A massive blaze did more than destroy a building in Centerville, Iowa.
It also cost the local assistant fire chief his life.
Mike "Coop" Cooper died Saturday at his home.
He was the longest serving member of the Centerville Fire Department, joining in 1977.
He worked his way up through the ranks, and was elected assistant chief in 1989.
He also was past president of the Centerville Volunteer Firefighters Association.
Firefighters were on the scene of the fire for more than 14 hours.
Funeral arrangements are pending.
