Just over a month after Cobourg police chief Paul VandeGraaf announced his retirement this June, deputy chief Jeff Haskins has announced he will also be retiring this year.
According to a media release issued on Monday (January 26), Cobourg Police Service Board chair Adam Bureau has accepted the deputy chief’s intention to retire in August.
Like VandeGraaf, Haskins has had a 35-year career in policing, including the past four years in Cobourg. He was sworn in as deputy chief of the Cobourg Police Service in November 2021 after serving with the Durham Regional Police Service.
“On behalf of the Cobourg Police Service Board, I want to thank Deputy Chief Haskins for his dedicated service and leadership,” Bureau said in the release. “We are grateful for his many contributions to the Cobourg Police Service, its members, and the broader community. After a distinguished 35-year career in policing, we wish him every success and happiness in his well-deserved retirement.”
During his time with Cobourg police, Haskins led several initiatives including the body-worn camera program, the Downtown Action Plan, and the high visibility cruiser pilot.
Along with a strong focus on member wellness and operational effectiveness, he was also a champion for modernization efforts including facility improvements and technology-driven enhancements.
“It has been a privilege to serve this organization and community during what has been one of the most professionally rewarding chapters of my career,” Haskins said. “I am deeply grateful to the Cobourg Police Service Board for their trust and confidence, and to Chief Paul VandeGraaf for his leadership, guidance, and support.”
“Most importantly, I thank the sworn officers and civilian professionals of the Cobourg Police Service whose professionalism, resilience, and unwavering commitment to public safety continue to inspire me. As I approach this transition, I remain fully committed to supporting continuity and stability within the service through the remainder of my tenure.”
The Cobourg Police Service Board has already initiated a nationwide search for the next Cobourg police chief, and will now be searching for a new deputy chief as well.
