Park Footbridge Dedicated In Memory Of North Haven Man

NORTH HAVEN, CT — A footbridge at Sinoway Pond Park in North Haven was named in honor of James L. McKenna on Sunday, Oct. 31.

McKenna was killed when his vehicle was struck head-0n by a drunken driver on Jan. 1 in Hamden, according to police. He was 55.

Family and friends were joined by North Haven First Selectman Michael Freda to dedicate the bridge in McKenna’s honor.

“The bridge crossway dedication to Jim McKenna was a wonderful tribute to a remarkable man who was kind, generous and always willing to help anyone,” Freda told Patch. “This bridge crossway will always represent a lasting and enduring legacy to Jim’s life and his love of his family and friends.”

McKenna was a longtime North Haven resident who spent his life in service both in law enforcement and the U.S. Army. He served in Germany, in Desert Storm/Desert Shield, and the Army Reserves.

“Sinoway Pond is a special spot for his memorial bridge as Jim ice skated and played many hockey games there with friends and family as a child,” McKenna’s sister MaryEllen Hegarty said in an email. “He is dearly missed by his family, friends and his daughter.”