Dallas County suffered an immeasurable loss this week with the unexpected death of Chief Deputy Randy Pugh.

It’s hard to put into words the impact Pugh had in the sheriff’s department and the Dallas County community as a whole.

Capt. Mike Granthum might have said it best: “There won’t be another Chief Pugh … The experience he brought here, you can’t replace that.”

Pugh had been with the sheriff’s department essentially his entire adult life, starting soon after he graduated from Southside High School in 1980.

Pugh served in many roles over the years including warden, radio operator, K-9 officer and road deputy.

During his career, Pugh worked his way up the ranks to chief deputy and served as the right-hand man for former Sheriff Cotton Nichols and current Sheriff Harris Huffman.

With almost 40 years of service, Pugh had a depth of institutional knowledge and experience that simply can’t be replaced.

Huffman said if he had to be out of town or out of the office, he didn’t have to worry about the day-to-day operations of the department because he knew things were in good hands with Pugh at the helm.

Pugh also mentored dozens of deputies over the years, training them in law enforcement and in life. As Capt. Roy Freine said, “He taught me how to be a father. He helped me raise my children.”

Pugh loved his job and those he worked alongside. In a Times-Journal story earlier this year he said, “I love the guys I work with. They make me, I don’t make them. I’ve got some great people working here. We’re a family up here.”

Pugh was a family man, friend to many and faithful member of Elkdale Baptist Church.

He also worked with many Times-Journal reporters over the years on many stories concerning the sheriff’s department. He was someone who was always friendly, helpful and someone you knew you could trust.

We offer our sincerest condolences to his family, friends and everyone at the sheriff’s department. Pugh is survived by his wife Tammy, son Quinton and daughter Summer.

Funeral services are planned for Monday, Dec. 18 at 11 a.m. at Elkdale Baptist Church. Visitation will be Sunday, Dec. 17 from 5-7 p.m. at Lawrence Brown-Service Funeral Home.