Family of Christ Lutheran Church in Tampa FL is sponsoring a Lutheran Early Response Team (LERT) BASIC CHAINSAW TRAINING on Saturday, June 27, 2026. This training is intended to increase LERT volunteer’s skills, knowledge and safety in chainsaw operation so they can provide a critical service to those who do not have the skills or means to perform this dangerous work following a disaster. The training is for those who want to operate a chainsaw on aLERT event. It is being held at:
Family of Christ Lutheran Church, 16190 Bruce B Downs Blvd, Tampa, FL 33647 (Building 3)
Participants may arrive at the site at 7:30 a.m. to register. Class will begin promptly at 8:00 a.m. and conclude at 4:30 p.m. Your LERT Trainer will distribute all material for, and after, the class.
You must have previously completed the LERT Basic Training Class to participate in this class.
During the morning classroom training, participants will learn:
- Safe operation of a chainsaw
- Personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Injury prevention
- How to buck and limb storm-damaged trees
- How to properly clear debris in a safe and beneficial manner and
- Proper saw maintenance
The afternoon session is hands-on training in field chainsaw operation, where participants will learn and demonstrate chainsaw skills. This training is limited to 10 participants.
To be an authorized LCMS LERT Chainsaw Operator and use a chainsaw on LERT disaster response sites, you must attend BOTH the morning classroom and afternoon "hands-on" sessions.
Class registration must be made at www.lcms-lert.org
Cost of Training:
- Registration (includes training, lunch and snacks) -- $50. (Couples: $85)
- Pay at the time of training; Checks payable to “Family of Christ Lutheran Church – LERT” or pay online at FGLER.org
Participants should bring (if you have them):
- Chainsaw, bar oil, gas/oil or synthetic fuel mix.
- Chaps and other Personal Protective Equipment (helmet, eye protection, ear protectors, gloves, and steel-toe boots).
- 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.
LCMS LERT Chainsaw Trainer Joel Mathews will lead the training event. If more information is needed, contact the site coordinator, Donnie Moore, dmoore@familyofchrist.org, 615-981-1162 (Cell / Text)
