Join Disaster Ministries for a hands-on chainsaw safety course on January 20, 2024, from 9 am to 12 pm at MERCI. The course, led by Cullen Whitley, ISA Certified Arborist, NC Registered Forester, and Certified Hazard Tree Evaluator, will cover personal protective equipment, proper handling techniques, maintenance, and safety.
Attendees can bring their own chainsaws and personal protective equipment. If you do not have a chainsaw and personal protective equipment, we will have personal protective equipment available.
About the Instructor
Cullen Whitley has owned and operated a full-scale tree service for 42 years. He graduated from North Carolina State University’s School of Forest Resources in Urban Forestry and worked as a Forester for the City of Raleigh. Cullen was the first ISA Certified Arborist in North Carolina and holds several other certifications, including Certified Consulting Arborist, Certified Legal Arborist, Certified Hazard Tree Evaluator, and NC Registered Forester.
Cullen leads a joint Early Response Team (ERT) at Highland UMC and Avent Ferry UMC. The team specializes in handling hazardous tree situations caused by natural disasters. Since Hurricane Matthew, Cullen has led 47 joint mission trips. In addition to his work with the Hazardous Tree Team, Cullen also volunteers at Highland UMC’s Victory Community Garden.