The Cookeville Police Department is currently investigating vandalism that occurred Tuesday night at the Cookeville City Cemetery.
Cookeville Leisure Services Director Rick Woods said several headstones were pushed over and, in some cases, broken in half. Woods said he returned to the cemetery again today and discovered more vandalism that possibly could have occurred during daylight hours. Woods said the vandalism to the cemetery is disrespectful.
“I think in any sensible person’s opinion it would be unacceptable,” Woods said. “We would love to identify who has committed this kind of heinous act and hold them responsible.”
Woods said the city does have records of those who are buried in the cemetery, but it is difficult to know who to notify about the damages. Woods said anyone who can help identify the individuals involved with the vandalism at the Cookeville Cemetery to report the information to the Cookeville Police Department.
Woods said Leisure Services is currently working to see what can be done about the headstones
“We will be working with monument companies to see what kind of damage, what the cost might be, what can happen if they can be saved,” Woods said. “We are working through that process right now.”
The city asks for the community’s awareness and involvement in helping maintain the integrity of our public spaces.