The generosity and kindness of a caring community allowed retired police officers in Chico to get their badges back after they were destroyed in the devastating Camp Fire.

On Thursday, the Chico Police Department and Chief Matt Madden held a Camp Fire Badge Replacement Ceremony for the CPD retirees who lost their retirement badges in the deadly 2018 wildfire that tore through the town of Paradise.

The ceremony was made possible by members of Chico's Faith Community Group, who joined together to raise funds and worked with vendor partners Galls and V.H. Blackinton & Co., Inc. manufacturers to replace the badges.

"As many may know, the police badge worn by courageous and dedicated men and women across our nation is symbolic of the oath taken to serve and protect their communities," the CPD said. "We would like to thank the Chico Faith Community, Galls, and Blackinton Badge for their generous and extremely thoughtful gesture, as it meant a great deal to our department and to our Chico Police retirees who have served our community with honor."