Chief Prater began his Fire Service Career with the Birmingham Fire & Rescue Service in 1972.  He progressed through the ranks of Lieutenant, Captain, Chief Fire Marshal and Battalion Chief before leaving the City of Birmingham in May of 1995.  He was appointed Chief of the Panama City Fire Department on May 11th, 1995.

He has a Master of Arts Degree in Public and Private Management, a Bachelor of Science Degree in Fire Service Management and an Associate Degree in Fire Science.  He has also completed the Executive Fire Officers Program at the National Fire Academy.

Chief Prater serves his professional and community by participating in various organizations.  He currently serves on the Gulf Coast Community College Fire Standards Advisory Board.  He is a member of the International Association of Fire Chiefs, Florida Fire Chiefs Association, and the South Eastern Association of Fire Chiefs