Former Police Chief Freeman Cooper passes after lung cancer battle

CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) – Former Chattanooga Police Chief Freeman Cooper has died at the age of 70.

He had been battling lung cancer.

Cooper was a 25 year veteran of the Chattanooga Police Department when he was appointed Chief in 2007.

He served as chief until 2010 when he retired.

The Department says Chief Cooper was best known for focusing on juvenile and gang related crimes.

Just last fall, he appeared at a lung cancer awareness rally in Chattanooga.

“We need as a people to take our loved ones, our friends, our family aware that lung cancer is a silent, deadly disease. And it usually doesn’t show itself until stage 4. Stage 4, there’s no cure for lung cancer.”

His cancer had progressed to stage 4.

Hamilton County Mayor Jim Coppinger worked with Cooper for years in local law enforcement.

He paid tribute to him today by posting:

“I am deeply saddened by the news that my friend Freeman Cooper has passed on. Freeman was a man who served his nation and his community. My thoughts and prayers are with his wife Debbie and his entire family in this very difficult time.”