CHICO, Calif. - The Chico Police Department could get a financial boost in the wake of the Camp Fire.
The North Valley Community Foundation is donating $500,000 to fund another police officer to serve over the next three years.
Chief Mike O'Brien says he is extremely grateful but has not decided how the officer will be used. Some options include policing traffic or serving as a school resource officer.
"I'm very, very excited about the potential of adding another police officer," O'Brien said. "Every police officer at this point matters. With the impacts of the Camp Fire, we're looking at 10,000-20,000 additional people that we want to keep safe in this community."
The Chico City Council must accept the donation to fund the new officer and that issue is on the agenda for Tuesday night's meeting.