Press Release
Posted:
Vallejo – Today, Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-04) announced Officer Mathew Bowen, Emergency Medical Technician Michael “Mike” Robinson, and Canine Officer Murph as the 2025 Solano County Public Safety Heroes. Every year, Thompson honors first responders who have gone above and beyond the call of duty in our community.
Rep. Thompson with Officer Bowen's mother Becky, father Marc, brother Jonathan, partner Mateo, and Captains Dave Kellis and Bryan Larsen of the Vacaville Police Department accepting on behalf of Officer Bowen.
Rep. Thompson with Mike Robinson.
Canine Officer Cade, with handler Officer Alex Eustler and Lieutenant Rob Myers, accepting on behalf of Canine Officer Murph.
“Our first responders go above and beyond to protect and serve the communities they call home. I am proud to recognize many of the public safety heroes in our district who go the extra mile to keep us safe,” said Thompson. “Officer Mathew Bowen made the ultimate sacrifice to our community, tragically losing his life in the line of duty. Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Michael Robinson exemplified the best of public service through his leadership and quick decision making while saving the life of a gunshot victim. Canine Officer Murph displayed courage and sacrifice when shot in the paw while serving a high-risk arrest warrant, leading to the amputation of his leg. They have all made great sacrifices in the name of our community and I am proud to honor them here today.”
Officer Bowen graduated from the Napa Police Academy in 2019 before working for the Concord Police Department and eventually joining the Vacaville Police Department in 2023. He was tragically killed in 2024 while on a traffic stop. Officer Bowen is remembered for his kindness, sense of humor, work ethic, and unwavering calm under pressure. He truly exemplified the highest ideals of law enforcement, service, integrity, and sacrifice. His legacy of courage and sacrifice will never be forgotten.
In 2024, Mr. Robinson, who was on duty with an intern, was dispatched to a call for a victim of a gunshot wound. Upon arrival at the scene, Mr. Robinson quickly assessed the patient’s condition, deciding that they must administer a needle thoracostomy. Under his guidance, the intern completed the procedure, saving the patient and leading them to eventually make a full recovery. Mr. Robinson also mentors and teaches incoming EMT interns and helps them obtain their paramedic licenses. His commitment to community and leadership in training the next generation of paramedics is admirable.
Officer Murph serves with his partner, Officer Chad Hudson, as the Vacaville Police Department’s senior K-9 team. Although his favorite duties include visiting elementary school students, he has participated in a great number of arrests. In January, Officer Murph was shot in the paw while assisting with a high-risk arrest warrant, eventually requiring the amputation of his leg. Officer Murph is currently recovering from his injuries. K-9 Murph’s bravery and sacrifice make it “pawsible” for our community to remain safe.
Officer Bowen, EMT Robinson, and Officer Murph displayed courage, commitment, and bravery in their duties to their community. Their sacrifices benefit all of us, and Congressman Thompson is honored to recognize them today.
The full list of 2025 Public Safety Heroes for the Fourth Congressional district includes:
- Detective Michael Nakahara, Law Enforcement Public Safety Hero, Lake County
- Captain Bret Butler, Fire/EMS Public Safety Hero, Lake County
- Sergeant Erik Olson, Law Enforcement Public Safety Hero, Napa County
- Station Lead Roger Lutz, Fire/EMS Public Safety Hero, Napa County
- Officer Matthew Bowen, Law Enforcement Public Safety Hero, Solano County
- EMT Michael Robinson, Fire/EMS Public Safety Hero, Solano County
- Officer Murph, Canine Public Safety Hero, Solano County
- Detective Kelsea Nelson, Law Enforcement Public Safety Hero, Sonoma County
- inRESPONSE Program, Fire/EMS Public Safety Hero, Sonoma County
- Deputy Reiko Matsumura, Law Enforcement Public Safety Hero, Yolo County
- Battalion Chief Emily Lo, Fire/EMS Public Safety Hero, Yolo County