Mike Sellers ended his run as Santa Clara Police Department’s Police Chief with a surprise. Sellers was honored as Hometown Hero on Thursday, Aug. 29 at the San Francisco 49ers preseason game against the Los Angeles Chargers — it was a complete surprise.
“Chief Sellers has no idea we’re doing this today,” said Keiana Martin, the announcer who gave the honor during Thursday’s game.
Photos from Sellers’ time on the force graced the jumbo screens at Levi’s Stadium as his many accomplishments were listed out. The stadium thundered with applause as Sellers walked on to the field to be honored.
“The San Francisco 49ers were pleased to recognize and honor Chief Mike Sellers as our Hometown Hero,” said Jim Mercurio, Vice President of Stadium Operations and General Manager. “Chief Sellers has consistently demonstrated his commitment to the community, its citizens and the millions of visitors to Santa Clara and Levi’s Stadium during his time as Chief of Police. He’s a compassionate leader with great instincts. We wish him the very best in his retirement.”
Sellers’ last day as Santa Clara’s Police Chief was the very next day, Friday, Aug. 30. After over 40 years serving the city, Sellers is now retired.
Sellers started with the Santa Clara Police Department in 1978 as a Cadet Explorer when he was high school and also volunteered as a Reserve Police Officer in 1982. In 1985, he was officially hired to the department and in 2012 he was elected as Police Chief and then was reelected in 2016.
Hometown Heroes are honored at every 49ers home game. The honor goes to a local military service member or first responder who has gone above and beyond in their career.
For more information about the Hometown Hero program or to nominate someone to be considered, visit the 49ers’ website https://www.49ers.com/community/about/award-applications.
