Vi Hummel Shaffer has 27 years experience as a volunteer K9 handler specializing in forensic human remains detection. She is also an instructor, speaker, and consultant in SAR/R, and is an associate instructor with Texas Forensic Associates. In 2002, Vi was appointed the national chairperson of the federal Disaster Mortuary Operational Response Team (DMORT) Mass Fatality K9 Standards and Requirements Committee by the director of the U.S. Office of Emergency Preparedness/National Disaster Medical Systems/Department of Health and Human Services. In 2003, her dog Mercy was recognized by the federal government as the first mass fatality K9 in the United States and as the inspiration for DMORT's K9 program. Vi and Mercy, at the request of the FBI, were a part of Operation Noble Eagle, the victim recovery team at the Pentagon in the aftermath of 9/11.