Trainings & Deployments From: LCMS Disaster Response & Training

Hope Lutheran church, Wake Forest NC is hosting LERT Basic Chainsaw training on Saturday, January 17, 2026. The training will be held at Hope Lutheran, 3525 Rogers Rd, Wake Forest, NC. The training will consist of 4 hours of instructional-based (Classroom Portion) on Saturday morning and 4 hours of operational-based (Hands-On Portion) on Saturday afternoon. The cost of the training is $35.00. Cash in the appropriate amount and checks made payable Lutheran Servants for Christ (memo line - LERT training) will be accepted. Snacks and lunch will be provided.

Class registration must be made at www.LCMS-LERT.org.  Participants are urged to pre-register before January 5, 2026, so we have the proper materials for everyone. All participants will need to wear steel-toed boots.

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 chainsawPersonal protective equipment (PPE)Injury preventionPhysics of cutting treesHow to buck and limb fallen treesHow to clear debris in a safe and beneficial manner

David Hedrick, LERT Chainsaw Trainer, will lead the training session. If you have any questions regarding this event, please contact David Hedrick at David.Hedrick@clevelandcliffs.com

The Florida-Georgia District will provide Lutheran Early Response Team (LERT) Chainsaw training at Grace Lutheran Church, 12200 McCormick Rd, Jacksonville, Fl  32225 on Saturday, January 31, 2026, from 8 - 5. The chainsaw training serves to increase our dedicated LERT volunteers' capabilities, share the love of Christ by helping those who don't have the means or skills to perform this dangerous work following a disaster. The District wants to equip LERT members with the ability to provide this service safely and efficiently.

To participate in this class, you must have previously completed the LERT Basic Training class. (A class is scheduled for 1/30/26 at 6:30 PM.)

During the training, you will learn the following:

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

When you sign up, select the shifts for your desired level of training:
· Morning (4 hrs) - LERT Chainsaw Safety (classroom only)
· Afternoon (4 hrs) - LERT Chainsaw Operator (morning classroom and hands-on)

The morning session is a classroom lecture open to all LERT qualified volunteers, even if you do not plan to operate a chainsaw.

The afternoon session provides hands-on training with a saw and is open only to those who attend the morning safety session.

Anyone 16 and older may attend. Participants aged 16 up to their 18th birthday cannot operate a chainsaw, but may train and serve as draggers or swampers. Those attending both sessions must have the same safety gear required for chainsaw operators.

To be authorized as an LCMS LERT Chainsaw Operator for disaster responses, you must complete both the classroom and hands-on sessions (sign up for both).

Afternoon hands-on participants should bring the following items, if available:

- Chainsaw, bar oil, gas-oil or synthetic fuel mix
- Chaps 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 will be available for training if you do not have your own.

Training Costs: 
· Morning classroom only (Work on LERT chainsaw team but not as chainsaw operator) –  $15 per individual or $25 per couple.
· Morning and Afternoon (LERT qualified Chainsaw Operator) – $50 per individual, $85 per couple, or $100 per family (3 or more).

Please contact Beth Mark at 904-485-0610 for further information, if needed.

Lutheran Early Response Team (LERT) Chainsaw Training will be conducted at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Raymore, MO, on Saturday, February 7, 2026, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Prerequisite:
Participants must have previously completed the LERT Basic Training class.
(Note: A Basic class is scheduled at Bethlehem Lutheran on January 31, 2026, at 9:00 a.m.)

Chainsaw training is offered to enhance the capabilities of LERT volunteers, enabling them to assist individuals who may lack the resources or skills to undertake this hazardous work. The goal of this training is to ensure that LERT members are properly prepared to serve safely and effectively.

Training topics include chainsaw safety, personal protective equipment (PPE), injury prevention, bucking and limbing trees, and safe debris removal.

When registering, you will choose one of two options:

Morning Session Only (4 hours): LERT Chainsaw Safety Classroom-based safety training only Does not include hands-on chainsaw operation Participants will learn how to work safely around chainsaw operations Open to all LERT-qualified volunteers, even if they do not plan to operate a chainsaw Morning + Afternoon Sessions (8 hours total): LERT Chainsaw Safety and Operator Includes the morning classroom safety session and the afternoon hands-on training Required for anyone who wants hands-on chainsaw operation training Completion of both sessions is required to be authorized as an LCMS LERT Chainsaw Operator for disaster response

Age Requirements:

Anyone age 16 or older may attend. Participants ages 16–17 may not operate a chainsaw but may train and serve as draggers.

Safety Gear & Equipment (required for afternoon hands-on participants):

Chainsaw safety PPE: helmet, eye protection, gloves, chaps, and steel-toed boots Steel-toed work boots are mandatory; tennis shoes, sandals, or flip-flops are not permitted Outdoor work clothing appropriate for the weather; shorts are prohibited Participants should bring their own chainsaw, bar oil, and fuel mix if available Some training chainsaws and PPE will be provided if needed

Training Costs:

Morning safety classroom only: $15/individual or $25/couple Morning + Afternoon (Chainsaw Safety and Operator): $50/individual, $85/couple, $100/family (3+)

Contact Info:

If further information is needed, please contact Jimbo Diley at (918) 633-1590 or Eric Ritzma at (660) 864-5038.