The Nebraska District is offering LERT BASIC CHAINSAW TRAINING at Camp Luther, 1050 RD 4, Schuyler, Nebraska, 68661 on March 1, 2025. The purpose of the training is to increase the capabilities of our dedicated LERT volunteers so they can help those who do not have the means or skills to perform this dangerous work following a disaster. The District wants to equip LERT volunteers with skills necessary to perform this work safely and efficiently.
The training will be broken in two parts: 1) The morning session will be classroom style and cover necessary training materials. This session is open to anyone who wants to learn proper chainsaw operation and safety.
Participants must have previously completed the LERT Basic Training Class to participate in this class. During the training, participants will learn the following:
- Safe operation of a chainsaw
- Proper saw maintenance
- Personal protective equipment
- Safety protocol and injury prevention
- How to buck and limb storm damaged trees
- How to clear debris in a safe and effective manner
Volunteers who are 14-17 may attend the morning classroom portion and become draggers, but only volunteers over 18 years of age may become certified as pullers or chainsaw operators.
2) The afternoon session will be hands-on field training and is limited to 10 participants. Volunteers must attend both morning and afternoon sessions to become an LCMS LERT Chainsaw Operator. Afternoon participants should bring (if they have them)
- Their own chainsaw, gas/oil and bar oil
- PPE safety equipment, including chaps, safety helmet, eye protection, ear protectors, and gloves.
- Participants must wear steel-toed boots. Tennis shoes or sandals/flip flops are not allowed in the afternoon field session.
- Outdoor work clothes and boots appropriate for the weather at the time. Shorts are not allowed.
- Some chainsaws and PPE will be available for training purposes if you do not have your own.
- Those under 18 years of age will not be allowed to operate a chainsaw or work near saw operators.
Training Costs:
Both Morning and Afternoon Sessions (LERT qualified Chainsaw Operator) - $35.
Morning session only (Non-Operators) - $15
Snacks, lunch and bottled water will be provided.
Participants should arrive at the Camp by 8:15 a.m. to check in. Class will begin at 8:30 am and conclude between 4:00 and 5:00 pm.
Please bring a cash or a check (payable to: Nebraska District LCMS) to the training.
Lead Trainer: Brian Mead of Kansas, Assisted by Jim Fehringer, McCool Junction.
For further information, contact Mick Onnen, DDRC, (402) 364-3370.
