Gridley, Biggs hire police chief

Filling the gap created by the sudden resignation of Gridley-Biggs Police Chief Dean Price, the cities have hired Allen Byers as interim chief, effective Monday (Oct. 29).

Byers (pictured), a Biggs native, brings more than 20 years of law enforcement experience with the Gridley-Biggs and Oroville police departments. He retired as Oroville assistant police chief in May.

The interim chief’s take-home pay will be $9,166 per month, excluding health care and retirement costs. Price was taking home $23,289 per month, a factor in both city councils considering his termination. (See “Gridley-Biggs chief exits,” Downstroke, Oct. 4.)