A K-9 named Rivan was tragically stabbed to death by MS-13 gang members at Sussex I State Prison in Virginia while heroically protecting a corrections officer and another inmate during an attack. The incident occurred when three inmates affiliated with the gang attacked a fellow prisoner in a housing unit, with a fourth inmate supervising the assault. Corrections Officer Kharmishia Phillip Fields and Rivan responded to the incident, resulting in Rivan being violently stabbed and kicked by the inmates. Despite efforts to save him, Rivan succumbed to his injuries at the facility.
The inmate who was attacked was taken to a local hospital for treatment and later returned to the prison. Fields, a trained K-9 handler and 4-year veteran of the Department, sustained no serious injuries thanks to Rivan’s loyalty and protection. All four inmates involved in the attack are from El Salvador and Guatemala, with at least three confirmed to be members of the MS-13 gang. They were in the US illegally at the time of their arrests and face multiple charges including first-degree homicide, attempted rape, kidnapping, malicious wounding, and more. Additional charges are expected following the incident.
VADOC Director Chad Dotson praised Rivan’s sacrifice, noting that he potentially saved the lives of the officer and the inmate during the attack. Dotson emphasized that Rivan’s loss was tragic but his actions were heroic and should not be forgotten. The investigation into the attack is ongoing, and the safety of the corrections team remains the agency’s top priority. Officer Phillip Fields has the full support of the agency during this difficult time, and Dotson commended her courage and commitment to public safety during the brutal assault.
Rivan, a Belgian Malinois, would have turned six on April 30 and had been certified by the VADOC in July 2019. His parents were both working dogs, with his father serving in a Southwest Virginia police department and his mother working for the Secret Service. A memorial service is being arranged for Rivan to honor his service and sacrifice. The incident serves as a reminder of the dangers faced by corrections officers and their K-9 partners in the line of duty, as well as the importance of their contributions to maintaining the safety and security of correctional facilities.
The attack at Sussex I State Prison highlights the risks that corrections officers and their K-9 partners face from dangerous inmates, particularly those affiliated with violent gangs like MS-13. The bravery and sacrifice of Rivan in protecting others during the assault underscore the critical role that K-9 units play in maintaining order and safety in prisons. The Department of Corrections is committed to ensuring the safety of its staff and has expressed support for Officer Phillip Fields as she recovers from the traumatic incident. The investigation into the attack continues, with additional charges expected for the inmates involved. Rivan’s memory will be honored as a symbol of courage and dedication in service to the community.
