The Joe Foss Shooting Complex at Buckeye Hills Regional Park will close June 30 in preparation for a transition to the Maricopa County Sheriff’s office.

The current permit holder, who has managed the range for the past six months, was notified last month that the permit would not be renewed, according to a release from Maricopa County.

Once MCSO takes over, “more officers and deputies will be able to learn, qualify and requalify with firearms and reduce the wait time for such training,” the release stated.

MCSO not only conducts training for its staff but also conducts AZPOST-certified law enforcement academy training for other law enforcement agencies.

“This decision prioritizes public safety and is fiscally responsible,” officials stated in the release.

Once closed, the complex will be inspected, and any necessary repairs or improvements will be performed before it is transitioned to MCSO.

For questions: maricopacountyparks@maricopa.gov.

We’d like to invite our readers to submit their civil comments on this issue. Email AZOpinions@iniusa.org.