Volunteers needed to form board of directors, become range safety officers 

Ryan Williams 

March 31, 2010  

WILLIAMS – A working shooting range open to the public in Williams could be a reality. But in order for the range to come to fruition, volunteers are needed. 

Toward the end of 2009, the city of Williams was granted a conditional use permit from the Kaibab National Forest to host shooting events at the cinder pit shooting range located on the west side of Highway 64 approximately a half mile north of Interstate 40. 

The permit was made possible partly through the efforts of a group of citizens working with the Parks and Recreation Department and the city of Williams. Those citizens have now formed the Williams Sportsman’s Club. 

According to Mike Phillips, a founding member of the club, the group will help to fund the range, manage matches, share responsibility with the Williams Police Department for range management and be a decision making entity for range concerns. 

Phillips said the Sportsman’s Club hopes to form a not-for-profit organization to help fund the range. 

“We can’t form a non-profit without a board of directors,” Phillips said. “We can’t get our EIN number to start collecting funds until we get the corporation formed. It’s kind of like you’re chasing your tail a little bit at the very first part of this. We’re looking for people with skills and that have something to offer.” 

The Sportsman’s Club is hoping to enlist community members to serve on a board of directors. 

Indications of interest forms are currently available at the Williams Police Department, City Hall and at the Parks and Recreation office. Open positions include president, secretary, treasurer and web master. 

Forms should be completed and returned to the Parks and Recreation office. 

According to club member Jay Redfeather, in order to open the range to the public, the Sportman’s Club needs individuals interested in becoming range officers. Interested parties will be required to complete a range safety course offered by NRA certified Bob McCarty. 

“We need volunteers to step up and take the course and become our range masters or safety officers,” Redfeather said. “Bob is probably one of the most qualified people in Northern Arizona.” 

For more information about becoming a range safety officer, call Bob McCarty at the Williams Police department, 635-4461.