Trainings & Deployments From: LCMS Disaster Response & Training

Lutheran Church Charities approved LCMS LERT advanced chainsaw instructors Marty Johnson and Pete Springmire will provide LERT Basic chainsaw training on May 1-2, 2026, at Camp Manitoqua. Please note: This is a new location in Frankfort, IL.  It is a Christian camp that has asked for assistance in removing overgrown and storm-damaged trees. 

This chainsaw training serves to increase our dedicated LERT volunteers’ capabilities and give them added capacity to extend mercy from the congregation to those who don’t have the means or skills to perform this dangerous work in their communities.

You must have previously completed the LERT Basic training class to participate in this class.

During the training, you will learn the following:

Safe operation of a chainsaw Personal protective equipment (PPE) Injury prevention Physics of cutting trees How to buck and limb fallen trees How to fell a tree How to clear debris in a safe and beneficial manner

To be authorized as an LCC and LCMS LERT Chainsaw operator or dragger, volunteers must attend both the classroom and hands-on training, as well as the workday.

 Volunteers will need to bring the following if they have:

Chainsaw, bar oil, gas, extra chains and bar Chaps and other Personal Protection Gear (hard hat, heavy work gloves, eye & ear protection, work boots)  Outdoor work clothes and work boots appropriate for the weather at that time. (It is always wise to dress in layers) Bug Spray

We will have some chainsaws & PPE available for training if you do not have your own.

BASIC/INTERMEDIATE CHAINSAW TRAINING & WORKDAY SCHEDULE
 
Friday, May 1, Classroom   
4:00 – 4:30 pm  Check-in/Registration
4:30 – 8:30 pm  Basic Chainsaw Safety Training
 
Saturday, May 1   Hands-on Training & Workday

Trainees must attend Friday's Safety Training to participate in the hands-on training

7:30 - 8:00 am    Check-in/Registration & Breakfast/Group Photo
8:00 - 3:30 pm    Hands on Chainsaw Training & Workday
                              
Location:   
Camp Manitoqua & Retreat Center (Note New Location)

8122 W. Sauk Trail
Frankfort, IL 60423

Cost: There is a $35.00 fee for those taking Chainsaw Basic Training for the first time only.

The Florida-Georgia Lutheran Early Response, in partnership with the Florida-Georgia District and Trinity Lutheran Church, will provide Lutheran Early Response Team (LERT) Intermediate Chainsaw training on Friday, May 29, 2026. Training will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church, 2535 Jefferson Road, Athens, GA. The chainsaw training serves to increase our dedicated LERT volunteer’s capabilities to help those who haven’t the means or skills to perform this dangerous work following a disaster. We want to equip LERT members with the ability to provide this service safely and efficiently. 

Lunch is provided. 

You must have previously completed both the Basic LERT training class AND the LERT Basic Chainsaw class to participate in this class. This is an Intermediate level class; LERT chainsaw operators must be comfortable operating a chainsaw.

During the training, you will learn the following:

Safe operation of a chainsaw in more complex sawing situationsHow to fell treesHow to clear debris in a safe and beneficial manner

Participants should bring, if they have:

Chainsaw, bar oil, gas-oil or synthetic fuel mixChaps and other Personal Protective Equipment (helmet, eye protection, gloves, steel-toed boots)Participants must wear steel-toed work boots. Tennis shoes or sandals/flip-flops are not allowed in the afternoon session.Outdoor work clothes and boots appropriate for the weather at the time. Shorts not allowed.Some chainsaws and PPE may be available for training if you do not have your own. Those under the age of 18 will not be allowed to operate a chainsaw. 

Training Costs: 

LERT qualified Chainsaw Operator - $50Payment may be made at the time of training. Cash, checks (payable to "Florida-Georgia Lutheran Early Response", or credit card accepted. 

Should you have any questions, please contact Joel Mathews at (813) 215-8098 or at joel@mercydisasterresources.org.