A rack of faded SC Highway Patrol uniforms, some shelves lined with campaign hats, and a smattering of trooper badges bearing different ranks are hardly synonymous with martial arts. However, thanks to the owner of a West Columbia karate studio, the stories and legacies of the men who once wore these items have been given new life.

“The greatest honor that I’ve had through this journey is not necessarily the badges, the patches, the uniforms or the firearms,” Sensei Brian Pena said of the more than 120 Highway Patrol items now on display in the lobby of The Karate Dojo. “It’s the relationships I’ve forged. I’ve gotten to sit inside the homes of many of the retired colonels.”

Badges, patches and other items from various law enforcement and first responder agencies adorn the walls in the lobby of Pena’s school. He knew that curating a collection of memorabilia from the South Carolina Highway Patrol would be difficult. Nevertheless, after contacting Major Jones Gamble, DPS Chief of Staff and retired Colonel Michael Oliver, and Frances, the wife of late Colonel J.H. “Red” Lanier, Pena pitched his idea and soon won their blessing and their trust.

“After I got to know Brian and see how serious he was, how committed he was, how genuine he was and that he was going to portray law enforcement in a positive manner, I bought into it and was confident in him compiling our historical artifacts,” Gamble said.

Since then, Pena has met with and befriended nearly every living former Colonel of the Highway Patrol, and the families of four Colonels who have passed away. They have provided uniforms, hats, handcuffs and patches, and more personal belongings, such as badges and even the gold nameplate that sat on the desk of former Colonel Lanier. Families of other well-known troopers, including Lieutenant Jim Amick and Major Israel Brooks, also provided items. Perched on a corner shelf above the collection is a still-functional vintage rotating blue light that sat on the roofs of SCHP cruisers in the 1970s and 80s.

“The trust that people are putting in me is phenomenal,” he said. “I don’t want to ever let them down.”

Among those in attendance at a February 6 luncheon to unveil the display were DPS Director Robert G. Woods, IV, Colonel Christopher Williamson, eight of the nine living former colonels, and other representatives from the Highway Patrol and the Troopers Association. The gathering at times felt more like a high school reunion, with the colonels and troopers — past and present — trading stories from their days on the Highway Patrol. Williamson also presented a plaque to Pena naming him an honorary trooper.

“What Brian has done here is absolutely amazing,” Woods said to the crowd. “How much of this would have stayed in somebody’s dresser drawer or closet if it weren’t for Brian taking the time and effort to put this together?”

While former Colonel Michael Oliver admitted he was at first hesitant to turn over such personal treasures, he said he soon realized the items will be more beneficial on display and sparking conversation at the karate studio than sitting in a drawer. “He’s honoring us more than we honor ourselves sometimes,” Oliver said.

Pena will make sure the items are taken care of and preserved.

“My daughters are going to own this when I’m gone, and they’re going to maintain this for years to come,” Pena said. “So it will be here forever. And hopefully we’re going to grow it a little more and get some more history.”

Special thanks to Sensei Brian Pena and The Karate Dojo for hosting the event and your support for the Highway Patrol.

See more photos from the event here - https://www.flickr.com/photos/scdps/albums/72177720305864103

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