RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — A tragic incident unfolded at the Sussex I State Prison in Virginia, where a K-9 named Rivan sacrificed his life to protect a correctional officer from a violent attack by alleged gang members. The 5-year-old Belgian Malinois heroically intervened in an assault by individuals affiliated with the MS-13 gang, ultimately succumbing to injuries sustained while trying to stop the attack.
Corrections Officer Kharmishia Phillip Fields, a veteran of the department, escaped unharmed thanks to Rivan’s courageous actions and her own training. The inmates involved in the assault, at least three of whom were verified MS-13 members, engaged in a brutal attack on another inmate before being stopped by Fields and Rivan. Despite efforts to save Rivan’s life, the loyal K-9 could not be revived.
Director Chad Dotson of the Virginia Department of Corrections emphasized the significance of Rivan’s sacrifice, noting that the K-9’s actions potentially saved the lives of both Fields and the inmate under attack. The inmates responsible for the violent incident were identified as individuals who were in the U.S. illegally when they were arrested and convicted on various charges, including first-degree homicide and crimes related to child exploitation.
Governor Glenn Youngkin condemned the actions of MS-13, affirming that those involved would face full prosecution under the law. Rivan, who had been a part of the department since 2019, would have celebrated his sixth birthday on April 30. Plans are underway for a memorial service to honor the brave K-9 who gave his life in the line of duty.