KSU officer suffers severe burns rescuing family from house fire: 'We can only move forward'

KENNESAW, Ga. - The Kennesaw State University Police Department is rallying around one of its own after a devastating house fire left one of its longtime officers badly injured.

Lt. Robert Milam, a 20-year veteran of the department, suffered severe burns while rescuing his fiancé, Misty, from their burning home early Thursday morning. Despite his injuries, Milam remains in good spirits and focused on moving forward.

"You can’t change the past; we can only move forward," Milam said, his body wrapped in bandages from head to toe.

Milam recounted waking up to the sound of crackling and discovering a small fire in a back room of their Cartersville home. He attempted to grab a hose from outside but was overwhelmed by the thick smoke.

"It knocked me down to my knees. I couldn’t get out of the back door," he said.

As the flames spread rapidly, Misty was still inside. Milam knew he had to act.

"The only way I could get back through there was to run through the flames to get Misty. So, you got to do what you got to do," Milam said. "I had to get her out."

Lt. Robert Milam (Kennesaw State Police Department)

Thanks to his heroic efforts, Misty escaped unharmed. However, Milam sustained serious burns to his feet, hands, arms, and face. He described the extent of his injuries: "I’ve got some burns on my nose and a little on my lips and ears and maybe my cheeks and forehead, but the worst parts are my feet, hands, and arms."

The fire destroyed their home and all their possessions. Despite the loss, Milam remained philosophical.

"I had some guitars that can’t be replaced, but it’s okay," he said with a touch of humor. "Does one guy really need 20 guitars?"

What brought him to tears, however, was the outpouring of support from his colleagues and the Kennesaw State University Police Department leadership.

"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," Milam said.

Milam has already undergone one surgery and faces additional procedures in the coming weeks. His recovery will be long and challenging, but his spirit remains unbroken.

The KSU Police Department has launched a GoFundMe campaign to help Milam and Misty rebuild their lives. The funds will assist with medical expenses, housing, and replacing what was lost in the fire.

"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," the department wrote on Facebook.

One of Milam's co-workers has set up a GoFundMe to help ease his financial burden from the medical bills and recovery from the fire.