MARIETTA, Ga. — Fallen Paulding County deputy Brandon Cunningham's family is continuing to honor him through their family restaurant.
Cunningham was shot and killed on Saturday while responding to a domestic dispute at a home. The suspect in the case, James Atkins, died by suicide, according to the sheriff's office. Atkin’s partner, Kim Vu, was also shot and is recovering in the hospital. The family wishes her well.
His mother, siblings, and other family are speaking to 11Alive for the first time about their plans to celebrate his life.
They described Brandon as charismatic, happy, and always joking. He’s a graduate of Marietta High School where he participated in ROTC. Working in law enforcement was his dream, his family said.
Brandon's mother, Maria Elena Cunningham, said his life was taken too soon. Her words are translated.
"It was a very dangerous job, and he knew it," Maria Elena said.
Maria Elena said the support has helped her grief tremendously.
"When someone loves what they do, it doesn’t matter,” Maria Elena said. “He did it with love. He did it with courage.”
Kevin Cunningham is Brandon's youngest brother. He said growing up, his brother could be hot-headed, but he showed him a more mature side.
"Brandon always put our siblings first, whether it's cooking for us while my mom was working late shifts or keeping me and my brother Christian and me in check when we got a little rowdy," Kevin said.
Brandon sits in the middle of four brothers. He has another brother, Christian, who the family said is taking his brother's death really hard. He wasn't present for the media briefing.
Maria Elena talked about the heartbreak.
"I feel such pain for the loss of my son, yet, at the same time, I find it so beautiful that so many people love him," Maria Elena said.
The family said the support from the community, men and women in blue, and even strangers has been overwhelming. Fundraising and kind gestures have covered all of Brandon's funeral expenses. His oldest brother, Gerardo Chimal-Labrado, talked about how thankful he is.
"They've been there since day one, praying for us in the hospital. They've been there at our house, eating with us and sharing prayers," Gerardo said.
The money raised will be given to Brandon's mother and two children, Sophia and Xander. The Paulding County Public Safety Appreciation non-profit is the official fundraiser.
Maria Elena shared her last memories with her son.
"I hugged him and asked him how he was," She said. "And I always would say to him when he would head to work to always remember God."
The family business 3 Amigos Mexican Bar & Grill in Marietta is now a memorial for Brandon. People have left flowers, cards, candles and other gifts in his honor.
The visitation and funeral will be on Friday at West Ridge Church in Dallas.
However, the family is hosting a celebration of life at the restaurant Wednesday, Aug. 28. A mariachi band is expected. Brandon's sister-in-law Maria Cunningham said the entire community is invited for the all-day event. 20 percent of the sales will go to the mother and kids.
"This event will be held two days before my brother-in-law's 31st birthday. So, of course, it has to be huge. We're Mexican," Maria said.