Richmond, Virginia – An act of bravery and sacrifice unfolded in a Virginia prison as a K-9 dog named Rivan gave his life to protect a correctional officer during a violent altercation involving suspected gang members. The Virginia Department of Corrections reported that Rivan, a 5-year-old Belgian Malinois, succumbed to injuries sustained while attempting to thwart an assault within the Sussex I State Prison.
On the day of the incident, three inmates believed to be associated with the MS-13 gang initiated an attack on another inmate, with one additional inmate overseeing the brutal assault. In response to the disturbance, Corrections Officer Kharmishia Phillip Fields and her loyal K-9 partner, Rivan, swiftly intervened to cease the violence and safeguard those involved. While Rivan suffered grave injuries in the line of duty, Phillip Fields emerged unscathed due to her training and Rivan’s courageous intervention.
Virginia Department of Corrections Director Chad Dotson emphasized the significance of Rivan’s sacrifice, noting that the K-9 heroically sacrificed his life to potentially save two individuals during the harrowing altercation. The identities of the inmates involved in the assault were withheld, but it was disclosed that they were confirmed members of MS-13 and were residing in the U.S. unlawfully at the time of their arrests.
The inmates in question had been convicted on various charges, ranging from first-degree homicide to attempted rape and offenses related to child sexual abuse images. The Department of Corrections vowed to pursue legal action against the perpetrators to the fullest extent of the law, refraining from divulging further details amid an ongoing investigation.
In response to the incident, Governor Glenn Youngkin condemned the barbaric actions of MS-13 and reassured the public that accountability would be upheld. Rivan, who would have turned 6 years old on April 30, had been in service with the department since 2019. Plans for a memorial service to honor his dedication and sacrifice are currently underway.