Hurlock and Federalsburg place “In God We Trust” on police vehicles

“In God We Trust.” Four words that first appeared on U.S. currency during the Civil War, then on all U.S. money since a Congressional Vote in 1955. As of August 2016, on the backs of all police vehicles in Hurlock and Federalsburg Maryland.

“It just snow-balled from there. Everybody in the community wants them. They want to put them on their cars.” Said Hurlock Mayor, Joyce Spratt.

Inspired by the actions of Texas law enforcement following the assassinations of five Dallas police officers, Spratt outfitted her police fleet with “In God We Trust” stickers. Then, a challenge was made. In an early-July meeting between the Federalsburg mayor and council a resident passed along Spratt’s challenge to mayor Chuck Planner to follow suit.

“I approached the town council and we all thought it was a good idea and the town employees we talked to thought it was fabulous.” Said Planner.

Federalsburg Police Chief Donald Nagel echoed Planner’s praise for the idea. He tells 47 ABC that actions like this are needed in the U-S during what have been rocky times.

“The Federalsburg community, like a lot of other ones, is trying to bring God back more into the community and be more positive and try to turn this world around.”

The phrase has been challenged in other parts of America on the grounds that it violates separation of church and state, but these two Eastern Shore towns report no opposition to the idea. While Chief Nagel hopes it will spread an encouraging message, Spratt will continue her part in getting the phrase on the backs of more police cars.

“I’m challenging all of ’em. Every one of ’em. Anybody. Any town.”

Federalsburg Mayor Chuck Planner tells 47 ABC that “In God We Trust” will be displayed on all town-owned vehicles as well.