(ICYMI) 'In God We Trust' Decals Draw Reactions

The sheriffs from two neighboring counties in the northwest suburbs of metro Atlanta announced they’re affixing the words “In God We Trust” to patrol cars, following suit with other agencies across the country.

Paulding County Sheriff Gary Gulledge and Douglas County Sheriff Phil D. Miller both announced their decisions this week on Facebook.

“This was an idea that I have been thinking about for a long time,” Gulledge said in a statement. “When I asked my deputies whether or not they liked the idea, there was an overwhelming response in favor of it.”

Miller said, “In conjunction with other Georgia Sheriffs and Sheriffs across this great country, I am adding the motto “In God We Trust” to assigned Sheriff’s Office vehicles, and it will be strictly voluntary. No person assigned a vehicle will be required to have the motto on their vehicle.”

Both sheriffs said decals are being paid for with their own money.

“Every patrol car that has the ’In God We Trust’ sticker was either paid for by the deputy driving the car, or I paid for it out of my own pocket. None of the stickers were paid for with your tax dollars,” Gulledge said.

Response to the decals has generally been positive locall, but discussion under the Facebook posts has run the gamut.

Gulledge’s statement, posted Monday on Facebook, has been shared more than 5,000 times and liked by 11,500 people (as of Wednesday afternoon). Miller’s Facebook post Wednesday had nearly 50 comments in the first hour.

A sampling of some of the comments

Paulding County Sheriff’s Facebook page

“I am a 100% behind this and if you need more money I will give. I feel like the majority of these Deputies we’re raised on small town values and God . God Bless you Sheriff Gulledge and all of your Deputies ! I love Paulding Co.”

“So what if the stickers weren’t paid for by tax dollars - the vehicles you are putting them on ARE. And some of those tax payers might not subscribe to your God or any god at all.. You are supposed to serve and protect ALL in our SECULAR nation.”

Douglas County Sheriff’s Facebook page

“Good on you Phil!!! The motto is on our currency and it should still be the guiding principle of our actions!!! Too bad more politicians don’t feel the way you do!!!”

“You have been good about avoiding the two No-Nos on this page: politics and religion. You might not see it as such, but it is. This is your caution, my Brother. Thank You.”

Similar decals have been used by other sheriffs in the country -- such as in Kentucky,Missouri, and elsewhere in Georgia, according the media reports -- fueling the argument over whether or not the same motto printed on American currency should be affixed to police vehicles.

According to reports, Wisconsin-based atheist group Freedom From Religion Foundation sent Burke County, Ga., Sheriff Greg Coursey a cease-and-desist letter earlier this week after it learned some of that department’s patrol cars had “In God We Trust” decals. Freedom From Religion Co-President Annie Laurie Gaylor called the stickers “inappropriate.”

Coursey told WRDW-TV in Augusta he will not remove the stickers. Freedom From Religion is contemplating taking legal action, the TV station said.

Photos: Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Facebook; Paulding County Sheriff’s Office Facebook.