More Police Departments Put "In God We Trust" On Patrol Cars
By Timfly
Police in North Carolina are the latest to receive a decal that reads: “In God We Trust.”" in response to recent violence against law enforcement officers.
The move has gotten plenty attention on social media, receiving hundreds of likes and comments.
Recently Michigan police vehicles have also add the "In God we trust" decal. The sherrif says:
"The In God We Trust" motto is "what our country is about!" and he appreciates it more, in part, because of his experience as a Vietnam combat veteran.
"I'm all about this country and what it was founded on," he said.
In light of recent police killings and negative attention toward police officers, the Harnett County sheriff thought it was a good time to add “In God We Trust” to all deputy cars.
While he’s wanted to put the decals on since he became sheriff a few months, Sheriff Wayne Coats made sure they are on the vehicles now.
“We’re living in some troublesome times right now,” Coats said. “People shooting people, officers being shot by people. It’s just the right thing.
“We’re all concerned with what’s going on in our country right now and I think we need God now more than ever.”
Sgt. Travis Daggett said the message of “In God We Trust” is not just the right thing for the community but it’s also a message for him when he’s out on patrol.
“No matter what, I have God on my side and it’s just that kind of reminder to me,” Daggett said.
Sheriff Coats said the community feedback has been overwhelmingly positive however a national organization is speaking out against the sheriff’s decision.
“We recognize that it’s inappropriate to place religious statements on government property,” said Patrick Elliot, staff attorney with the Freedom from Religion Foundation. “The sheriff should not abuse his government position to promote his religious views.”
While Sheriff Coats said he knew there would be a little pushback, it’s what his deputies and most of the community wants.
“I’m not going to let the state separate me from my lord and savior,” he said.
The York-Poquoson Sheriff's office announced that its patrol cars now bear a new decal reading “In God We Trust.”
Sheriff J.D. “Danny” Diggs, who announced the move in a lengthy Facebook post, said the decision was made in an effort to honor God “by acknowledging him for his blessings upon us and it shows our patriotism by displaying our national motto.”
Diggs ordered about 100 decals for the department’s 50 marked patrol cars. Diggs said he paid for the decals, which cost about $1,480, out of his own pocket.
Diggs, a Christian, said the purpose was twofold: to display his office’s patriotism and to “honor God.”
The Saluda County Sheriff's Department has added the phrase "In God We Trust" to the county's fleet of patrol cars.
Sheriff Perry says a private donation is paying for the graphics, meaning no public funds are being used. The stickers are being placed on all the county's marked patrol cars.
“I am very proud of my beliefs, and in a world that is turning against not only faith but law enforcement, I feel it is the right thing to do,” Sheriff Perry says. “I want my guys to know that when they get in the car, and they hear the passenger door close, they know who is riding with them.”
Police cars in Cleveland, Texas, have had “In God We Trust” on the patrol cars since December.
The stickers were provided by Good Promotions, a local business, and approved by the police department, Your Houston News reported. Cleveland ISD Police Chief Rex Evans says the message is empowering and patriotic.
“Katy Fire Department just put the motto on all its fire trucks. A lot of agencies are doing this these days,” Evans said. “The (attorney general) ruled that the motto of our nation is ‘In God We Trust’, so how could it be wrong?”
Despite the questions the decals raise about the separation of church and state, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton issued a legal opinion that the motto doesn’t violate the First Amendment, according to Constitution Daily.
On July 14, the police department in Eupora, Mississippi, enthusiastically shared a new program with its followers on Facebook. It posted pictures of a new directive to be implemented within the department regarding its squad cars.
From the Facebook post: EPD patrol cars receive “In God We Trust” bumper stickers along with new patrol car design that will be fazed in over time. Chief Gregg Hunter – “I am proud to announce that all of the Eupora Police Department Patrol vehicles will now have ‘In God we trust’ on the back. This became our National Motto in 1956 and is on all of our currency. There has been no better time than now to proudly display our National Motto! Also, the design on our new 2015 Ford Police Interceptor Utility, which is completely redesigned, will slowly be phased in on all new EPD patrol vehicles. I’d also like to thank Lowell Hitt and Kay Embry for all of their help and support with this project.” But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in Him.” Jeremiah 17:7.
The post garnered a response from the Freedom From Religion Foundation, a nonprofit that advocates for separation of church and state, which sent Hunter a letter on August 8 regarding the use of the bumper stickers on the squad cars, as well as the use of a bible verse on its Facebook page. The letter went on to list more grievances.
From the letter: Furthermore, EPD’s Facebook page features several other religious posts. For example, its cover photo instructs readers to “PRAY FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT.” On July 20 and July 26, the EPD posted photos of gifts that it received from local churches. One post included a message from the church, which contained a verse from Ephesians 1:16. Finally, many posts implore the public to pray with EPD regarding violence against police officers. Enclosed are screenshots of several of these Facebook posts.
The Freedom From Religion Foundation concluded this letter with a request: We ask that you refrain from posting religious messages on EPD’s official Facebook page, and urge you to remove “In God We Trust” from all EPD vehicles. The EPD should respect the rights of conscience of all citizens, including non-Christians and others who in good conscience reject belief in a god. Please inform us in writing of the actions you are taking on this matter. We look forward to a reply at your earliest convenience.
As of yet, the department has not responded. What is your thought on this controversial topic?
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