Oroville gets interim public safety chief

Joe Deal has been appointed interim director of public safety for the city of Oroville, a position that oversees the police and fire departments. He was appointed during closed session at the City Council’s last meeting July 16, according to Jackie Glover, assistant city clerk. His salary was set at $111,933.

Deal’s appointment­—he had been serving as assistant director­—comes after Bill LaGrone, the former public safety director, was appointed city administrator at the same council meeting July 16. LaGrone’s salary was set at $175,000.

Deal (pictured) and his wife have been longtime members of the Oroville community, where they have raised four children, he told the CN&R. He has 23 years of law enforcement experience, and he transferred to the Oroville Police Department from the Butte County Sheriff’s office in 2016.