The holiday spirit is normally alive and well this time of year in Oakville, Washington, a town of 700 people that is not accustomed to controversy.
But when volunteer firefighters at Grays Harbor Fire District No.1 put a biblical message on their sign, someone complained.
The fire commissioner ordered that the sign come down and the Christmas tree be turned off.
“This is just sort of asinine,” said Oakville resident Richard Hawkins.
When the fire station posted the story on Facebook, hundreds of people responded.
"They're all around the world: Australia, Sweden," said firefighter Shawn Burdett. “Merry Christmas is not a bad word.”
The decision to put up the Christian message was made by five officers at the fire station. While the sign and tree are on public property, they were paid for with private donations.
"No tax dollars (were used), zero,” said Burdett.
Residents became frustrated, saying that the voice of one should not speak louder than the voices of many.
"I couldn't believe that one person could deny everybody Christmas," said resident Tim Newby.
“The reason for Christmas is Jesus Christ, my gosh,” said community member Shirley George.
On Monday night, about 200 residents met with commissioners.
"I would venture to say they would not get re-elected and I would actually venture to say they would struggle to get a vote," said Burdett.
The sign was restored after a 2-1 vote by the commissioners.
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