Georgia DNR sergeant dies after possible medical episode while on duty

Sergeant Ben Cunningham, a 27-year Georgia DNR veteran, died after a possible medical episode while participating in a fitness program in Rome.

ATLANTA, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT)- The Georgia Department of Natural Resources is mourning the death of a longtime law enforcement officer who died after a possible medical episode while on duty.

Sergeant Ben Cunningham, a 27-year veteran of the department, died while participating in a Law Enforcement Division physical fitness program in Rome, according to DNR.

Cunningham began his career with the department’s Wildlife Resources Division in August 1999. He transferred to DNR Law Enforcement in December 2006, was promoted to corporal in 2017, and became a sergeant in March 2021.

Most recently, Cunningham served in Region I in northwest Georgia, where he supervised game wardens responsible for Walker, Dade, Chattooga, and Floyd counties.

DNR says Cunningham also played a major role in training and mentoring other game wardens.

He served as an instructor at the Game Warden Academy, as well as a firearms instructor and wildlife instructor. Cunningham also worked as a field training officer and field training officer instructor.

He was also a leader with the DNR Peer Support Team and contributed to statewide succession training.

“Sergeant Cunningham was more than a fellow officer and colleague; he was a friend and a valued member of the DNR family,” Georgia DNR Commissioner Walter Rabon said.

Rabon also offered condolences to Cunningham’s wife, Starr, his daughter, Addy, and the rest of his family.

DNR described Cunningham as someone who took pride in mentoring other game wardens and protecting Georgia’s natural resources.