Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

It has been 24 years... and some time since you passed. I saw a post on Instagram that made me think of you. your badge number was 204 because 24 was spoken for. you love the number 24. You had the locker number 24 at the gym and at Coors field... I am so happy to know you. I hope you and your Dad are there to meet me when I come home. I was so alone once upon a time. I prayed on my knees that father would give me a close friend. that is when you came in. You just got home from your mission in Pittsburg PA. You have been one of my best friends ever since. Thinking of when I thought of you last... it was just yesterday I was talking to a co worker about when you worked at Coors field and would yell at Chipper Jones to pull his socks up...lol Anyway, I Love You pall! I will see you again.

Joe Reynolds
Friend / DEN Life Safety, Aviation Dep. City and County of Denver

September 13, 2024

My apologies go out to the friend and family of Ryan and his fellow colleagues. May he rest in peace.

Student at MCHS
Student

January 18, 2023

How can it be possible that 20 years have passed….everything about you is still so vivid in my mind.

Your smile, your laugh, your dedication to your fellow officers and your community.

All my love to you and Brad and Robyn….save a place for me.

Former Officer/CEO Jackie Ogden
Vail Police Dept

July 22, 2021

I am a retired cop now but one of my first assignments as a patrol deputy was to represent my Sheriff’s Office in full dress blues at this funeral. It is seared in my mind the sight of citizens pulling over and standing by their cars with their hands over their hearts as we passed by and, to this day, the sound of Amazing Grace played on the bagpipes brings tears to my eyes. You are not forgotten.

Deborah Thompson, Retired
Adams County Sheriff’s Office

June 4, 2021

I am a retired cop now but one of my first assignments as a patrol deputy was to represent my Sheriff’s Office in full dress blues at this funeral. It is seared in my mind the sight of citizens pulling over and standing by their cars with their hands over their hearts as we passed by and, to this day, the sound of Amazing Grace played on the bagpipes brings tears to my eyes. You are not forgotten.

Deborah Thompson, Retired
Adams County Sheriff’s Office

June 3, 2021

Vail PD officers honored Ryan today by leading a procession to the site of his accident, and placing a U.S. flag. Rest easy, your life still matters.

Ofc. D. Dempsey 223
VPD

May 6, 2021

Rest easy

Mark Mottola

May 6, 2020

Ryan & his wife Karen were wonderful people. They baby sat my baby & our daughters were about the same age. They helped me out a lot & I am grateful for the short time I knew them . I thought Ryan was a genuine guy & I was very sad to hear he passed away tragically in Vail, Co. I hope his daughter Haley is doing well .

Sara C.

December 26, 2019

I just saw a photo of a Saab police cruiser and was reminded of the time you took me on a "ride-along". You have been an example of faith and integrity to me and I am sure to many others. I'm sure that you have been a strength and comfort to other officers beyond the veil.

Spencer
brother-in-law

March 25, 2019

Ryan,

Today would have been your 45th birthday. Thinking of you and how much you are missed.

Tiffany (Speare) Gustte
Friend from Pensacola,Fl

January 6, 2019

Still Missing You Brother.

Joe Reynolds
Friend

March 3, 2017

Thinking of the Cunningham family today. Love and hugs...

Carol Botts - OKCOPS
Sibling Survivor

May 6, 2016

You will be forever in our hearts, Ryan ~ I promise we will meet again one day and it will be as if no time has passed at all.

Dance with an angel for me, xo

Former Officer/CEO Jackie Ogden
Vail Police Department

August 29, 2015

Dear Ryan,
I can't believe it's been 14 years since you passed. There hasn't been a single day where I don't think of you and all the memories we create. I knew from the first day we met in church at the age of 13 we would have a bond. You were my first love and my high school sweetheart. Even though we both moved on in different directions I always wanted the best for you. When your best friend Darin told me you had become a police officer in Colorado, married your beautiful wife and became a dad I was so excited for you. My thoughts are always with your wife and daughter to be strong. Although you aren't there physically I know your spirit is with all of us and truly feel blessed to have been a part of your life. Thank you for being an amazing friend and a part of my heart for 28 years. You are deeply missed!

Sincerely,
Tiffany

Tiffany Speare Blanton
old friend

May 6, 2015

Through the years and changing times, you are never forgotten brother! May 6th will forever be the day the sun rises a little less bright.

Kris Lulloff
VPD

May 6, 2015

Never forgotten brother.

Kris Lulloff
VPD

May 5, 2015

Not a day goes by when I have not thought of you. You are and always will be my best man. I have a picture of you hanging in the garage to remind me of the love you always shared with everyone. I know you are still close by. I love You Brother.

Joe Reynolds
Friend

July 21, 2013

Yesterday my K9, Hexe, and I ran the Police Week 5k in Baghdad, Iraq in your honor. The sacrifice you and your family made for the Town of Vail has not and will not be forgotten.

Rest in Peace brother.

K9 Handler Ryan Millbern
US Embassy Security Force

May 12, 2013

Rest In Peace Officer Cunningham, your service and sacrifice is remembered.

Sgt. Jarrod L. Wilson / K9 Officer
West Virginia Division Of Corrections

May 6, 2013

"Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God."
Matthew 5:9

Marshal Chris Di Gerolamo
Federal Air Marshal Service

May 6, 2013

I was in Vail this weekend and thought about you when I saw some of your fellow officers working a concert. I can't believe how much time has passed!
I had so much fun working with you at CCPD....it was an honor to have known you! I lost another friend in the line of duty, James Davies, a month ago. I hope that you can comfort him as he has also left behind a wonderful wife and two small children.
Thank you for your sacrifice...you will never be forgotten my friend.

Carla Saunier
Broomfield PD, Property Technician

December 17, 2012

Thinking about you today Ryan. You have been gone way too long. Life has gone on without you and I hate that you are not here to be a part of it. I miss your wisdom and laughter right now the most and wonder what you would have to say. I can't number how many times I have wished I could pick up the phone to call you to tell you about something, or get your advice, or just hear your voice. You are forever in my heart baby brother and I miss you terribly.

Officer Ricci Cross PPO III
Sister

April 24, 2012

Rest in Peace, Officer Cunningham. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

January 28, 2012

On my first spring hike up Gore Creek today I decided to investigate the wooden cross I've passed by so many times in the past. I'm sure there have been many people throughout the years who, passing by like me, have visited the memorial below the bridge and have been reminded of the courage of our police officers and their families. THANK YOU, all of you, wherever you are, for your dedication and work to keep us ordinary citizens safe! And thank you for the reminder of the selfless service of those who give their lives for a greater cause.

Rebecca Brackett
Gore Creek Hiker

April 15, 2011

Officer Cunningham thank you for saving my life. On May 1, 2010 I was working an accident on an icy bridge a few miles down the road from your accident. When the car spun out of control and headed for me I thought of you. I stayed on the bridge and was hit by two different vehicles. I know you were watching out for me that day and if it would not have been for you and the ultimate price you paid I would not be here. Rest in peace Ryan and thank you again, you are still saving lives to this day!

Deputy John Brownlee
Eagle County Sheriff's Office

November 16, 2010