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Columbus has roughly 45–50 restaurants where chicken wings are a primary menu item, whether they're dedicated wing restaurants or restaurants well-known for wings. One commercial business dataset lists 46 chicken wing restaurants in Columbus, making it one of the highest concentrations of wing spots in Georgia outside of metro Atlanta

It is my distinct honor to take this opportunity to commend the heroic actions of Lieutenant Ray Thornton and Squad 3 of the Muscogee County Sheriff’s Office Jail Bureau on the night of June 16, 2026. An inmate placed a burning wick into an air vent in the South Tower therefore, igniting a fire within the ventilation system. Within minutes, smoke spread rapidly through the ventilation system and began filling multiple housing units. In less than three minutes, entire cell-blocks were heavily engulfed with smoke, creating an immediate life-threatening emergency for both staff and inmates.

Lieutenant Thornton made a critical command decision to save the lives of inmates. Understanding that every second mattered, he made the right decision to immediately begin a controlled evacuation of the affected housing units. This was an enormous undertaking. Lt. Thornton and Squad 3 moved approximately 500 inmates under emergency conditions, while waiting for help. This included maximum-security inmates, gang-affiliated inmates, inmates with serious health concerns, disciplinary inmates, and other high-risk classifications. Successfully managing an evacuation of this size required outstanding leadership, discipline, communication, and teamwork from everyone involved. All Bureaus of the Muscogee County Sheriff’s Office responded immediately, but I have no doubt that it was the decision of Lt. Thornton and the quick actions of Squad 3 that ensured no loss of life or escape.

I am beyond proud of the bravery and professionalism displayed by Lt. Thornton and Squad 3. They all remained calm under intense pressure, worked together seamlessly, and ensured that hundreds of inmates were safely relocated until the Columbus Fire Department determined it was safe to return. Were it not for your immediate action during an incredibly challenging emergency, the night could have had a more devastating outcome. Lt. Thornton, during that moment, you and your Squad exemplified what it means to protect and serve. Great job!

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