The appointment of Paul VandeGraaf as the next chief of the Cobourg Police Service (CPS) is official.
It was an emotional ceremony today (Aug 15) that had many in tears, especially as VandeGraaf’s Father, Gerry, a retired RCMP Staff Sergeant Police officer, handed over his son’s badge.
Gerry tells us it was a proud day to be his parents.
It would seem that his father was an inspiration over the years – Paul started out with his Dad. Gerry explains.
The happy-tears didn’t end there.
After being sworn in, our newest, and 13th, Chief of the Cobourg Police got up to the podium to speak.
While mentioning his families support over his 28-year career, he got quite emotional. He tells us why.
Paul mentioned in his speech that he is ready to take Cobourg to the next chapter of service, adding that he’s dedicated to making Cobourg the safest community.
He tells us a bit more about his past, before coming to Cobourg as Deputy Chief in 2014.
On Tuesday (Aug 13), a community member, Daniel Johnston, had some concerns that he presented in a delegation at the CPS Board Meeting, including staffing levels, response times, management and the promotion of VandeGraaf to the next chief of the Cobourg Police. VandeGraaf tells us how that made him feel.
The appointment follows the retirement of Chief Kai Liu, who served this community for the last seven years.