Controversial Christmas Sign Returns to Fire Department

The Christmas sign that caused all the controversy last season is back on display at the Utica Fire Department.

The small cardboard sign made national headlines last year after the FFRF (Freedom From Religion Foundation) sent letters to Fire Chief Brooks and Utica Mayor Rob Palmieri, asking to have the sign removed. Chief Brooks stood his ground and the sign stayed.

Local businesses and other departments stood with Chief Brooks, displaying their own signs, supporting the UFD. This year the support has already begun.

Tim Sweezey

The support continues this year. The photo, posted to the UFD Facebook page Friday, already has over 1,500 likes and hundreds of shares. Many people are happy to see the sign return and not just here in Central New York.

"LOVE YOUR SIGN!!!!! Keep up the good work!! You have a fan in West Texas!!"
"MERRY CHRISTMAS to you Utica Fire Department and to your community from the state of Georgia."
"Merry Christmas from California!"
"Thank you for reminding everyone of the Reason For The Season! MERRY CHRISTMAS to all the firefighters and their families!"
"I am proud to see the Happy Birthday Jesus sign up once again. After all Jesus is the reason for the season."

You can show your support and help feed the hungry by purchasing a 'Utica Fire Happy Birthday Jesus' t-shirt. $2 from every shirt sold will be given to the Utica Food Bank.

Utica Fire Department

No letters or calls have come in yet, asking the sign be taken down. But it's only been on display for a few days.

Which side of the debate are you on? Keep the Christmas sign or have it taken down?

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