Veterans Park Vandalism May Prompt Surveillance Cameras

A weekend spree of vandalism that city officials have called disgusting and disrespectful, especially to Veterans, may prompt installation of surveillance cameras downtown.

While the idea of placing cameras along the popular Riverwalk has been tossed around over the last few years, Alderman John “Jack” Finn said the city needs to stop talking and take action.

“My understanding from discussing the issue with Tom Taylor (the city’s administrative assistant) is the city is already working on this since it broke in the media,” Finn said. “I will wait and see, and if there is no action on the administration part, I will place it on the Public Health and Safety (committee agenda) again.”

Taylor was not immediately available for comment.

Finn said vandals made their mark on the Korean War monument at Veterans Park last Thursday, scrawling green paint on it, and did a number with chalk all along the sidewalks surrounding the monuments Friday night.

Finn said he discovered the vandalism early Saturday morning when he  along with the Honor Guard of Post 16 were preparing to participate in a No Vets Left Behind ceremony to mark Memorial Day.

“Upon my arrival to Veterans Park, I discovered the vandalism that occurred overnight at the park for the second night in a row,” Finn said. “To think that someone would go down on Memorial Day weekend and have disrespect for those who have given their lives so we might enjoy the freedom we enjoy today. Not only did they use chalk on the sidewalks, but also removed all the American flags and tossed them on the ground. This is an embarrassment to the town and disrespectful to the fallen soldiers whose names are engraved on each memorial representing the war they lost their lives in.”

Finn said the city talked about installing surveillance cameras at the park several years ago, but that still hasn’t happened.

“Several years later we are still seeing vandalism in the park and at the Farmers Market  to the point the spray paint can't be removed,” Finn added.

Finn said Echo Hose Hook and Ladder Fire Company responded quickly and hosed down the sidewalks, washing the markings away at Veterans Park prior to the ceremony taking place.

Korean War veteran Al Sabetta told News 8 he was upset by the lack of respect for the men and women who have served the country, saying “It's just disrespect. I don't care if they are little kids, teenagers, or adults. That is what is lacking today. Respect for veterans and what they have accomplished, and respect for our flag."

Vandals have struck at the park before. A couple years ago, someone climbed on top of the flagpole, ripped the flag off and threw it to the ground. In 2008, vandals defaced the windows and doors of the Veterans War Memorial Building at Riverview Park with racist and anti-Semitic remarks. The park’s baseball dugout and concession stand were also scrawled with offensive words, including the ‘n’ word, and had swastikas and words that hinted at killing Jews and black people.

City officials have since increased fines for violators caught defacing public property to $250.

Shelton police said they received information about vandalism at Veterans Park over the weekend, and urged anyone with information as to who may have removed the flags, or caused damage to call them at 203-924-0212.