CHRISTIANSBURG, Va. – Decals on Montgomery County Sheriff's Office vehicles containing a Bible verse have been removed, according to Sheriff C.H. Partin.
The decals contain part of a verse from the book of Matthew, "Blessed are the peacemakers…Matthew 5:9.”
Partin said the plan was to leave the decals on until the end of National Police Week, which is this week.
However in a statement, Partin said, "After receiving inquiries and a request from our Board of Supervisors to remove the decals I made the decision to immediately remove them."
The decals were added to the vehicles in March, according to the sheriff.
Below is Partin's full statement about the decals:
"We initially began placing the decals on our vehicles in March of this year. The decals were donated to our office. Our intent was, and still is, to honor our fellow brothers and sisters in law enforcement. We planned to leave the decals on our vehicles until the end of National Police Week. After receiving inquiries and a request from our Board of Supervisors to remove the decals I made the decision to immediately remove them. In the midst of National Police Week, we want to focus on those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice while serving their communities. The last thing that I want is for this to become a distraction to the men and women who serve their communities selflessly every day.”