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The Ontario Professional Fire Fighters Association (OPFFA) is looking to raise $500,000 to restore a vandalized memorial to their fallen brethren.

The province's Fallen Fire Fighter Memorial at Queen's Park was defaced on May 12 when, according witness accounts, a lone male spray-painted politically charged slogans such as 'Liberal lackeys' and 'Dalton dogs' on several of its granite panels. The memorial was designed to remember the more than 400 Ontario fire fighters who have died in the line of duty since 1848.

The province contributed $100,000 toward the restoration of the memorial on Friday morning, and the OPFFA is looking for additional funds both from its own members and from the public at large.

"I hope that all Ontarians will consider making a contribution to the fund, because these firefighters gave their lives while protecting the lives and property of the public," said OPFFA President Fred LeBlanc. "This monument is not just for firefighters and our families, it's a place that all Ontarians can visit and reflect on the sacrifices made on their behalf by firefighters who have died in the line of duty."

Donations can be made at any Ontario TD Canada Trust Branch to account number 239 5214118.

Meanwhile, the OPFFA remains hopeful that the vandal who defaced the memorial will be caught. The association has partnered with the International Association of Fire Fighters and the Manitoba Professional Fire Fighters Association to post an $11,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the man responsible for the vandalism.

Anyone with information is asked to call the OPP at 416-327-2367 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.