Become an LCMS Disaster Response LERT Chainsaw Puller, Dragger or Operator for LERT teams!
The LCMS South Wisconsin District has invited Shepherd’s Heart Disaster Response Ministries to provide LERT Basic Chainsaw Training on August 2, 2026. This chainsaw training increases our dedicated LERT volunteers’ capabilities and gives them the capacity to extend mercy from the congregation to those who lack the means or skills to perform this dangerous work in their communities.
You must have previously completed the LERT Basic training class to participate in this class.
During the training, you will learn the following:
· Safe operation of a chainsaw
· Personal protective equipment (PPE)
· Injury prevention
· Physics of cutting trees
· How to buck and limb fallen trees
· How to fell a tree
· How to clear debris in a safe and efficient manner
Volunteers who attend only the classroom safety session (2:00–5:00 p.m.) may serve as a Dragger. (15 spots available)
To be authorized as an LCMS LERT Chainsaw Operator or Puller, volunteers must attend both the classroom instruction and the hands-on training/workday (2:00–8:00 p.m.). (Ten spots available). You must be age 18 years or older to attend the hands-on training
Volunteers will need to bring the following if they have them:
- Chainsaw, bar oil, gas, extra chains and bar
- Chaps (sawyers only) and other Personal Protection Gear (hard hat, heavy work gloves, eye & ear protection, steel-toed work boots)
- Participants must wear steel-toed work boots or equivalent. (Tennis shoes or sandals/flip-flops are not allowed in the afternoon session).
- Some chainsaws and PPE will be available for training if you do not have your own, but are limited.
- Outdoor work clothes appropriate for the weather at that time. (It is always wise to dress in layers)
- Bug Spray
- Lawn chair
Individuals (over 18) who intend to deploy on overnights, work with children, or enter someone's house must have an annual background check on file. If you do not have an annual background check on file, please go here to secure one: https://www.lcms-lert.org/need/detail/?need_id=673397
Cost: There is a $35.00 fee for those taking Chainsaw Training to cover the cost of classroom materials. Checks may be written to: South Wisconsin District - LCMS
