Donated body armor honors K9 Rivan while protecting 8 Virginia corrections dogs

Published on October 12, 2026

RICHMOND, Va. (7News) — The Virginia Department of Corrections announced that eight dogs received donated protective vests honoring K9 Rivan.

The dogs — Bentley, Conan, Jack, Mirko, Nero, Omlette, Trucker and Zarca — received bullet- and stab-protective body armor through the nonprofit Vested Interest in K9s. The Survival Armor incentive program sponsored all eight vests.

Each vest carries the embroidered message, “In memory of K9 Rivan, Virginia DOC, EOW 4-2-24.”

The vests are made in the United States and custom-fitted to each dog, according to the department’s release. They weigh an average of 4 to 5 pounds and come with a five-year warranty.

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