Family remembers slain Paulding deputy murdered days before his birthday

The family of fallen Paulding County Sheriff’s Deputy Brandon Cunningham is overwhelmed with the love and support they are receiving from the sheriff’s office and community.

Family members stood side by side in front of 3 Amigo’s Mexican Bar and Grill on Wednesday as they described who Deputy Cunningham was a son, a brother and a father.

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Deputy Cunningham’s brother and sister-in-law, who manage and plan to eventually own the restaurant located in Marietta on Whitlock Avenue, said they have received an outpouring of support from the community. Flowers, cards and a candle are just some of the items placed inside of the restaurant.

“We have been extremely overwhelmed with the kindness the prayers and the gestures and we are nothing but grateful,” said Deputy Cunningham’s mother, Maria Cunningham.

“He was always a wonderful son, brother and most of all he was a great father. I got to witness him mature and become the best big brother that I could have asked for. Brandon always put his sibling’s first whether it was cooking for us while my mom was working late shifts or keeping me and brother in check when we got a little rowdy,” Kevin Cunningham told Channel 2 Cobb County Bureau Chief Michele Newell .

Deputy Cunningham was responding to a domestic call when investigators said he was ambushed.

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The Paulding County Sheriff’s Office team hasn’t left the family’s side since.

“Their unwavering support and dedication has gone above and beyond for our family. They’ve been there since day one, praying for us in the hospital. They’ve been there at our house. Being with us sharing prayers every single day,” said family member Gerardo Chimal-Livardo.

Deputy Cunningham’s dreams of working in law enforcement began at a young age.

“He joined the ROTC at Marietta High School and went on to graduate from Marietta High School as a Blue Devil. I had the pleasure of witnessing my brother being sworn into the Paulding County Sheriff’s Office,” said Kevin Cunningham.

Cunningham leaves behind two children and three brothers.

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