Crooks Loot WWI Medals from Portage Cemetery, But Kind Neighbors Help Make it Right

PORTAGE – Hearts sank when apparent vandalism and theft deprived a veteran interred at Pennycook Cemetery of several World War I medals, but kind, able BOCES students and a county official are doing their best to make it right.

On Wednesday, Town Supervisor Ivan Davis acknowledged to the Livingston County Board of Supervisors that the tomb of 44-year veteran Frank Adams Wilmer was broken into and looted.

“Somebody went in there, broke the main plaque off the end of the tomb,” said Davis. “Somebody told me that the vandals stole the medals that the guy had from World War I. That’s about the lowest thing a person can do.”

The medals are still lost, but Davis is working with Jason Skinner, Director of Livingston County Veterans Services, to make it right.

“We are working with Jason to have some replicas made

The vandals left the damaged plaque, which went to Olie Olson’s students at BOCES for free repairs.

“We took it down to BOCES and they fixed it, and it looked just like brand new,” said Davis.

The Town enjoys a strong relationship with BOCES.

“We got a great thing going there and it doesn’t cost anything,” said Davis. “It’s nice to donate something. I took them down a piece of stainless steel for them to make something out of. I’d really like to thank them for a tremendous job.”