An official website of the State of Georgia.
The Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is deeply saddened to announce the sudden passing of Law Enforcement Division Sergeant Ben Cunningham, a 27-year veteran of the Department. Sergeant Cunningham passed away following a possible medical episode while on duty in Rome, Georgia, and participating in a Law Enforcement Division physical fitness program.
His career with DNR began with the Wildlife Resources Division in August 1999. He transferred to DNR Law Enforcement in December 2006, was promoted to Corporal in 2017 and to Sergeant in March 2021. Cunningham was an outstanding Game Warden and supervisor in the DNR Law Enforcement Division, most recently serving as Sergeant in Region I in northwest Georgia, where he supervised Game Wardens responsible for Walker, Dade, Chattooga and Floyd counties.
His commitment to developing the next generation of Game Wardens was evident throughout his career. He served as an instructor at the Game Warden Academy, where he shared his knowledge and experience with cadets as they began their careers in law enforcement. As a Firearms Instructor and Wildlife Instructor, he helped prepare cadets for the responsibilities of the profession and continued mentoring Game Wardens through his work as a Field Training Officer and Field Training Officer Instructor. He also served as a leader with the DNR Peer Support Team and contributed to Statewide Succession Training.
Throughout his career, Cunningham was known for his commitment to protecting Georgia’s natural resources and serving his fellow Georgians. He took great pride in the success of those he supervised and in helping develop the next generation of Game Wardens. His knowledge, experience and willingness to invest in those around him left a lasting impression on his colleagues and the many Game Wardens he helped mentor.
“Sergeant Cunningham was more than a fellow officer and colleague; he was a friend and a valued member of the DNR family. His sudden passing is heartbreaking, and my thoughts are with everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. Most of all, my prayers are with his wife, Starr, daughter, Addy, and his entire family as they face this unimaginable loss,” said Georgia DNR Commissioner Walter Rabon.
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For more information, contact Haley Chafin, Manager of External Affairs, at (470) 303-0719; haley.chafin@dnr.ga.gov or visit GADNR.org.
