‘Public safety is built on trust’: Chris Leather sworn in as Cobourg’s 14th chief of police
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- 5 min read
By editor/reporter Sarah Hyatt
Cobourg Police Service (CPS) Chief Chris Leather says he’s starting his new role with “humility, gratitude and a full heart.”
This was just one the messages shared as Leather was officially sworn in as the 14th chief of police at Concert Hall at Victoria Hall on July 23, 2026.
The ceremony included a badge presentation, remarks by several dignitaries, colleagues and local leaders, as well as high-ranking officials like OPP Commissioner Thomas Carrique, to name a few. Town of Cobourg clerk Brent Larmer handled the swearing-in and administering of the Oath of Office, marking the official start of Leather’s command.
Carrique’s attendance was unique – and it turns out the two have a history of working together over Leather’s 36-year career.
“I think this is absolutely going to be a highlight of my career in policing,” Carrique told Leather on the opportunity to deliver remarks and congratulations at the ceremony.
He touched on their earliest work back in the 1990s as two young detective-constables rode around together tackling covert operations and investigating everything from break-and-enters, abductions and homicides.
“I can tell you that the countless hours that we spent together, I had full confidence that ... if I needed you, you were there to protect me – but you were also there to protect the citizens of York Region.
“And it was clear to me that you were destined for much more. We all in policing come across officers in our careers where we say: ‘They have it.’ They are the one (who) could rise to the rank of chief of police if they chose to do so.”
He noted he was only ever disappointed with Leather on two occasions. The first instance was when Carrique learned how after 15 years with York Regional Police, Leather was shifting to the RCMP.
Carrique said he was heartbroken.
“But we knew Chris was destined for more than what we could offer him (at) York Regional Police at that time. He wanted to be a part of something there, recognizing the change in trends and the global impact of serious, organized crime and the risk to national security.
“Chris had a calling to go and serve nationally on behalf of Canadians.”
Carrique noted the second time was when he heard Leather was retiring from the RCMP earlier this year (which turned out to be short retirement before assuming his post June 1 at CPS.)
At this time, Carrique said they were sitting side-by-side through the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police and Leather was co-chairing the organized crime committee and having an impact nationally and internationally.
“What were we going to do with the loss of this police leader who had so much more to give, and we were relying upon to initiate sustainable change,” continued Carrique.
“Well, Chris, all those disappointments are long behind us now when I heard the fantastic news that the Town of Cobourg had identified their next chief of police.”
Carrique told the service, board and Mayor Lucas Cleveland: “You have one of the most experienced, one of the most professional, one of the most committed police leaders in this entire nation. Somebody I could work for any day, at any time, because he represents the values of the policing and he has done so for 36 years …”
The ceremony also included remarks and greetings from Acting-Insp. Scott Bambridge, board Chair Adam Bureau, Cleveland, MP Philip Lawrence, MPP David Piccini, Cobourg Police Service Association President Rich Ferguson, and Seniors Officer Association President Lisa Munday.
Leaders also made sure to honour Leather’s family in attendance, acknowledging the call to public service is also carried by his loved ones.
Cleveland – who also has a family policing background – was just one of the speakers who echoed this sentiment and the sacrifices families often make.
He also spoke on Leather’s lifetime of work, noting this translates to thousands of shifts and difficult decisions and thousands of nights where someone slept soundly because Leather didn’t.
“We ask our police to run towards trouble,” said Cleaveland, while also touching on how demands on police have changed drastically.
“You’re asked to be more than a police officer – you’re asked to support (the) mental health crisis. You’re asked to support patients. You’re asked to help the homeless.
“You are asked to deal with problems that no police service, anywhere ever, was designed to solve.”
On top of it, police are asked to do all this “with everyone watching.”
Cleveland vowed to support and work with Leather and front-line officers, saying he’s looking forward to a relationship built around collaboration and a shared community of safety and security.
“I feel proud and I’m very grateful to begin this next chapter here,” said Leather, while thanking everyone for a warm welcome and their support in recent weeks.
Throughout his remarks, he promised to work at earning the trust and support of his officers and staff, as well as in the community.
“I believe in listening, I believe in building trust, and I believe in making sure our members know they are valued, supported and equipped to do their work.”
He called it a privilege to be close with the community where he serves – to know people by name, to listen with care and work alongside the dedicated staff at CPS. He also acknowledged community expectations: That CPS serves as a quality service, is visible, responsible and accountable, as well as the need for self-financial stewardship and solid leadership.
“I share those expectations, and I will carry them with me every day as chief of police.”
“As I begin this role, I do so with humility, gratitude and a full heart,” he said, while pledging to remain committed to the people of Cobourg.
After the ceremony, Bureau told media throughout the recruitment process, Leather demonstrated the leadership, experience and commitment to community-focused policing that the board was seeking.
“We know that public safety is built on trust,” said Bureau. “Chief Leather has already demonstrated his commitment to listening, building relationships and working alongside our members, community partners and elected officials and residents.
“The board looks forward to providing continued governance to the service in this new chapter and supporting Chief Leather as we continue our shared work of ensuring Cobourg remains a safe, welcoming and vibrant community.”
- With files from Natalie Hamilton