Is it the right time for the Police Chief to depart?
Let’s start from the beginning.
The Cobourg Police Services Board called this “special meeting” for December 3, 2025.
No one knew what it was regarding, but even Chair of the Police Services Board, Adam Bureau posted it was a “big announcement.”
That attracted a considerable amount of attention on social media.
With the way things are going at the Cobourg Police Service and the Board the announcement could have been anything.
So, it was important to listen to every word.
Unfortunately for the first two to three-minutes there was nothing heard because the microphone wasn’t turned on.
For the Chief of Police announcing the end of his 35-year career – it was important. And, unfortunate it happened.
But alas, as the saying goes – it happens.
Unfortunately, in this case, once again the obvious seemed to be overlooked.
No where in VandeGraaf’s speech, at least when the audio was turned on was it ever mentioned when the Chief would be leaving.
It was only after the Chief made his speech and members of the Board gave their accolades to the Chief did he announce casually his retirement is six months away, but no specific date.
In a press release issued shortly after the Police Board meeting, the retirement month was stated June 2026, but no specific date.
It was only after Today’s Northumberland received an internal e-mail that the Chief confirmed to his staff that his retirement date will be June 1, 2026.
It seemed that basic items were overlooked from a 17-minute Police Services Board meeting.
Now, the Chief.
VandeGraaf started his policing career in 1991 with the Belleville Police Service.
In 2014 he was hired as Deputy Chief of the Cobourg Police Service.
Remembering the first interview with VandeGraaf he was open and honest about his goals. He stated he wanted to become Chief, whether it was in Cobourg or elsewhere.
His interview was open and honest. No one could dispute it and in fact it was admirable.
Going by memory he also stated he would be moving to Cobourg – that never happened.
Cobourg was growing in population at that time and it hasn’t stopped since.
But it’s always nice to have senior staff with the town not only working here, but setting up roots here.
It’s unfortunate that never happened with VandeGraaf.
Remembering the early days it was a new dawn for a professional relationship with the new Chief.
We met and spoke at length about the past, but more importantly about the future.
How communication is of paramount importance to the community we both serve.
There were ups, there were downs in that relationship – but for most of the time – it worked.
Then things that we believe should have been issued as press releases weren’t getting released.
It was around June 2024.
Slowly things started to deteriorate.
With crime in the rise everywhere it’s totally understandable that people are overworked.
But it’s also extremely important that the community knows what’s happening. Without police informing citizens of what’s happening – simply put – it’s not an accurate picture and misleading.
If people hear of crimes happening from talking to others instead of by a press release – there are issues.
A break-in at a pharmacy wasn’t released until a month after it happened. Potentially deadly drugs taken.
Thefts from gas stations and convenience stores to this day aren’t released.
Numerous times it was reported to the Chief that a golf car was traveling along roads near the harbourfront around August 2024.
One could say, it certainly isn’t the biggest issue in a town of 22,000 and they are absolutely right.
But what if that teenager driving the golf cart was in a collision at night? What if they were seriously hurt or killed? It’s illegal. A simple, brief talk with the owner would have sufficed.
That appears to have never happened that we know of as it was still happening before the winter weather came upon us.
More frustration with names not being released in press releases. It continues to this day.
Yet, a number of people who had their names released concerning a drug bust in Cobourg’s west end were released. Months later the charges were stayed. Yet their names were put out to the public.
If it’s good for one – it’s good for all.
Releasing the amount of times police have had interactions with the individual is important, but names of the accused are public. It’s been done for decades with no problem and a number of police services still do it – including the OPP.
People started complaining about the Cobourg Police Service.
Some stories we took on, others we didn’t.
It wasn’t a matter of thinking they are right, or wrong. If police are right or wrong. It’s following the story.
Finally it came that Today’s Northumberland was banned from press releases along with social media
The worst thing anyone can do is not communicate.
Instead of reaching out, it became VandeGraaf’s empire.
The Board repeatedly said, it’s “operations” and there was nothing they could do.
Numerous vehicles videoed going the wrong way on a one way street. At least five fires lit in downtown Cobourg alleyway. Only one release.
The list goes on and on.
It was wrong then, and it is still wrong now.
Whether Today’s Northumberland has 200, 2,000 or 200,000 followers is irrelevant.
If a child goes missing the most important thing to do is get that message out.
To your perceived enemies and whoever else can spread the word.
You don’t have to agree with what the other is doing – but always, always keep the lines of communication open.
It’s unfortunate – but VandeGraaf has failed miserably at that.
And frankly, so has the Board who say it’s an “operations issue” but just bringing up the subject with the Chief in a public forum puts the onus on him to answer the question.
Stating that – we at Today’s Northumberland have our faults. There have been a few times where frustration has got the better of us/me.
There have been a few times where VandeGraaf received an uncalled for e-mail. After the frustration was over, embarrassment set in and an apology was sent.
Let’s not forget VandeGraaf is leaving with one of the largest budget increases for the service in recent memory.
What direction that will go is still up for debate.
In 2024, VandeGraaf’s earned $199,560. His contract ends in 2029
Like it or not, he could have held on to the end of his contract – he didn’t.
VandeGraaf succeeded in becoming Chief. It was a goal he set for himself and he worked to earn it.
What his legacy will be is also up for debate..
One regret that we will always state, is that there wasn’t more communication from him.
People can agree or disagree. But just because they disagree doesn’t mean either one is right – or wrong.
For the future Police Chief – please let the lines of communication remain open, learn from the mistakes of the previous Chief. Don’t let it become an empire.
Education through communication has meaning.
To Paul, wish things would have been different, thank you for your service and enjoy your retirement.
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
