Virginia Corrections K9s Receive Body Armor from Nonprofit

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Two K9 officers with the Virginia Department of Corrections, Pablo and Rebel, have received bullet and stab-protective vests from the nonprofit Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. The vests are embroidered with a tribute to K9 Rivan, who was killed in the line of duty in 2024 while protecting staff and inmates during a prison attack.

Why it matters

The donation of protective gear for law enforcement K9s highlights the risks these animals face while serving alongside their human partners. It also honors the memory of K9 Rivan, whose tragic death underscores the dangers corrections officers and their K9 units can encounter when dealing with violent incidents in prisons.

The details

The vests provided to Pablo and Rebel were custom-fitted and National Institute of Justice certified. Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. has provided over 6,225 vests valued at $6.9 million to K9s across the United States since 2009. The nonprofit's mission is to equip and protect law enforcement K9s through both private and corporate donations.

• K9 Rivan was stabbed to death on April 2, 2024 while protecting his officer, staff and other inmates during an attack at Sussex I State Prison.
• The body armor vests for Pablo and Rebel were donated in January 2026.

What’s next

The Virginia Department of Corrections plans to honor the memory of K9 Rivan at a memorial service on the anniversary of his death on April 2, 2026.