Georgia DNR Sergeant Ben Cunningham, who supervised Game Wardens serving Chattooga County and other parts of Northwest Georgia, died suddenly Thursday following a possible medical episode while on duty in Rome.

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources said Cunningham was participating in a Law Enforcement Division physical fitness program when the medical emergency occurred.

Cunningham was a 27-year veteran of Georgia DNR and most recently served as a Region I Sergeant, supervising Game Wardens responsible for Chattooga, Walker, Dade and Floyd counties.

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 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, Wildlife Instructor, Field Training Officer and Field Training Officer Instructor. He also served with the DNR Peer Support Team and contributed to statewide succession training.

DNR officials said Cunningham was known for his dedication to protecting Georgia’s natural resources and for helping develop the next generation of Game Wardens.

Georgia DNR Commissioner Walter Rabon said Cunningham was more than a colleague, calling him a friend and valued member of the DNR family. Rabon offered prayers for Cunningham’s wife, Starr, daughter, Addy, and the rest of his family.

The department said Cunningham’s knowledge, experience and willingness to invest in others left a lasting impression on the Game Wardens he supervised and mentored throughout his career.