By Dan Jones LJI
Northumberland 89.7 FM
A new leader will be at the helm of Cobourg Police in 2026.
Paul VandeGraaf, who has led the department since 2019, announced Wednesday afternoon that he is retiring effective June 1.
His departure comes at a time when policing and community social aspects, such as homelessness and addictions, are putting more pressure on officers.
Also, VandeGraaf is asking Cobourg municipal council for a 20.5 percent increase to its budget.
However, after 35 years in law enforcement, VandeGraaf says it’s time to spend more time with family, as the decision to step away was 100 percent his own.
Originally aired: December 4, 2025
About the Author
