Utica (WSYR-TV/WUTR-TV) The Utica Fire Department is in the middle of a small controversy over a sign outside one of their fire houses.

The sign says, Happy birthday Jesus, we love you.

The Freedom From Religion Foundation is a national organization that promotes separation of church and state and educates the public about atheism and agnosticism.

The group has written multiple letters protesting the sign.

Fire Chief Russell Brooks said the department will not take the sign down, according to NewsChannel 9 WSYRs sister station WUTR-TV.

"This display is well within our constitutional rights and we've seen no reason to take it down when it brings such a good feeling to the community and to the firefighters," said Brooks.

He also said, the department is also receiving a lot of support from the community about the sign.

Additional details area available on WUTR-TVs website.

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Utica Fire Dept. refuses to take down religious sign despite national organizations complaints