PARADISE, Calif. — It's been more than a year since the deadly wildfires ravaged the Northern California community of Paradise. The rebuilding has begun but it's not just structures. Since the fires, the Paradise Police Department has seen a staff of 21 dwindle to just 13.
Police Chief Eric Reinbold said 18 members of the department lost their homes leading people to move out of the area or join different agencies. Reinbold is trying to rebuild his staff so now he's offering a $20,000 signing bonuses for those who join the Paradise PD.
"Having the understanding that you're not going to be going call to call and buried in paperwork every day. It's going to be proactive, community oriented. We really want to address the needs of the community and do our best to prevent thefts and make sure that the people that are coming back and rebuilding don't get victimized again."
Reinbold says he's looking to fill four positions and ideally wants officers with patrol experience.
