Wesley Prater (D)

Wesley Prater is serving District 4 for his fourth term as Washtenaw County Commissioner, three terms from 2001 through 2006, and his present elected office for the 2009/2010 term.   Born in Bonanza, Kentucky, Mr. Prater has lived most of his life in Michigan. 

Commissioner Prater served this community for 25½ years at the Ann Arbor Fire Department.  He joined the force as a firefighter, and advanced to Fire Inspector after ten years.  He held this position for a decade, following it with five years as the Fire Marshall, before his retirement.  In 1974, Mr. Prater was elected as a Trustee of Ypsilanti Township, serving fourteen years and winning four re-elections. He was then elected Ypsilanti Township Supervisor, serving two terms from 1988 to 1996.

Commissioner Prater has served in many local organizations in the community over the years including the Ann Arbor Firefighter Association; President, Local #693; Huron Valley Central Labor Body, AFL-CIO; International Association of Arson Investigators and the Alzheimer's Association, South Central Michigan Chapter.

Mr. Prater lives in York Township with his wife, Barbara.