Hatfield Police Chief suggested that some critics were not upset about a missed observance, but about who was being acknowledged
As Ramadan and Lent began this week — alongside the recent celebration of Chinese New Year — a couple of local police departments extended holiday greetings to residents on Wednesday, prompting both praise and criticism on social media.
The Hatfield Police Department on Wednesday posted a message wishing residents “a safe and blessed Ramadan,” describing the Islamic holy month as “a period of reflection, prayer, charity, and compassion.”
The post drew more than 680 reactions and 145 comments. While many residents expressed support, others questioned why there was no similar “Happy Ash Wednesday” message, objected to the wording of the greeting, or exhibited blatant Islamophobia.
Less than 24 hours later, Hatfield Police Chief William Tierney addressed the response directly.
“Time to preach,” Tierney wrote in a follow-up post that has since generated more than 2,600 reactions, 430 comments and 131 shares. “It seems strange to think that saying ‘happy’ anything would get people riled up.”
Tierney suggested that some critics were not upset about a missed observance, but about who was being acknowledged.
“You really aren’t mad that we missed your ‘happy’ day, you are mad because we wished people happiness who you don’t particularly care for,” he wrote. “We police everyone the same, and we share joy and grief with everyone we know, even many we don’t know well.”
The chief emphasized that Hatfield is a diverse community and said the department is proud to serve all residents equally. He closed his message by inviting direct communication and wishing readers “Happy whatever this day and every day is to you.”
In an interview Thursday, Tierney said he believes local police play a significant role in community cohesion.
“I believe the police should always let the community know that we police equally,” Tierney said. “With that, the police share a huge part in bringing a community together. We are the face of the community every day.”
Tierney said the department does not approach holiday messages as religious endorsements.
“We do not bring faith into the mix at all,” he said. “We acknowledge people, cultures and celebration.”
He added that Ramadan was not singled out, but simply the observance that drew backlash this week.
“We do the same for Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and any other celebration that comes along,” Tierney said.
The chief said the department has no formal policy governing holiday acknowledgments.
“We have no policy on it, it has never been needed and our well wishes have always been received kindly by all,” he said.
Asked what prompted the follow-up statement, Tierney said it was the tone of certain responses.
“The veiled comments mentioning other events,” he said. “As I said, this had nothing to do with religion, it had to do with celebration.”
Tierney also addressed questions about government neutrality.
“The police are neutral and inclusive, as we should be. Our Township speaks of those ideals,” he said. “The police are people too. We engage the public in our everyday activities as people. Reaching common understanding and being a part of peoples lives is better for everyone. In the long run, that allows us to be better officers who provide a more welcoming environment for all who we serve. That brings about better policing.”
Supporters flooded the comments section, praising Tierney’s leadership.
Hatfield Township’s official account commented, “That’s our Chief!!!!” Others called the message “a great example of leadership” and “standing up for all people.”
“I don’t live in Hatfield,” wrote Skippack pharmacist Dr. Mayank “Dr. Mak” Amin, “but that’s a freakin’ chief right there! Standing up for ALL people.”
Another poster called on Lansdale Borough Police to take the same stance.
“I truly hope the Lansdale Police find the same backbone because there are a lot of people showing their true colors in that post,” they wrote.
In addition to Lansdale Borough Police, similar Ramadan greetings were posted by Montgomery County government on Tuesday. The Lansdale post drew more than 320 reactions and 181 comments, with a mix of supportive messages and criticism questioning whether such posts are appropriate for government agencies.
“Is this post from the borough constitutional? Your business is the law. You should keep the law and that's it,” wrote one person.
“I don't celebrate Ash Wednesday or Ramadan, but I'm not ignorant to others' celebrations. I thought this post was very thoughtful and kind,” wrote one commenter. “They recognize ALL citizens, not just those that represent them.”
Another wrote that they were praying that “hordes of Muslims” will turn to Christ for Salvation.
“Where's your Ash Wednesday post??” wrote another (and about 40 others). Yet another person reminded the public that Jesus Christ was Jewish.
“It’s literally why he was crucified,” the comment said. “You have a problem with the PD celebrating everyone, don’t call them when needed.”
Montgomery County’s Ramadan message received more than 875 reactions.
“Chinese New Year, the amazing year of the Horse; solar eclipse; Ash Wednesday. It is going to be a strong and blessed Ramadan. Please pray for peace in our beloved USA and Palestine,” wrote one commenter.
Later Wednesday morning, Hatfield Township posted a separate message recognizing the start of Lent and wishing residents a “blessed and meaningful Lenten season.”
That post did not generate negative comments.
Many argued that the exchange highlights how local government social media pages have increasingly become spaces for broader cultural debate, even when posts are limited to holiday greetings.
Ramadan, which began at sundown Wednesday, is observed by Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting, prayer and charity.
Lent, which began with Ash Wednesday, marks a 40-day period of reflection and preparation for Easter in many Christian traditions.
Tierney concluded his post with a call for civility.
“I ask that you respect each other all of the time, please do so when you are on our page,” he wrote.
Other local municipalities and communities – Lansdale Borough, Upper Gwynedd Township, North Wales Borough and Souderton Borough, among others – opted not to recognize any holiday this week on Facebook and remain neutral.
As of Thursday morning, the original Ramadan post remained active, with comments continuing to accumulate.
Tierney was contacted for additional comment but has not yet responded. The article will updated if additional comment is received.
