Candidate: Jerry Wayne Prater

Let me introduce myself. My name is Jerry W. Prater and I am a candidate for Republican State Committeman in Bay County. 

I was fortunate to find a profession that I enjoyed. I was a Firefighter for 40 years. I learned early that higher education was important for advancement within the Fire Service. During my 23 years with the Birmingham (AL) Fire and Rescue Service I advanced my education earning a Master's Degree in Public and Private Management. I worked fulltime at the Fire Department, worked a part-time job, and went to school to obtain my degree and I never regretted the use of my time and effort.

In 1995 I was offered the position of Fire Chief for Panama City and my family and I moved to Panama City. I have always believed that we should be engaged with the community in which we live, and I've tried to set a good example for my children and grandchildren. I've delivered Meals-on-Wheels, been a mentor at New Horizons School, past member Member pf the Panama City Firefighters' Pension Board, and I'm currently Chairman of the City of Panama City Civil Service Board.

Over the last several years I have become more active in politics, both mentally and physically. I have been a member of the local Republican Executive Committe over the last several years. Due to physical problems after Hurricane Michael I had to miss some of the meetings. I've waved signs from the sidewalk for local, state and national candidates. I've worked the Republican booth on July 4th in Lynn Haven for several years. I've knocked on doors and set up booths so that we could register citizens to vote. I've built floats for parades and anything else that was necessary to get Republicans elected or reelected.

The position of Republican State Committe is not a paid position and we have to be willing to volunteer the time and energy to do a good job. We even pay our own expenses to meet quarterly with the Republican Party Of Florida at locations chosen by the Executive Board. We represent the Republicans voters both with Bay County Executive Committe and the Republican Party of Florida.