N.Y. Fire Station Refuses to Remove 'Happy Birthday Jesus' Sign

A fire station in the state of New York is reportedly refusing to remove a Christmas sign from its front door, despite complaints from an atheist group.

The Utica Fire Department says despite threats of legal action from the Freedom From Religion Foundation, it will not remove a sign that reads "Happy Birthday Jesus, We Love You!" from the door of its firehouse.

Utica Fire Chief Russell Brooks has said that his station will continue to keep the sign up despite threats from the atheist group regarding a lawsuit. Brooks argues that several of the firefighters in the area were severely affected by the September 11 terrorist attacks in New York City, and have turned to God as a result.

Brooks added that he doesn't see his fire station as a unique place expressing belief in God, as God is also referenced on American money and in the Pledge of Allegiance.

"Pledge of Allegiance has God in it, money has God on it," the fire chief told the local WKTV. "This case isn't unique."

Annie-Laurie Gaylor, co-president of the Freedom From Religion Foundation, explained to The Blaze why her group opposing the sign.

"About 20 percent of Utica citizens are nonreligious and others follow non-Christian faiths — and that included Utica firefighters," Gaylor said. "How would Brooks feel if his local government put up a sign saying, 'Happy Birthday, Mohammed. We love you!'? This sign is equally inappropriate because government bodies should not take sides on religion."