The Indiana District will provide Lutheran Early Response Team (LERT) Chainsaw training on Saturday, March 7, 2026, from 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Location
K&K Dirtworks Inc
10841 East County Road 1100 North
Evanston, IN 47531
The chainsaw training serves to increase the capabilities of our dedicated LERT volunteers and to 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 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 3/6/26 at 5 p.m.)
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.
- Morning and Afternoon (LERT qualified Chainsaw Operator) – $50 per individual.
Please contact Matt Knepper at 812-549-5463 for further information, if needed.
Matt Knepper will be teaching this training with mentor Trae Fistler.
