IRMO, SC — The Town of Irmo received a unique and cherished piece of its history this week as martial arts instructor and local historian Brian Pena, accompanied by retired Irmo Police Chief Ray Nash, officially donated a fully restored 1980s Volkswagen Rabbit police car to the town.
Mr. Pena, who operates a dojo in West Columbia, is a passionate student of history, particularly in the fields of martial arts and law enforcement. He shared with the Town Council his long-standing commitment to preserving the history of the Irmo Police Department (IPD).
“In 2016, I started a journey of learning about the history of the Irmo Police Department,” Mr. Pena said. “We’ve documented every single one of the chiefs all the way through Chief Bobby Dale…researched where they’re buried, their families, and so much more. That’s been so beautiful.”
The Legend of the Irmo Rabbit
The highlight of Mr. Pena’s historical pursuits has been the resurrection of one of the IPD’s most distinctive vehicles: the Volkswagen Rabbit.
The story dates back to 1980, when the town’s first full-time Police Chief, Jerry Cameron, made the unconventional decision to purchase Volkswagen Rabbits for the police fleet, a move that drew “crazy looks” given the prevailing use of larger vehicles like the Crown Victoria and Plymouth Fury.
This decision sparked a well-documented “friendly argument” with the then-Richland County Sheriff, Frank Powell, as reported in numerous newspaper articles of the day. While other departments struggled with the gas crisis using less fuel-efficient cars, Chief Cameron’s foresight proved successful. “The rabbits were a resounding success, although a lot of people still frowned upon them over the time,” Mr. Pena noted.
A Restoration for the Generations
Seeking to preserve this unique legacy, Mr. Pena, along with retired Chief Courtney Dennis, traveled to Florida five or six years ago to track down and tow a vintage Rabbit back to South Carolina. The car has been completely restored, featuring the original sound equipment, light bar, radio equipment, and a brand-new paint job.
After his family owned it for several years and Chief Cameron even drove it in the Okra Strut parade, Mr. Pena decided it was time to find the vehicle a permanent, public home.
“I want the Town of Irmo to have a piece of its unique history that generations to come can know more about,” Mr. Pena stated, adding that the sight of “A rabbit with a light bar pulling people over” still draws astonished looks.
Chief Nash Reflects on a Legacy
Retired Police Chief Ray Nash, who was Chief when the Rabbits were in service, spoke about the profound impact the small car had on the department.
“Irmo will always be the highlight of that 45-plus years of my career,” Chief Nash remarked. Speaking of the vehicle, he added, “It just has a very special place in my heart. The rabbits were fierce. And we ran down the muscle cars of that era in that little rabbit with a front-wheel drive, a four-cylinder engine, and a straight drive transmission.”
Chief Nash believes the Rabbit’s significance went beyond public safety. “I think it also did something beyond that. It became a rallying point for the Irmo Police Department, for the Town of Irmo… That became one of [Irmo’s unique aspects] in the legend.”
Official Presentation
Mr. Pena officially presented the title and keys to the fully restored vehicle to Mayor Bill Danielson and Town Administrator Jim Crosland, expressing his gratitude for the opportunity.
Chief Bobby Dale recognized Mr. Pena’s dedication, stating, “We just wanted to say thanks for all the extraordinary work that you put into research and everything over the years talking to other police chiefs and how you’ve gone out of your way to find these things out and keep our history alive.”
To honor his commitment, Chief Dale presented Mr. Pena with a police badge recognizing him as Police Historian Brian Pena, Number One.
The Volkswagen Rabbit will now serve as a tangible link to the Irmo Police Department’s inventive and proud past for all residents and visitors to appreciate.
