Police in Derby are investigating the theft of bronze plaques dedicated to a city hero.
Frank Witek served in the Marines during World War II and died on Aug. 3, 1944 in Guam in the South Pacific.
The city posthumously honored the Medal of Honor winner and named the Frank P. Witek park after him.
Three bronze plaques on a monument dedicated to Witek in the park were stolen. The theft was reported to police Tuesday morning.
Leonard Witek can't believe someone would do this to his cousin's memorial.
"Didn't you read what it was for? What the honor is? A person got killed for this and you're taking it away?" Witek said.
Authorities said they were unsure how much the plaques are worth, but the Catholic War Veterans, a group chartered in Derby, estimates the value of the plaques as high as $10,000.
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Leonard said to see someone do this to a hometown memorial for a medal of honor recipient is just inexcusable.
"You're going to see the veterans up in arms because they're the one's who pushed to have the park named after him."
Police are asking anyone with information on the theft to come forward.
