Santa Clara police chief to step down more than a year before term ends

SANTA CLARA — Santa Clara’s elected police chief, Michael J. Sellers, says he’ll retire in September — more than a year before his term ends in December 2020.

Sellers announced his retirement, effective Sept. 1, in an email to the police department Monday. In a phone call Tuesday, Sellers said he’s decided now is the right time to step away.

“People don’t realize that as chief you’re working 60-plus hours, seven days a week, and it takes a toll on your personal life and your health,” Sellers said. “So it’s come time where I’ve looked around for the right time to retire…[and] I’ve decided this is the right time for me, so I can spend time for myself, getting healthy and spending some quality time with my family.”

Sellers started out as a volunteer cadet before he was hired as a full-time police officer in 1985. He was promoted to assistant chief in January 2012, then ran unopposed for police chief in 2012.

Sellers narrowly won reelection in 2016 by just 105 votes against former Santa Clara Police Officers’ Association leader Pat Nikolai. Two weeks before the election, the police association approved a vote of no confidence against Sellers.

Santa Clara is the only city in California to elect its police chief.

Sellers has been critical of Mayor Lisa Gillmor over security costs at Levi’s Stadium. Gillmor supported Nikolai in the 2016 election.

Sellers said his decision to retire was purely personal, and not motivated by any conflict with city leaders.

“I’ve been told by some of my friends you will know when will be the right time to retire. It just feels right to be able to walk away,” Sellers said.

Gillmor thanked Sellers for his service Tuesday.

“I thank Chief Sellers for his many years of service to Santa Clara and wish him the best in his retirement years,” Gillmor said in a text message.

“We will have the month of September to either make an appointment or call for a special election,” she added.

City Manager Deanna Santana declined to comment on Seller’s resignation.

“As City Manager, it is inappropriate for me to comment on an elected official who has resigned his office before his term expires, but I do wish him the best,” Santana said in an email.

Santa Clara’s charter requires candidates for police chief to meet state minimum standards for elected sheriffs, which include a certificate from the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training or law enforcement experience within five years of running for office.

According to the city charter, a vacancy can be filled by appointment with a four-fifths vote of the city council or through an election if the council fails to appoint someone within 30 days.

Sellers said Assistant Chief Dan Winter or any of his police captains would be qualified to take over.

“I feel very confident that my assistant chief, Dan Winter, and my captains are all in good, capable hands and can continue to move the department forward,” said Winter.