully appreciating the dangers and sacrifices our officers make to protect us. We are heartbroken at the loss of Officer Matthew Bowen, and we are committed to honoring his legacy by showing unwavering support to his family,” said Dixon Police Chief Robert Thompson.

This memorial with a flag was placed at the corner of South Lincoln and A Street for Officer Bowen. Photo by Scott Mullins

Seeing a procession gives the broader community an opportunity to share a powerful experience to honor an officer, according to Dr. Alan D. Wolfelt in his article on how actions help us heal found on FuneralBasics.org. Communal mourning is important as all are affected in some measure and people need to give special support to the families involved, it read.

“As a retired law enforcement officer, I’ve been to a lot of these services and it is a way of paying respect,” said City Treasurer Jim Ward who contacted numerous people about attending the line-up that morning.

There was also an opportunity for residents to watch the service later that morning via a livestream as the services were closed to the public.

These kinds of tragedies encompass not only the grief and mourning of the individual families, close friends and neighbors, but of entire communities. Without externally expressing our internal feelings of grief, emotions can become internalized and remain inside us, unaddressed.

Other actions residents can take are to participate in a social media fund drive created for the family, take part in a company or service-related fundraiser for the family, donate blood to the local blood bank, visit the memorial to offer a token of mourning such as flowers or a note, and/or say prayers for the family. These are all ways to show support and grief. 

For Dixon, the outpouring was touching and an example of togetherness.

“Dixon is a unique and special place, and this community's strength and solidarity are part of the reason so many police officers choose to live here. Even police officers who work in other jurisdictions know they can leave their families in Dixon, and they will be protected and safe. It's safe, it's supportive, and it truly values the men and women who dedicate their lives to service,” said Chief Thompson. “We will continue to uphold these values and demonstrate our commitment to Officer Bowen's family and to each other.”