ALAMANCE COUNTY, N.C. -- "In God We Trust." You see these four words every day and might not even realize it.
The phrase is on every dollar bill you spend. You will likely see it in more places in the coming months, including many patrol cars in Alamance County.
On Monday, the Alamance County Board of Commissioners gave the Sheriff's Department permission to hand out "In God We Trust" bumper stickers to put on patrol cars.
The idea came from an everyday citizen, Lash Wrightenberry. He says he was inspired by Sheriff's Departments throughout the country, that have decided to add "In God We Trust” to patrol cars.
Wrightenberry went to PIP Printing in Burlington to get 200 bumper stickers made, and the business decided to give them to him for free.
"I've always been under the impression that we are led by a higher power. And it's so nice to know that even in an age where we are so politically correct and driven away from using God's name anywhere, it's nice to see that we do have groups that are willing to put it out there," Greg Mullis, Production Manager at PIP Printing, said.
According to Randy Jones, Public Information Officer for the Sheriff's Department, the decals will be put up at each officer's discretion.
"If the officer wants to place one on the patrol car they are allowed to do so," Jones explained. "They are not being mandated to do anything of that nature."
Some community members, however, say the new addition makes them uncomfortable.
"It's a diverse area and everyone has the right to their own beliefs," Dora Hammond said. "It might be intimidating to some people as far as asking for help."
Representatives with the ACLU are also against the addition.
"When government entities put religious phrases on buildings or police cars, for many people, that sends a message that they are not inclusive of people of all beliefs," Mike Meno, Communications Manager with the North Carolina ACLU, said.
In July, “In God We Trust” was mounted on some government buildings in Alamance County.
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