To the Editor:

Dear Residents of Waddington,

At about 3:00 a.m. yesterday morning, the large Ogden family-owned burial vault in Old Brookside Cemetery was severely damaged in a heinous act of vandalism and desecration. The vault was severely damaged beyond repair by unknown individual(s). Due to the extent and severity of the damage to this private family vault, we discussed the options with the Ogden family. The family's wishes were to collapse the vault in place, keeping their loved ones' remains intact at their final resting place. This is a sad day for Waddington knowing that someone could be so disrespectful and malicious. 

I would like to thank the NY State Police for their rapid response, processing of the scene, and for pursuing the ongoing criminal investigation. I would also like to thank Tracy and Cathy Putney for helping to identify the names of the family members to contact, Councilman David McBath, Donaldson Funeral Home, and the town highway department for honoring the family's wishes and securing this sacred resting place for the Ogden family.    

This type of criminal activity will not be tolerated and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent.  There is an ongoing investigation led by the New York State Police BCI team. If you have any information or saw any suspicious activity related to this, please contact the New York State Police at 315-379-0012. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me at 315-323-7699 or supervisor@waddingtontown.com. 

Travis McKnight
Waddington Town Supervisor