Photo by ohad*.

A downtown memorial dedicated to D.C. fire dogs that help solve arson cases has been vandalized with graffiti.

According to a release from the Local 36 fire union, the squad at the firehouse situated downtown at 500 F Street NW discovered vandalism earlier today. In addition to the “K.K.K” graffiti on the fire dogs memorial, “large piles of trash dumped in the back parking lot of the firehouse” was also discovered.

“Obviously I’m disturbed by such a blatant act that was clearly focused and intended toward our members,” Ed Smith, President of D.C. Firefighters Association, Local 36, said in a statement.

The statue was put up and dedicated in 2013 and the firefighters union said they’re going to make sure the graffiti is cleaned and the statue is repaired.

The Metropolitan Police Department is currently investigating the incident and asking anyone with information to call 202-727-8506, or anonymously at 202-727-9099.

Filed Under: fire dog memorial vandalism, firefighters, vandalism,