A truck hit the flagpole on Main Street last Tuesday and knocked the gold-leafed bronze ball off the top of the pole. Retired Newtown Police Lt David Lydem says this isn't the first time a driver has hit the pole, but the first time in nearly two decades that the damage has been this extensive.
Lydem says one person saw it fly toward Trinity Church while another said it landed on a vehicle on the car carrier that hit the pole. A search of the area by the church was unsuccessful.
Lydem says a light was repaired and the metal pole is dented. A steeplejack needs to be hired to replace the 16-inch ball, once it's either found or a new one is ordered.
Lydem has been the unofficial flagpole caretaker for nearly 30 years. He raises funds to refurbish and maintain the flagpole. Anyone with information about the accident and the balls whereabouts is asked to call Lydem at 203-426-5495.
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