Richmond, Virginia – A courageous K-9 was tragically killed while heroically protecting a correctional officer from a violent attack involving suspected gang members, as confirmed by Virginia prison officials.
In a brave effort to intervene, Rivan, a 5-year-old Belgian Malinois K-9, was fatally injured while responding to three inmates affiliated with the MS-13 gang attacking another inmate inside the Sussex I State Prison. Correctional Officer Kharmishia Phillip Fields and Rivan were in the vicinity and swiftly acted to halt the assault and safeguard everyone involved.
Despite sustaining injuries, Officer Phillip Fields emerged unharmed thanks to her training and Rivan’s courageous actions, according to a statement released by the Virginia Department of Corrections. The correctional officers successfully ended the attack, and the injured inmate received medical treatment and returned to the prison.
Director Chad Dotson of the Virginia Department of Corrections emphasized that although the loss of Rivan is tragic, his sacrifice was not in vain, highlighting the heroic act of potentially saving lives. The inmates responsible for the attack, who were confirmed MS-13 members and in the U.S. illegally, are facing prosecution to the fullest extent of the law.
Governor Glenn Youngkin expressed assurance that the barbaric members of MS-13 would be held accountable for their actions. Rivan, who would have turned 6 on April 30, had been serving with the department since 2019, and a memorial service is being arranged to honor his bravery.