Emmanual Lutheran Church, York Nebraska is sponsoring a Lutheran Early Response Team (LERT) BASIC CHAINSAW TRAINING on May 9, 2026. This training is intended to increase LERT volunteer’s skills, knowledge and safety in chainsaw operation so they canprovide a critical service to those who do not have the skills or means to perform this dangerous work following a disaster. The training will be held at a private residence near McCool Junction, Nebraska, 68401 on May 9, 2026. Directions will be provided to registrants. Participants should arrive at the site by 8:15 a.m. to register. Class will begin promptly at 8:30 am and conclude between 4:00 and 5:00 pm.
You must have previously completed the LERT Basic Training Class to participate in this class.
During the 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 safe and beneficial manner and
· Proper saw maintenance.
The morning session is classroom training and all LERT qualified volunteers are invited to attend. Those ages 14 to 17 may attend the morning session because they may be draggers on disaster sites, but are not allowed to be pullers or operate chainsaws. The afternoon session is hands-on field chainsaw operation training where participants will learn and demonstrate chainsaw skills. The training is limited to 10 participants.
To be an authorized LCMS LERT Chainsaw Operator and use a chainsaw on LERT disaster responses 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:
· Morning and afternoon (LERT Qualified Chainsaw Operator) - $30
(Must be 18 years or older to operate a chainsaw during the afternoon training)
· Morning Classroom Training Only (Non-Operator) - $15
- Pay at the time of training; checks made out to Nebraska District LCMS.
- Fees will cover the cost of materials, snacks, lunch and post- class materials. Those who complete the first half (only) will receive a chainsaw safety certificate. Those who complete both parts will receive a chainsaw operators certificate and ID card.
Afternoon hands-on participants should bring (if they 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.
- A limited number of PPE will be available for training purposes if you do not have your own.
Please contact Brian Mead (859) 576-1892 or Mick Onnen (402) 364-3370 if more information is needed.
