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Vandals Damage Vintage Statue in Hazleton, Then This Happened

HAZLETON — A business owner in Hazleton is crying foul after his vintage statue was vandalized. “The Lifeguard” statue on North Cedar Street h...
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HAZLETON -- A business owner in Hazleton is crying foul after his vintage statue was vandalized.

"The Lifeguard" statue on North Cedar Street has a colorful history. It dates back to the 1964 World’s Fair in New York, but Friday night, the owner found his sculpture's arm had been ripped off.

For years, the statue has been posted outside a swimming pool store in Hazleton, but now this lifeguard is in need of a rescue of his own.

“He was getting ready with a life preserver, you see, so unfortunately… We'll figure something out that is for sure,” said Mark Laputka of Doctor Feelgoode's Pools and Spas.

According to a neighbor, a group of kids attacked the lifeguard Friday night, ripped off its arm, and ran away.

“I just wish they knew. The history is the point. That’s the thing. It's important. I don't want to bring him inside. Everybody really likes seeing them out here.”

Laputka plans to file a police report but would really like an apology.

“Teach your children not to be idiots.”

But before you shake your finger and curse today's kids, there’s someone you should meet.

Sisters Vanessa and Gaby Hernandez live nearby and had a lot to say when they saw what happened.

“They were mean because the statue was there and it didn't do anything wrong to them,” Vanessa Hernandez said.

And if you think young people can't appreciate history?

“It's horrible because how old it is. It's very old!” said Gaby Hernandez.

We asked the kids what they would say to the vandals.

“Just apologize. Maybe that would help,” Vanessa said.

“Say sorry, all of that, and then don't ever do it again,” Gaby added.

The sisters’ words help mend The Lifeguard's owner’s feelings.

“Yep, that's hopeful. That's very hopeful,” Laputka said.

He's thinking in the future, his mascot might just like the view from the roof.

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