OROVILLE — The city is searching for an interim chief of police to fill the position of Chief Bill LaGrone whose contract is set to expire Jan. 5, 2025.
“The council has decided not to renew (the contract),” said Oroville Mayor Dave Pittman. “The city is preparing for leadership transition”
The listing for an interim chief for the Oroville Police Department was posted Aug. 15 and will remain open to applicants through Sept. 5, 2024.
LaGrone has served as police chief since 2022. Prior to holding that position he served as city administrator and, prior to that, as public safety director for the police and fire departments.
While LaGrone’s contract is effective for about another six months, the city is “interested in bringing in an interim chief to have continuity in leadership,” said Pittman.
“The council needs to see a change in leadership,” said Pittman. “The start date of the interim chief will depend on a lot of things in the department including Chief LaGrone’s departure date.”
LaGrone has accrued substantial vacation time so he could choose to start taking that time anytime and essentially leave his position prior to the end of his contract or he could choose to continue working until the conclusion of his contract. There may be an overlap with the interim chief.
The Police Department is also “short two lieutenants” and seeks to fill those position also.
“There is a shortage of leadership in the department,” said Pittman. “We want to get all leadership positions filled and give a new direction for the police department and keep the positive momentum going.”
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