‘In memory of K9 Rivan’: Four VADOC K-9s to receive body armor

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Four K-9s with the Virginia Department of Corrections (VADOC) will soon receive bullet and stab protective vests in memory of a K-9 that was killed protecting his handler in April 2024.

The K-9s that will be receiving this protective armor in about ten weeks are Diego, Orca, Titus and Tyson, according to the VADOC.

According to VADOC, the vests are embroidered with "In memory of K9 Rivan, Virginia DOC, EOW 4-2-24." This is in honor of the K-9 Rivan, who was stabbed and kicked to death in Sussex I State Prison on April 2, 2024.

VADOC K-9s Diego, Orca, Titus and Tyson. (Photo: Virginia Department of Corrections)

The nonprofit organization, Vested Interest in K9s, Inc, is donating this body armor.

MORE: Community honors K-9 killed protecting handler from gang members at Virginia prison

This is not the first time that VADOC K-9s have received such protective armor in Rivan's memory. Eight other K-9s were gifted bullet and stab-protective vests in Dec. 2024.