The Virginia Department of Corrections held a memorial service Thursday for Rivan, a Belgian Malinois killed by inmates at Sussex I State Prison on April 2.
The 5-year-old dog and his handler, Officer Kharmishia Phillip Fields, intervened when three inmates at the prison assaulted a fourth prisoner in a cell, with a fifth coordinating the attack. The aggressors then kicked and stabbed Rivan.
None of the prisoners involved were named publicly by the Corrections Department.
Order was restored, but Rivan died from his injuries. The injured inmate was taken to a hospital for treatment and later returned to the prison. Officer Fields was unhurt.
“At least one person is alive today, and probably more, because of K-9 Rivan’s sacrifice,” Corrections Department Director Chad Dotson said at the memorial service.
Maj. Matthew Bernocco, the department’s statewide canine coordinator, addressed Rivan, saying that “we can never thank you enough and hope that wherever your spirit is, they’re looking down and hearing these words today.”
PHOTOS: Memorial held for K-9 Rivan
At the service, mourners included law enforcement officers from around Virginia, including other K-9 service dogs. Officers, accompanied by their dogs, paid their respects to Rivan as “Amazing Grace” was played on bagpipes.
The four attacking inmates are in the U.S. illegally, with at least three confirmed to be members of MS-13, a gang from El Salvador. They’re in prison for charges of first-degree homicide, attempted rape, malicious wounding, child pornography, grand larceny and kidnapping.
On April 3, Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin, a Republican, said in a post on X that “these barbaric members of MS-13 will be held accountable” for the fatal attack on Rivan.
Charges have yet to be filed in the dog’s death, but officials plan to prosecute the four inmates involved.
“The Virginia Department of Corrections will pursue prosecution of these individuals to the fullest extent of the law. We will work hand in hand with the Sussex Commonwealth’s Attorney, whatever they need, whatever support is necessary, to bring justice to Rivan,” Mr. Dotson said.
• Brad Matthews can be reached at bmatthews@washingtontimes.com.
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