Bench in memory of 9/11 victim vandalized

GREENWICH, Conn. (WTNH) -- A bench built in memory of a Greenwich resident killed in the 9/11 attacks has been vandalized.

Police believe it happened in the past few weeks. Yellow tape is now wrapped around the bench and half of its back is missing.

"Right now we couldn't tell you exactly what the motivation was or particularly why it was damaged in such a way, but we are investigating it," said Lt. Kraig Gray, Greenwich Police Department.

The plaque on the bench reads: "In loving memory. Joe Lenihan. 9-11-01. He loved coming here with his family. Some people come into our lives, touch our hearts, and we are never, ever the same."

Lenihan reportedly liked to come to the park with his family, which is why they chose that spot to memorialize him. Many residents who come to walk around or sit on the bench say they can't believe anyone would do something like this.

"It's sad because it's for such a good cause and it's a victim of vandalization," said Mitch Tobak, "it's disheartening."

"We were surprised because we had been there a few weeks before and it wasn't like that," said Clara Eizayaga, "but it was sad that a nice bench was ripped."

Police were unable to find the missing bench part, but plans are underway to repair it.

"This bench in particular has some specific meaning to quite a few people in the community," said Lt. Gray, "and so yes we are treating it as an act of vandalism."