Hero Sheriff’s Lieutenant honored for saving 500 inmates during fire

Muscogee County Sheriff’s Lieutenant Ray Thornton is being hailed a hero after rescuing 500 inmates during a fire at the Muscogee County Jail. Lt. Thornton was recognized as Piedmont Columbus’ First Friday Hero this week.

According to Sheriff Greg Countryman earlier this summer an inmate started a fire in the Muscogee County Jail’s ventilation system. Entire cellblocks were filled with heavy smoke in less than three minutes, creating an immediate life-threatening situation. Lt. Thornton made a critical command decision that saved hundreds of lives.

With the help of Squad 3, approximately 500 inmates were evacuated. This included maximum-security inmates, gang-affiliated inmates, inmates with serious health concerns, disciplinary inmates and other high-risk classifications.

Lt. Thornton and Squad 3 remained calm under intense pressure, worked together seamlessly and ensured there was no loss of life or escape. Were it not for Lt. Thornton’s immediate action during an incredibly challenging emergency, the night could have had a more devastating outcome.

Piedmont Columbus Regional created the First Friday Hero® program in 2016 to recognize first responders and everyday heroes each month who have gone above and beyond the call of duty. Their line of work is often a thankless job and we want to make the community aware of what our local heroes do to make the Chattahoochee Valley a safer place.