Four K9 dogs to receive vests in memory of Rivan, a K9 killed in the line of duty

Four K9 dogs will receive bullet and stab protective vests in memory of Rivan, a K9 who was killed in the line of duty by inmates in a Sussex County prison in 2024.

Rivan was repeatedly stabbed and kicked by three inmates after responding to an assault and died at Sussex I State Prison, ending his watch.

The non-profit organization, Vested Interest in K9s, will provide the custom-fitted body armor embroidered with “In memory of K9 Rivan, Virginia DOC, EOW 4-2-24.”

Virginia Department of Corrections K9s Aika, Black Jack, Chase and Chica will receive the vests.

Delivery is expected within 10 weeks.

In February, the non-profit provided vests for four additional dogs: Diego, Orco, Titus and Tyson. The vests had the same embroidery honoring Rivan.

Since its inception in 2009, Vested Interest in K9s has provided more than 6,225 vests valued at $6.9 million to K9s in all 50 states. The program is open to U.S. dogs at least 20 months old and actively employed and certified with law enforcement or related agencies. There are an estimated 30,000 law enforcement K9s throughout the United States.

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