Charles Kopf was born in Egg Harbor, New Jersey on May 23, 1925 and graduated from Egg Harbor High School. Prior to joining the New Jersey State Police, he was employed by the New Jersey Tobacco Company of Atlantic City, New Jersey. He resided in Egg Harbor, Atlantic County, New Jersey.

Trooper Kopf enlisted in the New Jersey State Police on September 16, 1947 as a member of the 34th State Police Class and was stationed in Troop "B" and later at Troop “C” Columbus. His service with the Department was characterized by loyalty, fearless performance of duty and faithful and energetic devotion to the principles of the New Jersey State Police.

Trooper Kopf died as a result of injuries suffered in an auto accident in the performance of duty.

At 8:15 A.M. on September 27, 1948, Trooper Kopf was investigating an accident at the intersection of Route 25 and Crosswicks Street in Hamilton Township, New Jersey. His troop car collided with a Fruehauf tractor-trailer and Trooper Kopf was thrown out of his car into the highway. Trooper Kopf died at the scene from a fractured skull and massive hemorrhaging.

Trooper Kopf served 9 months with the New Jersey State Police and was survived by his wife of 4 months. He was 28 years old.