Team Info
Task Force: California Task Force 5 (Orange County)
Agency: Orange County Fire Authority
Level: Certified
Search Dog Info
Breed: Lab
Sex: Female
Born: February 21, 2021
Rescued by the Bollinger County Stray Project
Sponsored by M. Lawrence Lallande and Nicole Lallande
Named in loving memory of Nanci Denney Bergin
Nanci lived with a few different families before being surrendered to the 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 began searching buildings, but quickly moved onto the rubble, where she moved effortlessly across the pile. After she transitioned to searching 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 their child as a member of their family. She adjusted well to home life and in November 2023, the two achieved certification with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) 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 as a category 3. Quite a way to begin their search and rescue careers!
Sean and Nanci deployed again on January 5, 2026, in Orange County, CA, after a mudslide closed train tracks between San Clemente Beach Trail south of the San Clemente Pier.
Then, on May 12, 2026, the team was called to search a tunnel collapse in Santa Ana. The Orange County Fire Authority was called out to recover a man after a tunnel he had dug under a bridge collapsed on him. Nanci searched the area to ensure no one else was buried. According to Sean, it was a quick search; once Nanci confirmed the area was clear, they were able to begin recovery operations.
Sean and Nanci achieved FEMA re-certification in Riverside, CA, on June 6, 2026. This must be done every 3 years to demonstrate that teams continue to meet the standards to deploy with their task forces. This team is ready to go the next time the call comes!
We are very proud of this duo and look forward to watching them continue to develop their skills.