Cobourg police station/X photo
Chris Leather has officially been sworn in as the 14th Chief of the Cobourg Police Service.
The ceremony took place Thursday afternoon at Victoria Hall, marking the beginning of a new chapter for the police service and celebrating Leather’s 36-year policing career.
The swearing-in ceremony, hosted by the Cobourg Police Service Board, brought together policing leaders from across Ontario, elected officials, members of the justice sector, community partners, Cobourg Police Service officers and staff, along with Leather’s family and friends.
Police Service Board Chair Adam Bureau welcomed Leather, describing his appointment as the beginning of “a new chapter” for the service.
Ontario Provincial Police Commissioner Thomas Carrique, a longtime friend and former policing colleague of Leather, also spoke at the ceremony. Carrique recalled working alongside Leather early in their careers at York Regional Police and praised his leadership experience and commitment to public safety.
Carrique called Leather “one of the most experienced, professional, committed police leaders in this entire country.”
Cobourg Mayor Lucas Cleveland also welcomed Leather to the role, reflecting on the demands placed on modern police officers and the increasing role police play in responding to mental health crises, addiction and homelessness.
Cleveland assured Leather of the Town’s support, saying, “You have my support. You have Council’s support. And you have a community that is glad you’re here.”
Town Clerk Brent Larmer administered the Oath of Office, after which Police Service Board Chair Adam Bureau presented Leather with his Chief’s badge, formally marking his assumption of command.
In his first address as chief, Leather described the appointment as a “deeply personal privilege” and thanked his family, friends and colleagues for supporting him throughout his career.
He also acknowledged the members of the Cobourg Police Service, saying he understands that earning their trust and support will be an important part of his new role.
Leather began his policing career with York Regional Police in 1989 before spending 21 years with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police in provincial and federal roles across three provinces.
He says his leadership style is rooted in “support, empowerment, collaboration, and connection,” and that he believes in listening, building trust and ensuring police members feel valued and supported.
Leather also referenced the Cobourg Police Service motto, Lex Praesidium Libertatis, or “The law is the safeguard of liberty,” saying the responsibility of police goes beyond simply enforcing legislation.
“Our responsibility is not merely to enforce the law but to ensure that the rule of law protects the rights, freedoms and security of every member of our community,” Leather said.
As he begins his tenure, Leather says he is committed to the people of Cobourg, the members of the police service and the Police Services Board.
He takes over leadership of the Cobourg Police Service from outgoing Chief Paul VandeGraaf, whose contributions to the organization were also recognized during Thursday’s ceremony.
(Written by: Branden Rushton)
