The sheriff's departments in both Cole and Callaway counties will keep the "In God We Trust" signs on their vehicles despite a request to remove them.
"It's no different than having the flag on our vehicles," said Cole County Chief Deputy Captain John Wheeler. "It's our national motto. It's on our money. It's been challenged and the Supreme Court has said since it is the national motto, it can't be removed."
A resident had talked to Sheriff Greg White in July, prior to the sheriff's department putting the sings on in August.
The department used funds raised at the annual sheriff's barbecue to pay for the work.
The County Commission backed the idea and approximately 30 vehicles had the logo put on them.
Callaway County Sheriff Dennis Crane does not plan on removing the decals from Sheriff Department vehicles despite protest from The Freedom From Religion Foundation. Attorney Dee Wampler in Springfield sent a letter congratulating Crane on the decision to use the decals, and Crane said he has yet to receive any negative comments from citizens in Callaway.
"I won't remove the decal because there's no legal reason I have to," Crane said. "Everyone has a right to their beliefs. In this day and age people have different religions and believe in different things. They think I'm forcing religious beliefs but I'm not telling them what to believe or not believe - that's an individual choice. This is just a statement and it's the nation's motto."