Fire Department In N.Y. Criticized For Holiday Sign

A fire department in New York is being criticized by an atheist organization for putting a sign in its entryway that reads "Happy Birthday Jesus."

The Freedom From Religion Foundation recently sent a letter to the Utica Fire Department in New York for a sign posted to its door that reads in full: "Happy Birthday Jesus We Love You." The sign, put on the front door in time for the holidays, serves as an "endorsement of religion," the atheist group argues in its letter.

According to The Blaze, the fire department already received a complaint earlier this year from the same sign erected last year during the holiday season. The station's chief, Russell Brooks, has recently ignored complaints by atheist groups regarding the sign, as they won a lawsuit in 2007 that allowed them to keep their Christmas sign.

"I was advised by the Thomas Law Center that we were well within our rights to display our Christmas sign," Chief Brooks reportedly responded to the Freedom From Religion Foundation, according to The Blaze. "In addition, they would support us, as well as any efforts from any organizations looking to prevent us from doing so."

Brooks also added to local media outlet WKTV that the fire department is proud to show their faith in God, especially after the September 11 terrorist attacks in New York City in 2001.

 "911 brought a lot of the guys closer to God, and they just wanted to show their faith in Jesus," Brooks said. "They had no idea a controversy would arise."