Cornwall, ON – On Friday, October 22, 2021, the Cornwall Police Service (CPS) held a virtual Change of Command Ceremony to mark the official transition between outgoing Chief Aikman and incoming Chief Shawna Spowart. 

A Change of Command Ceremony is a historical practice of transferring leadership from one commander to another. It marks as a significant historical moment for the CPS and was an important opportunity for its members and members of the community, to virtually take part and acknowledge the legacy, the many years of bravery and dedication that have led the service to where it is today. At the ceremony, Chief Shawna Spowart was sworn into her new role and will be the first female Chief of Police in the history of the CPS.

Outgoing Chief, Danny Aikman, was celebrated for his 41-year policing career. He took part in a ceremonial passing of a tipstaff, which is entrenched as a symbol of traditional Canadian law enforcement authority. The passing of the tipstaff to Chief Shawna Spowart relinquishes his command of the Cornwall Police Service to her.

The change in leadership will mark an important transition for members of the CPS, as well as members of the community. Through her leadership, Chief Shawna Spowart will continue to work in partnership with all communities, while working towards the CPS vision of, “a safer Cornwall.”

The CPS would like to congratulate Chief Danny Aikman on a long and successful career. We wish him well in his retirement. The CPS would also like to extend our congratulations to our new Chief of Police, Shawna Spowart, on becoming the first female Chief of Police for our service.

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