PAULDING COUNTY, Ga. — Funeral arrangements have been announced for the Paulding County deputy who was killed in the line of duty over the weekend.
Deputy Brandon Cunningham, 30, died after being "ambushed" while responding to a domestic dispute call in Hiram on Saturday. The suspect, James Samuel Atkins, later died by suicide after barricading himself inside the home for hours, the Paulding County Sheriff's Office said.
The sheriff's office said this was the first time a deputy had ever been killed in the line of duty in Paulding County since it was established in 1834.
Deputy Cunningham is remembered as a hard worker who excelled at his job. The sheriff's office said he planned to get married and left behind two children, ages 9 and 12.
Paulding County officials announced plans to honor Cunningham's life and legacy.
Both visitation and the funeral service will be held on Friday at Westridge Church, 3522 Hiram Acworth Hwy. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. The funeral will be at 2 p.m. The family welcomes everyone to line the processional route to the cemetery to show their love and support, the sheriff's office said.
The 9.4-mile processional route will run from the church down Dallas Highway to Kennesaw Memorial Park, located at 1306 Whitlock Ave SW, Marietta, GA.
The burial service will follow at the cemetery. This is specifically for family, friends and PCSO personnel only.
Due to the anticipation of traffic surrounding the services, Cobb County Schools will release students early. High school students will be released at 11:30 a.m., while middle school students will be released at 12:30 p.m. There is no change to elementary school dismissal times.
There is also a memorial patrol vehicle in front of the sheriff's office for the public to leave flowers and condolences for the sheriff's office and the Cunningham family.
Donations are also being accepted to assist the family through Paulding Public Safety Appreciation, Inc. (PPSA). The point of contact is PPSA President Jaid Ison. He can be reached at info@pauldingpsa.org or 706-622-7011. A donation link can be found here.