After 35 years of serving through policing, Cobourg Police Service Chief Paul VandeGraaf is retiring.
The news officially broke at a Cobourg Police Services Board special meeting Wednesday evening where an emotional VandeGraaf spoke about his departure and was lauded by the board for his service, which extends beyond policing and into the social and charitable fabric of the community, attendees heard.
VandeGraaf formally announced he will retire in June 2026, telling the board his decision comes with “unexpected clarity and deep gratitude” as he prepares to step away after six years as chief and more than a decade in Cobourg policing leadership.
“It’s with a sense of both unexpected clarity and deep gratitude that I announce my retirement as chief of police effective June 2026,” said VandeGraaf. “Since 2019, I have been surrounded by a dedicated team of policing professionals.
“Serving as deputy chief and then chief for these past 12 years has been the honour of a lifetime.”
VandeGraaf said the retirement decision surprised even him, but after reflection he realized it was time. He emphasized that the choice was entirely his.
“Though my departure is sooner than expected, this is 100 per cent my decision (and) one that I’m very happy about. It’s now time for me to step away … and devote my time to family and future endeavours yet to be determined.
“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 …”
As previously reported, VandeGraaf took over at the helm of CPS after former Chief Kai Liu in 2019 and was officially sworn in as the 13th chief of police for Cobourg.
His career started back in 1991 with the Belleville Police Service. He made the move to Cobourg as deputy chief in 2014.
Board Chair Adam Bureau delivered a lengthy and emotional tribute to the outgoing chief, noting VandeGraaf’s leadership during a period that included a global pandemic, mental health pressures, addiction challenges and growing hate-related tensions.
“You’ve never remained silent on issues of justice,” said Bureau. “You’ve always proven your unwavering commitment to integrity, fairness and accountability. Under your leadership, the Cobourg Police Service has evolved beyond reactive, incident-based policing to an integrated, community-centred model.”
Bureau highlighted milestones including the homeless addiction resources project, partnerships with the Canadian Centre for Addictions, expansion of specialized policing roles, cyber-fraud protection initiatives for seniors, and the Venture13 Police Tech Accelerator.
Members of the board also offered personal reflections.
Member Dean Pepper said it had been a pleasure to work with VandeGraaf over the years and praised the chief for honouring the responsibility of office.
Member Ron Kerr thanked VandeGraaf not only for service in Cobourg but “provincewide.”
Board member and Deputy Mayor Nicole Beatty spoke about the importance of family: “Your north star is your family … your community leadership is forever etched in your Cobourg legacy.”
Vice-chair Sean Graham added that the Cobourg Police Service “is better off now than when you picked it up.”
VandeGraaf responded by calling the praise overwhelming but ultimately credited the organization rather than himself.
“Most importantly, all of those accolades — I don’t deserve any of them. It’s the team.”
He also reminded the room that he still has six months of work ahead.
“We have challenges to overcome and our team will continue to proceed, and I will be at the helm,” he said, emphasizing that his retirement is not immediate.
The meeting adjourned shortly after 5 p.m., with thanks directed to the outgoing chief by all in attendance.
In a release following the meeting, the board stated it has initiated a replacement process that will include a nation-wide search for the next chief of police.
On the Wednesday agenda, there was no indication that VandeGraaf would be announcing his retirement. The only items listed were an update from Chair Bureau, with no additional details or report attached and then a closed session was slated. No closed session occurred Wednesday.
