Members of the Missouri Sheriffs Association (MSA) on Aug. 3 voted to have the national motto, “In God We Trust,” displayed on patrol vehicles across the state. As a result, all Texas County Sheriff’s Department vehicles will bear the phrase by the end of this week. Sheriff James Sigman said feedback has been plentiful.
“None of it negative – at least not around here,” Sigman said. “There were some folks from out of state – I think it was Washington state – who didn’t like the idea, but that’s a long way from here and I really don’t care what they have to say.”
Sigman said the MSA’s move wasn’t meant to cause controversy.
“We’re not pushing any single religion on anyone,” he said. “That’s our national motto, and I think we should all display that. In my opinion, it should be displayed in all of our council chambers, too. Everyone has their own opinion and can choose their own religion, but this is our national motto.”
Sigman said the majority of Missouri sheriff’s departments have similarly outfitted their fleets and that Houston Police Chief Jim McNiell had inquired about the situation.
“He asked me where we got the stickers,” Sigman said. “As far as I know, all sheriff’s departments are doing it, and I’m hoping municipalities follow suit.”
According to MSA president and Grundy County Sheriff Rodney Herring, the vote on the issue was unanimous.
“The way I see it, it’s about time someone takes a stand,” Sigman said. “It seems to always be the voice of the few that gets heard, and I’m proud of the association for standing up.”
“The way I see it, it’s about time someone takes a stand. It seems to always be the voice of the few that gets heard, and I’m proud of the association for standing up.”
-TEXAS COUNTY SHERIFF JAMES SIGMAN