Team Info
Task Force: California Task Force 5 (Orange County)
Agency: Orange County Fire Authority
Level: FEMA Certified
Search Dog Info
Breed: Lab
Sex: Female
Born: February 21, 2021
Rescued by the Bollinger County Stray Project
Nanci lived with a few different families before being surrendered to Bollinger County Stray Project in Marble Hill, Missouri, due to her high energy and toy obsession. The rescue’s director posted about Nanci’s attributes on Facebook, where SDF recruiters saw it and, with the rescue’s help, screened Nanci for our canine training program. Her screening went well (Nanci loves to hunt!), and she was accepted as a recruit!
Upon arrival at the NTC, Nanci took a little time to warm up, so trainers focused on her drive work, teaching her that barking equals a toy reward and play. Nanci then started searching in a building but quickly progressed to rubble, where she moved effortlessly across the pile. After she transitioned to searching on rubble, Nanci really came into her own. Despite her small stature, this little girl has outstanding drive and intensity and is an absolute rocket on the rubble! And although Nanci is a little busybody who is always ready for adventure, she has learned to focus that energy on her partnership with her handler.
On June 3, 2023, Nanci was partnered with Sean Monville of Orange County Fire Authority and California Task Force 5 (CA-TF5). Nanci now lives with Sean, his wife, and child as a member of their family. She’s been adjusting well to home life and in November 2023, the two achieved certification with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in order to be eligible to deploy with CA-TF5 when disaster strikes.
The first call to action came on October 8, 2024, as Hurricane Milton made its way toward Florida, expected to make landfall as a category 3. We wish Nanci and Sean, and all the first responders on this mission, all our best for a safe trip and swift return.