Alabama sheriff puts Bible verse on patrol cars

Alabama sheriff puts Bible verse on patrol cars

Erin Edgemon | eedgemon@al.com

Houston County Sheriff Donald Valenza said his "strong beliefs" inspired him to purchase a Biblical-focused decal for the back of his department's patrol vehicles.

"I've always had religious belief, and I feel like that's kept me alive," he told the Dothan Eagle. "It symbolizes the Houston County Sheriff's Office."

The decal, which cost $1.60 each, quotes Matthew 5:9: "Blessed are the peacemakers."

Valenza showed off the new decal on the sheriff's office Facebook page, which sparked mixed comments from residents.

While many said they love the decal, others said the use of a Bible verse on a government vehicle violates the law.

"This decal is illegal as it violates the Establishment Clause in the First Amendment of the US Constitution (aka "the separation of church and state")," Andrew Jameson wrote on the page. "I strongly urge you to save taxpayer money and remove this decal from all public property before you lose a costly court battle."

Jason Solowes wrote: "Too bad our tax money was spent on decals they will have to remove."

By Erin Edgemon on July 31, 2015 at 2:13 PM, updated July 31, 2015 at 2:58 PM