Piedmont’s civic leaders and community members gathered at City Hall on Monday evening for a retirement celebration for Police Chief Jeremy Bowers, whose last day is July 18. The community reception took place before the City Council meeting, where Mayor Betsy Smegal Andersen issued an official proclamation marking July 7 as “Jeremy Bowers Day”
Well-wishers outside City Hall at Chief Bowers’ retirement party on July 7, 2025. 
Police Chief Jeremy Bowers with his wife Patricia and two of his three children, Anjali and Andre.
“An exceptional leader”: Former mayors, councilmembers and community members pay tribute
Three former mayors — Jen Cavenaugh, Teddy Gray King, and Bob McBain — took to the podium to sing Bowers’ praises. Bowers joined the Piedmont police department from San Jose in 2014, and during his tenure in Piedmont he oversaw the installation of new technology, including public safety cameras and Automated License Plate Readers (ALPRS), and the renovation of the city’s new dispatch center. Bowers also expanded community outreach efforts like Coffee, Cars, and Cops and Cop on the Block.
“You have set a high bar, not only with expectations for your department, but you ‘walk the talk’ — you show up in our community,” said Cavenaugh. “Thank you for all you’ve done.”
“You have transformed this department into one that is responsive, forward-looking, community-oriented — progressive in all the best ways,” said King. [You have] a keen eye for social justice, a willingness to do the hard work to get to know residents, and develop relationships with all the people who work in Piedmont.” she said.
McBain lauded Bowers’ insight and his “natural leadership, in all ways” noting that the whole city looked up to him.
Police Chief Bowers talks with former mayor Bob McBain 
City-themed treats
Jennifer Alderman and Donna Friedman Meir, representing the Jewish community of Piedmont, presented Bowers with custom artwork of a “hamsa” (a symbol of protection and good luck) by Nina Boros, and a baseball cap with the word “mensch” emblazoned on it.
“From day one, Chief Bowers, you were there for us,” said Meir, citing the October 7 Hamas attack and its aftermath as it affected the local Jewish community. “You were exceptionally supportive …. we are eternally grateful.”
“May this gift return to you a measure of the protection and comfort you have provided us these many years,” said Alderman.
“You have helped us sleep better at night,” said Councilmember Jennifer Long, who also reflected on another important role Bowers played in the community, especially after the George Floyd protests in 2020. “As a parent of young Black men,” she said, “it has been a wonderful gift having you as a leader…this is what excellence looks like.”
For his part, Bowers gave thanks to his wife Patricia, a Santa Clara police sergeant — “I owe you everything,” he said with a smile — and his three children, two of whom were in attendance on Monday. “It’s not easy growing up in a community where your dad is the police chief,” he said.
Bowers also praised city and police department staff. “In government you can’t do it alone. There are so many unsung heroes in this city. Policing and law enforcement is one of the most visible forms of government — but I have always felt so appreciative of the professionalism and partnership of other city departments… everyone just comes together day in and and day out.”
“This has always been, and always will be, more than just a job to me… it’s being a member of Piedmont that I will always take with me,” he said.
