HAMILTON COUNTY, Fla. (WTXL) — A Hamilton County Deputy's life is turned upside down, after a tree crashes into his home.
"It's like everything just stopped."
That's how Deputy Burnam describes the moment when he learned a tree from his yard fell into his home Sunday morning.
That tree was scheduled to come down just hours later.
"I got some friends together we were gonna take the tree down that Sunday afternoon," said Burnam.
Burnam's daughter and a family friend were inside when it happened.
That friend, shielding the little girl with his own body.
”Once I called her she come to me she didn’t stop until she come straight to me and jump up in my arms and lap. And that was a sign of... I guess you can breathe again as a parent. Uncle, Aunt, whatever the kid is there in your arms and you know she’s okay,” said Burnam.
Burnam now relying on the community he serves to help him find a new normal.
"It's the thoughts the phone calls and the blessings that mean a lot to me."
As for his home, Burnam plans to rebuild right here in Jennings where he's lived for 25 years.
"I have family my uncle, and all them around me friends close friends here. This is my home and I want to keep it that way and a home for her."
Burnam's wish is to get back on his feet, so he can help the next person in need.
Unknown to Burnam -- his close friends have started a 'Go fund me' for him, to give him a helping hand.
