A former Logan County Sheriff’s deputy who was fired last summer following a domestic violence arrest has been rehired after an arbitration ruling ordered his reinstatement.
John Puckett has returned to duty with the Logan County Sheriff’s Office after an arbitrator ruled in favor of an appeal filed by the sheriff’s deputies’ union. Puckett had been terminated on Aug. 4, 2025, following a July arrest at his Hardin County residence.
Misdemeanor charges of domestic violence and unlawful restraint filed against Puckett were dismissed with prejudice in November, effectively barring the charges from being refiled. Following that dismissal, the union appealed the termination decision made by Sheriff Randy Dodds, sending the matter to arbitration.
The arbitrator ultimately ruled that Puckett be reinstated.
At the time of the termination, Sheriff Dodds cited Puckett’s arrest, along with prior disciplinary actions and anger-related issues, as the basis for the firing. While acknowledging that the arbitration decision required Puckett’s return to employment, Dodds said Wednesday, Jan. 7, that Puckett has since been evaluated and cleared to resume his duties.
Dodds emphasized that the deputy’s return to work will come with ongoing oversight.
“Deputy Puckett has been determined to be fit for duty,” Dodds said, adding that Puckett will continue to be closely evaluated and will be required to participate in anger management counseling on an ongoing basis.
The sheriff said the department remains committed to accountability and public safety while complying with the outcome of the arbitration process.
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