Prior to joining the Sacramento Fire Department in 1956, Charles Cooper, "Chuck," served in the Coast Guard and Navy Reserves. Chuck served the City of Sacramento for 22 years prior to succumbing to lung cancer on September 1, 1978 at the age of 52. After his death, Chuck continued contributing to the fire service of today. His death from lung cancer was determined to have been caused by his exposure to carcinogens. His was one of the first cases in which a court decided that cancer is presumptive for firefighters.