Chair of the Cobourg Police Service Board, Mr. Adam Bureau accepted Chief VandeGraaf’s intention toretire in June 2026 with his last day yet to be determined.
Mr. Adam Bureau, Chair of the Police Service Board stated that “Chief VandeGraaf is recognized locally and provincially as an innovative leader in policing. His legacy will be securing the rightful position of small and mid-sized police services as viable options for communities across Ontario. His dedication to the safety of the citizens of Cobourg is the result of a strong commitment to community policing and the restructuring of the Police Service to make it more adequate and effective. We thank the Paul for his compassionate approaches to ensure community safety and wellness and an unyielding commitment to the members of the police service.”
Chief VandeGraaf began his policing career in 1991 with the Belleville Police Service. In 2014 he joined the Cobourg Police Service as the Deputy Chief. In 2019 he was sworn in as the thirteenth Cobourg Chief of Police.
“It has been both an honour and a privilege to serve the residents of Cobourg as your Chief of Police. Since 2019 I have been surrounded by a dedicated team of policing professionals. Together we have accomplished many great milestones with the unwavering support of our Police Services Board, Police Associations, Town Council, community partners and especially those who we serve.”
“I have always said that being a police officer is the best job. This career and the organizations I have served have provided me with unimaginable opportunities and I would like to thank the communities and the members of the services I’ve been a part of for allowing me the opportunity to serve them in this way. Although I have always tried to put family first, there have been many, many times during my career where the job has been all-consuming and has deprived my family of a husband and a father. It is now time for me to step away from the office of Chief of Police, and devote my time to my family and other endeavors.”
The Board immediately initiated a replacement process that will include a nationwide search for the next Chief of Police.
