Charles Nicgorski began his career with the Los Angeles Police Department in 1983 as a technical reserve officer. After completing Academy training, he transferred to West Los Angeles Division, where he assisted officers and detectives both at the station and with processing arrestees.

In January, Los Angeles faced devastating wildfires. The Palisades fire, which began on January 7, burned over 23,000 acres and destroyed more than 5,300 structures. That same day, the Eaton fire also broke out, burning approximately 14,000 acres, destroying over 7,000 structures and resulting in 17 fatalities.