‘A Wish Come True:’ Child with cerebral palsy becomes honorary firefighter

RADFORD, Va. ( WFXR ) – Young Robert Mullins received the surprise of a lifetime on Wednesday evening at the Radford Fire Department.

Mullins was born at 28 weeks weighing just two pounds and seven ounces.

He was in the NICU for the first 72 days of his life and a few months later was diagnosed with cerebral palsy. Robert is now four years old and speaks a lot.

“It’s just been a constant in physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech,” said Melanie Mullins, Robert’s mother. “Just until recently, they thought he would never speak. It’s been a battle.”

He was especially talkative on Wednesday while getting an extensive tour of the Radford Fire Department.

“I like the firetruck,” he said while wearing his very own fireman’s helmet.

(Photo Credit: Jemon Haskins)

Through the kids’ wish network , Robert got the opportunity to meet some of his local firefighters.

He was also surprised with his own embroidered jacket, the opportunity to use the hose and a ride in the truck.

(Photo Credit: Jemon Haskins)

“He wants to be a fireman,” said Melanie Mullins. “I think it started with a fire drill. Ever since then, he’s been obsessed with firetrucks and firemen and the fire alarms in the house.”

Robert was made an honorary firefighter with the Radford department, who felt they got as much out of the experience as their new, young friend.

“This job, we tend to see people at their worst,” said communications director Connor Moran. “If they’re calling us, it’s not usually a good time. It’s nice to do something like this that’s strictly positive.”

The department gets some opportunities to work with kids, but not often on so personal a level.

“We tend to interact with [children] every October for fire prevention month, but that’s a pretty quick passing interaction,” said Moran. “This is much more personal and it definitely means a lot to do this for him.”

(Photo Credit: Jemon Haskins)

The surprises did not end at the fire department. Robert and his family are off to Gatlinburg, Tennessee on Friday.

The family says they plan to check out Dollywood and the aquarium, among some other fun activities.

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