Trainings & Deployments From: LCMS Disaster Response & Training

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:

Morning Session Only (4 hours): LERT Chainsaw SafetyClassroom-based safety training onlyDoes not include hands-on chainsaw operationParticipants will learn how to work safely around chainsaw operationsOpen to all LERT-qualified volunteers, even if they do not plan to operate a chainsawMorning + Afternoon Sessions (8 hours total): LERT Chainsaw Safety and OperatorIncludes the morning classroom safety session and the afternoon hands-on trainingRequired for anyone who wants hands-on chainsaw operation trainingCompletion 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 bootsSteel-toed work boots are mandatory; tennis shoes, sandals, or flip-flops are not permittedOutdoor work clothing appropriate for the weather; shorts are prohibitedParticipants should bring their own chainsaw, bar oil, and fuel mix if availableSome training chainsaws and PPE will be provided if needed

Training Costs:

Morning safety classroom only: $15/individual or $25/coupleMorning + 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.

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.

Florida-Georgia Lutheran Early Response will provide Lutheran Early Response Team (LERT) Basic Chainsaw training on Saturday, May 16, 2026 at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 165 Camden Woods Pkwy, Kingsland, GA 31548. Chainsaw training is offered to enhance the capabilities of LERT volunteers, enabling them to assist those who may lack the resources or skills to perform this hazardous work. The goal of this training is to ensure LERT members are properly prepared to serve safely and efficiently. 

 

Training topics include: chainsaw safety, personal protective equipment (PPE), injury prevention, bucking and limbing fallen trees, and safe debris removal.

 

Prerequisite:

Participants must have previously completed the LERT Basic Training class.

 

When registering, 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 with and 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 bootsSteel-toed work boots are mandatory; tennis shoes, sandals, or flip-flops are not permittedOutdoor work clothing appropriate for the weather; shorts are prohibitedParticipants should bring their own chainsaw, bar oil, and fuel mix if availableSome training chainsaws and PPE will be provided if needed

 

Training Costs:

Morning safety classroom only: $15/individual, $25/couple; add $5/family member (3+)Morning + Afternoon (Chainsaw Safety and Operator): $50/individual, $85/couple, $100/family (3+)Payment may be made by cash or check at the training, or credit card.Shirt, snacks, lunch, and beverages provided.

 

Contact Info:

Should you have any questions, please contact Joel Mathews at (813) 215-8098 or at jmathews@fgler.org. 

Florida-Georgia Lutheran Early Response will provide Lutheran Early Response Team (LERT) Basic Chainsaw training on Saturday, May 30, 2026 at Trinity Lutheran Church, 2535 Jefferson Road, Athens, GA. Chainsaw training is offered to enhance the capabilities of LERT volunteers, enabling them to assist those who may lack the resources or skills to perform this hazardous work. The goal of this training is to ensure LERT members are properly prepared to serve safely and efficiently. 

 

Training topics include: chainsaw safety, personal protective equipment (PPE), injury prevention, bucking and limbing fallen trees, and safe debris removal.

 

Prerequisite:

Participants must have previously completed the LERT Basic Training class.

 

When registering, 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 with and 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 bootsSteel-toed work boots are mandatory; tennis shoes, sandals, or flip-flops are not permittedOutdoor work clothing appropriate for the weather; shorts are prohibitedParticipants should bring their own chainsaw, bar oil, and fuel mix if availableSome training chainsaws and PPE will be provided if needed

 

Training Costs:

Morning safety classroom only: $15/individual, $25/couple; add $5/family member (3+)Morning + Afternoon (Chainsaw Safety and Operator): $50/individual, $85/couple, $100/family (3+)Payment may be made by cash or check at the training, or credit card.Shirt, snacks, lunch, and beverages provided.

 

Contact Info:

Should you have any questions, please contact Joel Mathews at (813) 215-8098 or at jmathews@fgler.org.