But the decision to place “In God We Trust” stickers on the back windows of the cars, including his own unmarked Yukon, is not setting well with the Madison, Wisconsin-based Freedom From Religion Foundation, which has condemned not only Tripp's choice, but the choice of five other law enforcement agencies across the nation which carry the slogan.

Tripp, however, staunchly defends his choice, citing precedent set by the federal government and the decision set by the country's founding fathers to create a faith-tolerant country.

The sheriff has posted his beliefs on his patrol cars carrying the slogan on social media and reaffirmed them during an interview at his office in Halifax Tuesday.

“Our founding fathers formed this country on belief in God,” he said. “It started here in Halifax with first for freedom. The federal government put 'In God We Trust' on currency and in 1956 the federal government adopted the motto 'In God We Trust.'”

Tripp said he realizes that in answering to 54,000 people who make up Halifax County, “I'm not going to please everyone. I'm not doing this to push religion on anyone. I will serve God as I do my job as sheriff of Halifax County.”

Tripp believes just as people have the right to wear certain clothes and to wave flags of their choice, “I also have the right to expression. In 2013 I took the oath in a government courthouse with my hand placed on the Holy Bible and swore to God to do my duty.”

Witnesses in court, the sheriff said, place their hands on the Bible “and swear to God to tell the truth and oaths are administered by a clerk of court paid by the state.”

Tripp said the stickers were obtained by personal means and no county tax dollars were used. “I was raised in the church and believe in God. When I saw other agencies were doing it I thought It was a pretty good idea.”

At this point, the Halifax County Sheriff's Office is the only agency in North Carolina known to be displaying the stickers and because patrol cars carry it he said that won't stop him from serving all people. “We serve all citizens no matter what race they are or what creed they follow. Religion teaches me to treat everyone fair.”

Soon after posting the new stickers on social media, he received a letter from the FFRF asking him to remove them.

Support for the stickers locally, however, has been astronomical, he said. Negative comments, he said, have been coming from Indiana, Wisconsin, California and the United Kingdom. “My responsibility is to the citizens of Halifax County.”

Tripp says Matthew 5:9 speaks to the work of law enforcement officers. “Blessed are the peacemakers for they will be called the children of God. We keep the peace for the people.”

Deputy Marcus Morris drives one of the patrol cars with the sticker on it. “My family stands behind it,” he said. “It's a great symbol.”

Sergeant Eric Johnson believes the slogan represents his own faith. “My view is the same as the sheriff. I was raised in the church, a Southern Baptist. I've had citizens approach me who've said it's really nice, fellow officers, nothing negative.”

Both officers say their faith in God is a part of their life on the road. “For God I live and for God I die,” Morris said.

“While the body can be taken, the spirit is not if the Lord is willing,” Johnson said. “If the body is taken it's his will, so be it.”

For Tripp, it's a matter of choice to display the stickers and no deputy has refused to apply one. “If they did I would respect their wishes.”

It's also a right of his office to display them, he said. “I represent all of Halifax County. I don't answer to Madison, Wisconsin, Indiana or California, especially.”