The Mid-South District will provide LERT Basic Chainsaw training on Saturday, June 27, 2026, from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm at Belvoir Christian Academy, 800 Belvoir Ave, Chattanooga, TN 37412. Chainsaw training strengthens our LERT volunteers' ability to help people who lack the means or skills to perform this dangerous work after a disaster. The District wants to equip LERT members with the ability to provide this service safely and efficiently.
Snack and lunch will be provided. Bottled water will be furnished at the site.
You must have previously completed the Basic LERT Training class to participate in LERT chainsaw training. If you haven't, please register for the Basic LERT training on 6/26/2026.
During the training, you will learn the following:
- Safe operation of a chainsaw
- Personal Protection Equipment (PPE)
- Injury Prevention
- How to buck and limb fallen trees
- How to clear debris in a safe and efficient manner
Those ages 14-17 may attend the classroom portion and become a dragger, but will not be able to become a puller or chainsaw operator until they have reached the age of 18.
The morning session is a classroom lecture. All LERT qualified volunteers are invited to attend. The afternoon session is hands-on with a chainsaw. The morning session MUST be attended to participate in the afternoon (operations) session. To be authorized to use a chainsaw on LERT disaster responses as an LCMS Chainsaw Operator, you MUST attend BOTH the classroom and hands-on sessions. LERT Trainer will distribute all class materials.
Afternoon hands-on participants should bring, if they have: chainsaw, bar oil, gas/oil or synthetic fuel mix, chaps and Personal Protective Equipment (helmet, eye protection, gloves, and steel-toed work boots).
Participants must wear steel-toed work boots. Tennis shoes or sandals/flip-flops are not allowed during the afternoon 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 if you do not have your own. Those who are under the age of 18 will not be allowed to operate a chainsaw or work near saw operations.
Training costs:
- Morning and afternoon (LERT Qualified Chainsaw Operator) - $50.00
- Non-operator (Safety portion of the class) - $15.00
- Pay at the time of training. Cash in the appropriate amount and checks payable to Faith Lutheran Church - memo line: chainsaw training.
Class capacity is 15.
Should you have any questions, please contact the chainsaw trainer Rev. Trae Fistler at 515-571-1378 or traefistler@gmail.com.
