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Written by: E. George
Published December 17, 2024 @ 5:30 PM ET
COBB COUNTY, Ga. – The Kennesaw community, along with the Kennesaw State University Police Department, are holding one of their own in their prayers after a violent fire seriously injured him and destroyed his Cartersville home.
Lieutenant Robert Milam, who has been with the department for 20 years, incurred severe burns on his face, hands, arms, and feet while heroically rescuing his fiancée trapped inside.
Milam donned bandaging all over his body, from his head to his feet but remained positive. He stated, “You can’t change the past; we can only move forward.”
He explained that he awoke to a crackling sound and spotted a minor fire in a rear room. He started heading outside to get a hose but did not make it far before the thick plumes of smoke knocked him down.
He said, “It knocked me to my knees. I couldn’t get out of the back door.”
Realizing his fiancée was stuck inside, he immediately sprang into action. He stated, “The only way I could get back through there was to run through the flames to get her. So, you got to do what you got to do. I had to get her out.”
His fiancée did not get injured, but Milam said, “I’ve got some burns on my nose and a little on my lips and ears and maybe my cheeks and forehead, but the worse parts are my feet, hands, and arms.”
Sadly, they lost all of their belongings in addition to losing their home, but he has not lost hope. He stated, adding some humor, “I had some guitars that can’t be replaced, but it’s okay. Does one guy really need 20 guitars?”
Instead of shedding tears over lost possessions, what touched Milam deeply was the incredible kindness and support he received from his colleagues.
He expressed, “They’re coming up here to see me. They’re taking the lead on fixing up a place for me and Misty to go to after I get out of here. I’ve never felt as much love as they’ve shown.”
The police department shared on Facebook, “Throughout his career, Lieutenant Milam has tirelessly served his community and helped those in need. Now, he and his family need our support during this incredibly difficult time.”
Medical professionals said his road to recovery will be arduous, but his tremendous spirit will get him through the journey. He has had one surgery, with more procedures scheduled for the near future.
A fellow officer created a GoFundMe account to help the Milam family pay medical bills, replace lost belongings, and reestablish housing.