LERT Basic Chainsaw Training, Village Lutheran Church, St. Louis MO, 4-25-2026

Lutheran Early Response Team (LERT) Chainsaw Training will begin with classroom training at Village Lutheran Church in St. Louis, MO and in-the-field hands-on training at Concordia Seminary, on Saturday, April 25, 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 Village Lutheran on April 24, 2026, at 5:00 p.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:

1. 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
2. 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 Kris Schuldt 314-971-5747 or Rev. Dr. Ross Johnson 314-278-7050.