Richmond, Virginia – A tragedy unfolded in Virginia as a K-9 officer named Rivan gave his life heroically protecting a correctional officer during a violent attack involving gang members. The Virginia Department of Corrections reported that Rivan, a 5-year-old Belgian Malinois, was fatally injured in the line of duty while trying to stop an assault by inmates affiliated with the MS-13 gang at Sussex I State Prison.
The inmates, three of whom were confirmed members of MS-13, attacked another inmate in a housing unit, with one inmate overseeing the assault. Correctional Officer Kharmishia Phillip Fields and Rivan were in the area and rushed to intervene, resulting in Rivan sustaining severe injuries. Despite efforts to save him, Rivan succumbed to his injuries while protecting both Officer Phillip Fields and the inmate under attack.
Director Chad Dotson of the Virginia Department of Corrections expressed the department’s sorrow over the loss of Rivan but emphasized that his sacrifice was not in vain. Rivan’s actions potentially saved the lives of two individuals amidst the chaos of the attack. The department did not disclose the identities of the involved inmates but confirmed that all four were in the U.S. illegally, with criminal histories ranging from homicide to child-related offenses.
Governor Glenn Youngkin condemned the barbaric actions of MS-13 members, assuring that they would be held accountable for their actions. Plans for a memorial service in honor of Rivan, who would have turned 6 on April 30, are underway to commemorate his service since joining the department in 2019. The department is committed to pursuing legal action against the perpetrators to the fullest extent of the law, withholding further details as the investigation unfolds.