HIRAM, Ga. — The Hiram city government will close early on Friday to allow city employees to pay respects to fallen Paulding County Deputy Brandon Cunningham, according to a city notice on Facebook.
The notice said the city will be closed starting at 12:30 p.m. "to allow city employees to show support by attending the funeral service for Deputy Brandon Cunningham."
The 30-year-old deputy and father of two was killed last Saturday in what has been described as an ambush as he responded to a domestic dispute call.
His funeral services are being held on Friday, August 23 at 2 p.m. at Westridge Church at 3522 Hiram Acworth Hwy., with a visitation beforehand from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The burial service will follow at Kennesaw Memorial Park, 1306 Whitlock Ave SW, Marietta, GA. This is specifically for family, friends and PCSO personnel only.
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.
Col. Chad Hunton read a message from Cunningham's family at at a media briefing on Monday.
"The community love and support has been more overwhelming, and we are nothing but grateful," Hunton said. "I’ve been with them most of the day today. Just as they’re hurting, we’re hurting. So, I’m asking y’all, please keep them in prayer.”
Sheriff Gary Gulledge said Cunningham loved gaming, the Braves and sneakers. He said the department feels empty without him.
"I wished I had 300 just like him, and I'd have a whole lot less problems here," Gulledge said.
