At the Cobourg Police Services Board meeting, held on Tuesday, January 19, 2021, in accordance with section 28 (1) of the Police Services Act, R.S.O. 1990, the Chair and Vice-Chair for 2021 were elected.
Cobourg Police Services Board (CPSB) members unanimously re-elected Dean Pepper as Chair and Doctor Ronald Kerr as Vice-Chair of the CPSB.
Chair Pepper was the originating Chairperson of the Cobourg Police Services Board, established in 1992. His experience as a police board member, as a local business owner and resident gave him understanding and respect for how policing and safety contribute to the quality of life in Cobourg. Chair Pepper rejoined the Board in late 2018 to fill a vacancy and was re-elected in 2019 and 2020.
Chair Pepper continues to provide leadership on the Cobourg Police Service’s governance, working closely with Chief VandeGraaf to identify objectives and priorities, address current issues facing policing and help the Service navigate and adapt to the evolving realities of a pandemic.
“Thank you to my fellow Board members for the vote of confidence in re-electing me as Chair of the Cobourg Police Services Board. I look forward to continuing to serve the community in 2021. As we enter the Cobourg Police Service Business Plan’s final year, we action our goals to ensure a safe and secure community, a supportive and healthy workplace, community engagement and partnerships, and service quality and value.
With these four areas of focus, we will continue to move our innovative agenda forward, working with community partners on proactive and forward-thinking initiatives striving to achieve our mission of excellence in policing and quality community service. I am looking forward to the work ahead.” – Dean Pepper, Chair of the Cobourg Police Services Board
With a background in governance, military, medical and community service, Vice-Chair Kerr has always played an active community role. Ron has served on the Cobourg Police Services Board as Vice-Chair since February 2019.
In 2020 Vice-Chair Kerr’s experience helped support responsible and accountable decision making, often lending a critical eye, identifying future opportunities for improvement.
“I am honoured to be re-elected as vice-chair. 2020 was a memorable year. The Cobourg Police Services Board adapted quickly, working closely with Chief VandeGraaf to support community safety and advance initiatives. I look forward to working with Chair Pepper, my fellow Board members, and the Chief to ensure we are collectively accountable to the taxpayers of Cobourg. We continue serving our community guided by integrity and fairness, and remain responsive to changing community needs and concerns. I look forward to another great year.” – Doctor Ronald Kerr, Vice-Chair of the Cobourg Police Services Board.
“It has been a pleasure to serve as Chief of Police under the Cobourg Police Service Board Chair Dean Pepper and Vice Chair Ronald Kerr. With their amazing support and leadership, we have made great strides towards our business plan’s objectives while bringing innovative safety solutions and initiatives to the community,” said Cobourg Police Chief Paul VandeGraaf.
“Chair Pepper and Vice-Chair Kerr helped the Service wade through unchartered seas this past year, remaining committed to maintaining community safety, putting the health and wellness of our members as top priority. I thank them both for their continued dedication to the community and the Service.”
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
