Every year, Yolo County’s U.S. Congressional Representative Mike Thompson (D) and his office honor some of his congressional district’s first responders by recognizing them as “Public Safety Heroes.” This year, Thompson’s office named Deputy Reiko Matsumura and Battalion Chief Emily Lo of Yolo County as 2025 Public Safety Heroes.

“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. “Deputy Matsumura has displayed an exemplary commitment to our Yolo County community through her regular presence and engagement at local and school events. Battalion Chief Lo’s efforts to advocate for critical issues facing our community, including firefighter cancer risk, labor rights, and the advancement of diversity within the industry make her a Public Safety Hero. Deputy Matsumura and Battalion Chief Lo are exemplary public servants and are well deserving of this recognition.”

According to a statement sent by Thompson’s office, Matsumura is a fourth-generation resident of the Capay Valley and began her career with the Sheriff’s Department as a records specialist before rising through the ranks. Since then, she has held multiple positions within the department, including Detective and Capay Valley Resident Deputy.

In addition, she has completed 100 POST Certified Courses including Human Trafficking and Swift Water Rescue, making her an asset to her department. Known for her dedication, compassion and embodiment to public service — from participating in Esparto Chamber of Commerce Meetings to student FFA Events — Deputy Matsumura has consistently made her community a priority.

Battalion Chief Lo began her career in 1990 as a firefighter and rose through the ranks in the following decades. Her advancement within the department was historic, as she became the first Asian American Battalion Chief in the Davis Fire Department’s History.

In addition, she is the longest serving female firefighter union officer in California history. Lo’s commitment extends to the community she serves, where she is involved in numerous local nonprofits. Her career has been defined by her leadership, commitment to her fellow firefighters, and love of her community.

The rest of those recognized as heroes include:

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 Leader 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