By Alexis Stevens
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
BARTOW COUNTY, Ga. — For more than 20 years, Robert Milam has served as a Kennesaw State University police officer, working to keep thousands of students safe.
When a fire broke out last week at his Bartow County home, the lieutenant knew what he had to do.
“The only thing in my mind was to put out the fire and make everyone safe,” Milam told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. “My only other mission was to get Misty out of there.”
In order to reach his fiancee, Milam had to go through flames that left him with severe burns all over his body. But he reached the bedroom and made sure Misty made it out safely. The couple’s home would be completely destroyed along with all of their belongings.
“That’s just me,” Milam said, describing his actions. “That’s what Misty and my mom call stubbornness. And they’re probably right. I am a little stubborn.”
On Dec. 5, Milam, 46, woke up to crackling noises down the hall. He assumed either the dog or two cats were being noisy.
“I really didn’t think that much of it when I first heard it and I rolled back over,” he said.
But then Milam said he smelled smoke. He got up and made his way to the living room, where he saw floor-to-ceiling flames through the doorway in a small rec room.
His first thought was that the fire didn’t look too big — yet. And if he could make his way outside, he could reach a water hose and try to put out the flames himself.
“The smoke hit me and it was so hot,” Milam said. “It knocked me down to my knees. The only way back was the way I came to get to where Misty was sleeping.”
The fire had reached the doorway to the living room, forcing Milam to run through the flames. He woke up his fiancee and called the fire department.
Outside, Milam knew he had been burned, especially on his feet. But he thinks the adrenaline helped him from feeling the pain of his charred skin. Milam even told paramedics he could drive himself to the hospital.
“No, I’m good,” Milam recalled saying. “If they can get my truck keys out of there, I’ll just drive to the hospital.”
Instead, he was taken by ambulance to Wellstar Cobb Medical Center , where he has remained since. Milam has undergone two surgeries and likely faces many others. In addition to his feet and hands, which sustained third-degree burns, his arms, shoulders, back and face were also burned.
Late Tuesday, most of his face remained bandaged. Milam said he wasn’t sure how long his hospital stay would be.
Beyond the medical care, Milam said he has been shocked by the outpouring of support. His police department has rallied behind him, helping to find a new home for the couple until they can hopefully rebuild. Plus, the couple will need furniture, appliances, clothing — everything.
His co-workers have assured him it’s been handled. A GoFundMe page was also created to help the couple. Milam admits he isn’t one to ask for help.
“They’re amazing,” Milam said of his colleagues. “I’m not sure I’ve ever felt this much love. If it wasn’t for them, me and Misty really wouldn’t have anywhere to go once I get out of here.”
Investigators believe the fire may have been electrical, Milam said. And the couple is hopeful their animals are somewhere safe and left through a pet door when the fire ignited.
Above all, Milam said he is grateful to have survived. Material things, including the Christmas tree and gifts, burned but his life was spared. Now, Milam is focused on healing and grateful for those helping him.
“That’s really blown me away,” he said. “I never realized how much these people cared.”
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