UPDATE | 'In God We Trust' decals will stay on the back of Grovetown vehicles despite opposition

Saturday, July 8, 2017

GROVETOWN, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) -- The controversy over the Grovetown "In God We Trust" decals continue as people react on social media, and reach out to Mayor Gary Jones for answers.

"I've seen this in other communities but I'd never expect that to happen here, it really upsets me" said an anonymous Grovetown citizen.

The decals were donated to the city by a local towing company and printing company, Mayor Jones accepted them and wants them out on the back of all Grovetown police cars and firetrucks.

"You can believe in whatever you want, just do it in your personal space, just don't put it in police cars."

Mayor Gary Jones responded to those who emailed him about the issue in a Facebook post on his personal page.

He wrote, "The support has been overwhelming for this and I stand by my decision."

He went on to write he doesn't judge or condemn people for who they worship or chose not to worship.

Despite the mixed feelings from citizens, the decals will be on the back of all Grovetown police cars and firetrucks by the end of next week.

Friday, July 7, 2017

GROVETOWN, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) -- It's a phrase you've probably seen before that is causing controversy in Grovetown.

"You find this on your car tags in Columbia County especially, you find it on your money, on your currency, it's in your pledge, it's all over the place" said John Franklin.

All-American Towing and Recovery teamed up with Griffith Graphic Designs to donate "In God We Trust" decals to Grovetown Public Safety. The decals were all donated, and no taxpayer money was used.

The decals will go on the back of all police cars and firetrucks in Grovetown. All-American Towing and Recovery got the idea after seeing a Burke County Deputy's car.

"Mayor Jones was right there with us and I questioned him and said if we can get the stickers made for them, would they be willing to put them on the cars?" said John Franklin with All-American Towing and Recovery.

He says he got the okay from Mayor Gary Jones and went to the printing shop. When he got there, Lee Griffith with Griffith Graphic Designs told them he would donate them for free.

"These officers go out everyday and protect us, and our country was founded on these christian beliefs and I believe it should be on the back of these cars" said Lee Griffith.

Both companies were surprised by the social media reaction both for and against the decals, but they are standing by their donation.

"They get out here everyday as it says on their cars to protect and serve, they couldn't do that without God, God protects them everyday" said Angel Carr.

The decals have already started going on the cars and are expected to be on all police cars and firetrucks by next week.

Thursday, July 6, 2017

GROVETOWN, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) -- Mayor Gary Jones posted to Facebook Thursday night that all of the police cars are getting 'In God We Trust' bumper decals.

He posted, "There will be a few that are offended.... but they are going to stay on the cars."

Jones says all police cars should have decals by the end of the week, then fire trucks will receive the decals. He says they are not being paid for with taxpayer money, but instead, by a donation of a friend of the owner of All American Towing and Recovery.