JASON SETNYK
What was expected to be a routine start to the Cornwall Police Service Board meeting on April 2 quickly turned into a notable leadership update, as Chair Amanda Brisson confirmed Chief Shawna Spowart has stepped away earlier than expected.
“Before we do roll call, I would just like to say we now have Chief Spowart, who is away on vacation until the end of her contract date,” Brisson said. “She will continue to fulfill a few commitments, as the Vice President of the Association of Chiefs of Police in her absence. Deputy Chief (Chad) Maxwell will be the acting chief until the new chief is hired.”
The announcement marks an earlier-than-anticipated transition in leadership. When Spowart announced her retirement earlier this year, she had indicated she would work with the board to ensure a “smooth and well-planned transition,” with her contract running through 2026.
Spowart, who served 31 years in policing and nearly five years as Cornwall’s first female chief, led a period of modernization within the service, including the introduction of body-worn cameras, expanded youth programming, and enhanced mental health supports for officers.
Maxwell is a 20-plus-year veteran of the service who has risen through the ranks from patrol officer to Deputy Chief. He was officially sworn into that role in December 2025 following a board-led recruitment process.
Speaking following the meeting, Maxwell acknowledged the transition came sooner than expected but said he feels prepared.
“It wasn’t the timeline that I was initially expecting,” he said. “But honestly, I’ve been well-trained… I’ve worked very closely with Shawna for the last 10 years, so jumping into the role, I have a bit of a leg up.”
Maxwell emphasized that operations will continue uninterrupted, pointing to an established leadership structure and long-term planning already in place.
“I don’t think it stops for a moment,” he said. “We’ve put together a very robust strategic framework for the next four years… our commitments to public safety continue each and every day. None of those things are going to change.”
He credited Spowart’s leadership with preparing the organization for continuity.
“Chief Spowart had really set the structure for the organization to live well past her retirement,” Maxwell said. “The people in place right now are ready to tackle the challenges ahead and continue to move this police service forward.”
Maxwell also reflected on the leadership approach he plans to carry forward, shaped in part by Spowart’s mentorship.
“One thing she really shared with me was… if we have time and space, we slow things down and we make the best decisions,” he said. “That’s going to carry forward.”
Describing his own leadership style, Maxwell pointed to communication and approachability.
“Being humble, being honest, being empathetic, being approachable… you have to listen to people,” he said. “In doing that, it just makes it a better, safer community.”
While the board continues its search for a permanent chief after approving Waterhouse Executive Search in March at a flat rate of $27,000 to lead the recruitment, Maxwell said his focus is maintaining momentum on key priorities, including long-term planning and facility needs.
“There will be a continuity of operations. There will be 24/7 service for the months to come,” he said.
For Maxwell, the appointment also carries a personal connection to the community.
“I love this community,” he said. “I came here as a 22-year-old… and I’ve never left. I’ve raised a family here… I will do my absolute best day or night to provide for community safety.”
The board confirmed the recruitment process is underway, with candidates expected to be brought forward shortly.
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