WASHINGTON, D.C. (June 20, 2024) - The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF) today announced K-9 Officer Kharmishia Phillip-Fields and her partner, Rivan, of the Sussex (VA) State Prison as their Officers of the Month for April 2024. This honor was bestowed upon the officer and her K-9 partner following their heroic actions in restoring order during a prison altercation and the ultimate sacrifice made by Rivan.
On April 2, three inmates affiliated with the MS-13 gang attacked another inmate inside the housing units at Sussex State Prison. Corrections Officer Phillip-Fields and her K-9, Rivan, were in the area and immediately responded. Rivan was badly wounded and sustained injuries while attempting to stop the attack and protect the inmates. Officer Phillip-Fields was able to end the assault, and the inmate who was attacked was treated for injuries at a hospital.
Despite attempted lifesaving measures, Rivan died from his injuries at the facility. The heroic K-9 was five years old and had been part of the K-9 unit since 2019. Officer Phillip-Fields sustained no serious injuries and attributed her safety to “Rivan’s courageous actions.”
“Today, the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF) is proud to announce K-9 Officer Kharmishia Phillip-Fields and her partner, Rivan, of the Sussex (VA) State Prison as our Officers of the Month for April 2024,” said William Alexander, CEO of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund. “Their actions exemplify the highest standards of valor and dedication in law enforcement, with Rivan's legacy serving as a profound reminder of the bond between K-9 officers and their human partners.”
The Officer of the Month Award Program is sponsored by the Police Unity Tour and recognizes federal, state, and local officers who distinguish themselves through exemplary law enforcement service and devotion to duty.
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About the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund
Established in 1984, the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund is a nonprofit organization dedicated to honoring the fallen, telling the story of American law enforcement, and making it safer for those who serve. The first pillar of this mission, the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C., honors the names of all the 24,067 officers who have died in the line of duty to date throughout U.S. history. Additionally, NLEOMF maintains and publishes comprehensive details on the circumstances surrounding official line-of-duty deaths. The Officer Safety and Wellness pillar uses that data, coupled with best-practice program models, to produce programming directed at solutions to improve survivability and enhance wellness. NLEOMF’s third pillar, the National Law Enforcement Museum (LawEnforcementMuseum.org) is committed to preserving the history of American law enforcement and sharing the experiences of service and sacrifice for generations to come.
