Imagine it’s the middle of the night; the temperature is below freezing and a phone call startles you awake. “Someone is missing,” a voice on the line says.

To most people, this type of wakeup call would cause panic, but for Ontario Search and Rescue volunteer Ray Lau and his canine partner Ace, it means go-time.

As Search and Rescue volunteers, Ray and Ace need to be ready to go into action at a moment’s notice. This means they need a vehicle that’s as dependable as they are, and Ray’s EcoBoost Ford F-150 is the only truck they rely on.

“At three o’clock in the morning when I get a call and I go to turn that ignition key, the truck has to start.” – Ray Lau

Ray has upgraded his F-150 to fit the rigorous needs of Search and Rescue. He’s installed subtle emergency lights, dog carriers with fans in the back, and cooling trays to keep Ace cool during hot summers. But for Ray and Ace, it’s not about the accessories. In a high-stress, intense situation like Search and Rescue, you need a truck you can depend on.

“When I’m asked to search for somebody, and they’re relying on me, I need to rely on my vehicle.” – Ray Lau

One evening in 2011, Ray and Ace needed to rely on the truck more than ever. A woman had gone missing during a snowstorm and Ray got the call in the middle of the night. He and Ace sprung into action, jumped in the truck and drove into the snow. And after 72 gruelling hours of searching snow-covered land, Ace caught wind of an unfamiliar smell, started digging, and saved the missing woman’s life.

For more real stories, check out Tornado Hunter and photographer Greg Johnson here.

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