After more than 30 years with the Highway Patrol, Centertown resident and local state trooper supervisor Billy Prater now has bars on his collar after he was promoted to lieutenant last week.
“I’m excited and looking forward to the challenges of my new position,” Prater said of his promotion.
Prater has served as supervisory sergeant for Warren and Cannon counties since 2008. A new sergeant will be named to head the local contingent in the coming weeks as Prater’s new responsibilities as leader of Troop D out of Cookeville will have him working in four counties -- Warren, Cannon, DeKalb and Smith. He will be supervising two sergeants and 15 troopers as part of his new job.
“There are good troopers in all those counties so it’s going to be a pleasure working with them,” Prater said.
His promotion comes after three full decades of service which began Jan. 5, 1986. He has served in several counties over the years before being transferred back to his native Warren County. Those rounds included time in Cannon, DeKalb, Smith and Putnam counties, the latter of which he worked I-40.
“I am excited about this chapter in Lt. Prater’s career,” said THP Capt. R.C. Christian. “He brings 30 years of experience and is a seasoned supervisor. I have high expectations of Lt. Prater and look forward to him serving in this capacity.”
Prater said his responsibilities will have him working out of several offices in the four-county area. While having a lighter road schedule, he will be tasked in developing new enforcement initiatives for the region and coming up with plans to make the roads safer.