Paulding County presents public safety award to Deputy Emily Apodaca for family liaison work after line-of-duty death

The Paulding County Board of Commissioners presented the commissioner's public safety appreciation award to Deputy Emily Apodaca for her work as the liaison to the family of Deputy Brandon Cunningham following his line-of-duty death on Aug. 17, 2024.

An unnamed presenter introduced Apodaca and read Captain Kevin Morgan’s recommendation, saying Apodaca “placed her own grief aside to ensure the Cunningham family was never alone” and that she “became their advocate and their anchor.” The presenter added that Apodaca’s fluency in Spanish made her an effective liaison for a Spanish-speaking family and helped the family navigate the death benefits and events that followed the funeral.

The presenter described the work as sustained and emotionally demanding: Apodaca stayed with the family through National Police Week in Washington, D.C., and helped them attend events and avoid getting lost in large crowds. Captain Morgan wrote, in part, that Apodaca’s dedication “showed a level of empathy, maturity, and emotional strength that cannot be taught.”

The board presented Apodaca with an appreciation certificate; staff and the commissioners acknowledged her service in the chamber. The transcript records thanks from county staff and the certificate presentation; no formal board action beyond the presentation was recorded.

The transcript identifies Deputy Brandon Cunningham by name as the officer who died in the line of duty and records staff and the presenter describing Apodaca’s liaison role, her Spanish-language capability, and her support during National Police Week.