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 situations
- How to fell trees
- How to clear debris in a safe and beneficial manner
Participants should bring, if they have:
- 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 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 - $50
- Payment 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.
