Public Safety: Chief Tim Prather’s Legacy

By Lisa M. Grisham

Cherokee County Fire Chief Tim Prather recently announced his retirement and will turn over his command on March 11, 2022. His dedication to the fire service and public safety spans more than 47 years.

Chief Prather was raised in the fire service. The son of Chief T.J. Prather, who was with the City of Jasper Fire Department, Chief Prather knew he would follow in his father’s footsteps. He dedicated his life to the fire service as a volunteer firefighter, career firefighter, and finally, chief of Cherokee County Fire & Emergency Services. There was a brief time when he worked as a law enforcement officer for Jasper Police Department, Pickens County Sheriff’s Office, and the Cherokee Sheriff’s Office. He also served in the U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. Marine Corps Reserves.

Having spent the last 35 years serving the citizens of Cherokee County, Chief Prather is proud to have worked with some of the very best personnel in the industry.

“This service delivery is accomplished only through the elite group of professional men and women who are motivated, trained, and dedicated to the preservation of life and property, who are ‘proud to serve’ and ‘second to none.’ After three decades of service, I will truly miss serving the citizens of Cherokee County. I have been asked many times if I am happy to retire and counting the days, and my reply continues to be the same, ‘No, I’m not really happy, probably more sad, and no, I am not counting the days.’ I will miss this place and the great employees who surround me,” Chief Prather said.

Having acquired much knowledge over his decades of service, Chief Prather said the following when asked what he would like to impart to his fellow public servants:

“My career started at the very bottom. I have always been the one to want to help others. I have always loved my job and was very dedicated in each facet of the profession. I miss working in field operations, but management has been very rewarding to help drive improvement and grow this department to where it is today. I have been blessed with a great, knowledgeable staff. I believe I am a great example of applying yourself: work hard, respect your fellow employees, treat everyone as an equal, be as consistent as possible, and just simply be honest, trustworthy, and always try to do the right and fair thing.”

Chief Prather leaves a wonderful legacy for the next chief and serves as a positive example for Cherokee County Fire & Emergency Services as well as the community.

After retiring, Chief Prather says he will enjoy a break for a few weeks but has no plans to sit down for long. There’s sure to be some fishing, hunting, and time spent with his grandchildren and lovely wife, Shirley. He also has some other opportunities in the works, which he will announce when the time is right.

Thank you, Chief Prather, for your hard work ethic and leadership. You will be missed but never forgotten. You’ve made an impact in the fire service and in Cherokee County that will leave some big shoes to fill. Job well done, sir.