Sheriff's Office training center and shooting range proposed; commissioners discuss sites and phased build

Sheriff’s Office training staff asked the Fayette County Commission to consider a multi-use training center and shooting-range complex to support local and regional law enforcement training needs.

Training staff described current constraints: the county lacks a dedicated classroom and shooting range, forcing deputies to travel to neighboring counties for weapons training and to hold repeated sessions because local facilities are too small. Presenters outlined two candidate sites: the Beckwith/Girl Scout camp property (county-owned) and a privately owned site near Anstead (owned by Imperial Colliery) that presenters said offers closer utilities, nearby lodging and lower infrastructure costs.

The training proposal envisions a phased approach: initial earthwork and site development, followed by a classroom/education center and pistol range, with later additions such as a less‑lethal training house. Presenters estimated significant site-development costs and said they sought partner contributions from state and regional agencies, plus possible municipal and levy funding. They noted an existing $68,000 contribution from a senator and discussed long-term leases with a private owner as part of cost mitigation.

Commissioners asked about community pushback at the Beckwith site (presenters said there was some local opposition driven by misinformation) and about the ability to phase construction to reduce upfront cost. Commissioners expressed support and asked staff to outline funding sources, possible partnerships with other law enforcement agencies, and next steps for phased implementation; no final decision was made at the meeting.