Team Info
Task Force: Virginia Task Force 2 (VA-TF2)
Agency: Virginia Beach Fire Department
Level: FEMA/DHS Certified
Most Recent Certification: April 21, 2022
Search Dog Info
Breed: Labrador Retriever
Sex: Male
Born: April 4, 2018
Donated by: Warrior Canine Connection
Sponsors: Nanci Denney Bergin and Nicole Allande, and an anonymous donor
Named in Memory of United States Marine Corps First Lieutenant Travis Manion
Manion began his career as a service dog in training for Warrior Canine Connection, but it soon became apparent that he had too much energy for that particular career. When he began working with a service dog trainer, he made daily rounds at Walter Reed Medical Center and learned all his advanced commands but he still struggled with staying engaged in his work, especially with newer handlers. Ultimately, his trainers decided he needed a new career and when they connected with SDF, all the behaviors he was exhibiting that were problematic for guide dog work seemed a perfect fit for a search dog! SDF transportation volunteer, Tom Higgins, picked up Manion from the airport late at night and delivered him to the NTC the next day to start formal training.
Manion was named in honor of United States Marine Corps First Lieutenant Travis Manion, who gave his life to save members of his patrol during an attack while serving in Iraq in 2007. Now, Travis’ legacy lives on through the Travis Manion Foundation as well as Search Dog Manion’s journey to one day help save lives in the aftermath of disasters.
He graduated from SDF’s training program in November 2021, when he was paired with Shawn Hall of Virginia Beach Fire Department. Together, they trained to achieve FEMA certification in April 2022, which allows the team to deploy as members of Virginia Task Force 2 (VA-TF2).
The first call came that September, as Hurricane Ian made its way toward Florida. Shawn and Manion made their way down to the affected area with VA-TF2 and spent two weeks helping citizens in the aftermath of the disaster. Once citizens were accounted for, VA-TF2 returned home on October 10, 2022.
Manion and Shawn continue to train weekly with their task force teammates to share lessons learned and prepare for the next time disaster strikes.