Behind the Spires

Welcome to Behind the Spires! Join us in this Key City Conversation!In our 50th episode, we sit down with Frederick’s newest Chief of Police to discuss his path to leadership, the department’s priorities, and the challenges facing local law enforcement.After growing up in the Frederick area and spending 18 years with the Frederick Police Department, the chief has worked in patrol, investigations, drug enforcement, training, and department leadership. He reflects on the experiences that shaped him as a leader and what it means to become the department’s chief through an open hiring process. The chief also discusses recruiting new officers, the benefits of joining the Frederick Police Department, and how the department’s in-house training academy helps prepare officers to serve this community.👉 Automated License Plate Readers: What Frederick Residents Should Know: cityoffrederickmd.gov/1976/Automated-License-Plate-Readers👉 Check out the City's Public Meetings: frederickmd.gov/publicmeetings#FrederickMD #FrederickMaryland #FrederickPolice #FrederickPoliceDepartment #LawEnforcement #CommunityPolicing #PublicSafety #FrederickCommunity #LocalGovernment #Frederick

Welcome to Behind the Spires! Here's your City Update where each episode, we join you to bring clear, factual updates directly from City meetings, departments, and official sources in 15 minutes or less! We cover what you missed, what’s happening right now, and what’s coming up next so you can stay informed about your local government without having to sit through every meeting.Clear. Direct. Straight from the City.Episode Links:City Climate Action Progress Dashboard - frederickmd.gov/climate-actionCounty Climate Action Dashboard - FrederickCountyMD.gov/ClimateActionHarvest of Hope - frederickmd.gov/Harvest-of-Hope Harvest of Hope Volunteer Registration - frederickmd.gov/HarvestofHopeVolunteer Public Meetings - frederickmd.gov/publicmeetings #cityoffrederick #localnews #frederickmd

Welcome to Behind the Spires! Join us in this Key City Conversation!The African American Research and Cultural Heritage Society (AARCH) is preparing to open its new Heritage Center in downtown Frederick, creating a permanent home for the stories, artifacts, and contributions of African Americans throughout Frederick County and Maryland.We sit down with AARCH Vice President Will Graham AARCH board member Nia Yeboah to discuss the organization’s mission, the long road to opening the Heritage Center, and the importance of preserving stories that might otherwise be lost. They share how family memories, oral histories, genealogy, and historical artifacts help build a fuller picture of Frederick’s past.Learn how you can support ARCH through donations, volunteering, internships, membership, and sharing family stories or historical artifacts. As Nia and Will explain, preserving history is about more than looking back, it’s about understanding the people who came before us and recognizing how the choices we make today shape the stories future generations will tell.#cityoffrederick #behindthespires #inSPIREfrederick #jointhestory #FrederickMD #FrederickMaryland #ARCH #AfricanAmericanHistory #BlackHistory #FrederickHistory #LocalHistory #MarylandHistory #HeritageCenter

Welcome to Behind the Spires! Join us in this Key City Conversation!Former Frederick Mayor Ron Young joins us to reflect on the 50th anniversary of the Great Frederick Flood of 1976 and the decades-long effort to turn a devastating flood-control project into one of downtown Frederick’s most recognizable public spaces: Carroll Creek Linear Park.Our former Mayor recounts arriving downtown as floodwaters rose in 1976, seeing the destruction firsthand, and working with residents and business owners in the days that followed. He also shares the story behind Carroll Creek’s transformation, from the early engineering proposals and challenges securing funding to his vision of combining flood control, public space, and economic development.With a statue honoring Young set for dedication on October 11 at Carroll Creek Linear Park, the conversation looks back at the people who helped shape Frederick and the lasting impact of their work. 👉 See more of the Frederick Flood of 1976: https://storymaps.arcgis.com/collections/1ed4a3707aa343dcba34bfc25708faae👉 Check out the City's Public Meetings: frederickmd.gov/publicmeetings#FrederickMD #FrederickMaryland #CarrollCreek #GreatFrederickFlood #FrederickHistory #LocalHistory #MarylandHistory #DowntownFrederick #RonYoung #communitydevelopment

Welcome to Behind the Spires! Join us on this special LIVE episode, on location at the Frederick Municipal Airport for Frederick's Festival of Flight!Stay connected, stay informed, and explore what’s ahead for Frederick!#frederickmd #cityoffrederick #behindthespires #inSPIREfrederick #jointhestory #fdk #festivalofflight #flying #pilots #podcast

Welcome to Behind the Spires! Join us in this Key City Conversation!Join us as we welcome Emma Williams, the City of Frederick’s new Emergency Manager, for an in‑depth conversation about preparedness, public safety, and the evolving landscape of emergency response. With experience supporting emergency operations across the country, Emma shares what brought her to Frederick and what it means to build an emergency management program from the ground up. She explains the daily work behind prevention, protection, mitigation, response, and recovery; why National Preparedness Month matters; and the top hazards facing Frederick, Maryland, including flooding, extreme weather, cyber threats, and hazardous materials.Emma also breaks down how residents can prepare: creating family emergency plans, assembling practical and realistic emergency kits, supporting older neighbors and vulnerable populations, and signing up for ALERT Frederick County notifications to stay informed. 👉 Sign up for CoFAlerts: https://member.everbridge.net/453003085612281/new👉 Check out the City's Emergency Management Page: https://cityoffrederickmd.gov/1669/Emergency-Management👉 Check out the City's Public Meetings: frederickmd.gov/publicmeetings#FrederickMD #FrederickMaryland #emergencypreparedness

Welcome to Behind the Spires! Join us in this Key City Conversation!

In honor of the 50th anniversary of the Great Frederick Flood of 1976, we sit down with Donald Putman, a former Frederick Police Officer who was on patrol when the historic flood swept through downtown Frederick.

Donald takes us back to that day, recalling the rapidly rising water, emergency rescues, and the challenges first responders faced as roads and buildings throughout the city became flooded. He shares firsthand stories of using boats to rescue people trapped in downtown businesses, working alongside firefighters and the National Guard, and navigating a city where communication was made even more difficult after floodwaters damaged the local telephone system.

The conversation also explores the aftermath of the flood, including the damage to downtown businesses, vehicles being swept through the streets, the community response, and the efforts of police officers, firefighters, local businesses, and residents to begin putting Frederick back together.

This is a firsthand account of one of the most significant floods in Frederick's history, told by someone who was there, responding to calls, helping residents, and witnessing the destruction firsthand.

👉 Check out the Putman Family Fund: frederickcountygives.org/funds/putman-family-fund👉 Check out the City's Public Meetings: frederickmd.gov/publicmeetings#FrederickMD

#FrederickMaryland #GreatFrederickFlood #FrederickFlood #1976Flood #FrederickHistory #LocalHistory #MarylandHistory #FrederickPolice #FrederickFireDepartment #FrederickCounty

Welcome to Behind the Spires! Join us in this Key City Conversation!What does it take to help young people find their next opportunity?In this episode, we sit down with Jason Francis, Re-Engagement Program Manager with the City of Frederick’s Office of Opportunity and Innovation, to discuss the programs connecting young people with education, career opportunities, resources, and their community.Jason explains Next Steps, a drop-in program for young people ages 14–24 who may be disconnected from school or career pathways. We also talk about THRIVE, a family-focused initiative designed to strengthen relationships, build resilience, and provide positive experiences for young people and their families.The conversation also looks ahead to the future Frederick Youth Center, expected to open in 2028. The center was shaped in part by input from Frederick’s youth and will include spaces such as a gym, game room, café, flexible classrooms, and a wellness room.From workforce readiness and mentorship to family activities and community partnerships, Jason shares how Frederick is working to create meaningful opportunities for young people today while building toward an even stronger support system for the future.👉 Learn about the Office of Opportunity & Innovation: http://frederickmd.gov/opportunity👉 Check out the City's Public Meetings: frederickmd.gov/publicmeetings#FrederickMD #FrederickMaryland #YouthPrograms #YouthCenter #NextSteps #THRIVE #Community #YouthOpportunity #WorkforceDevelopment #cityoffrederick #behindthespires #inSPIREfrederick #jointhestory

Welcome to Behind the Spires! Join us in this Key City Conversation!

Join us for an insightful conversation with Paul Varga, Communications Manager for the Frederick County Division of Solid Waste and Recycling, who's creative “edutainment” approach has made him one of local government’s most recognizable voices. Paul shares how he modernizes recycling outreach with humor, cultural references, and clear communication, earning national recognition as a top local government influencer. He offers a detailed look at how Frederick County’s waste and recycling systems operate, what happens after the blue bin is collected, why “wish‑cycling” can unintentionally cause major problems in the recycling stream, and more! This episode is an engaging and practical look at how Frederick County is working to reduce waste, protect public safety, and help residents recycle smarter.

👉 Learn about County Recycling: https://frederickcountymd.gov/recycle👉 Learn about City Composting: https://frederickmd.gov/compost👉 Check out the City's Public Meetings: frederickmd.gov/publicmeetings

#frederickmd #cityoffrederick #behindthespires #inSPIREfrederick #jointhestory

Welcome to Behind the Spires! Join us in this Key City Conversation!Join us Behind the Spires with Stephanie Chaiken and Dorian Young from the Weinberg Center for the Arts as they celebrate the theater’s 100th anniversary and share how this historic venue continues to shape Frederick’s cultural identity. They talk about the Weinberg’s evolution from a 1920s movie palace to a modern performing arts center, the community‑driven programming behind the Centennial Season, and exciting new initiatives like the Carnegie Hall Wellbeing Concert Series and expanded arts education partnerships in Frederick schools. Stephanie and Dorian also highlight the beloved Frederick Speaker Series, accessibility improvements, collaborations with local organizations, and the role the Weinberg plays in supporting Frederick’s vibrant arts community. Plus, they give a preview of upcoming shows and events!

👉 Learn about the Weinberg Center: weinbergcenter.org

👉 Check out the City's Public Meetings: frederickmd.gov/publicmeetings#frederickmd

#cityoffrederick #behindthespires #inSPIREfrederick #jointhestory

Welcome to Behind the Spires! Here's your City Update where each episode, we join you to bring clear, factual updates directly from City meetings, departments, and official sources in 15 minutes or less! We cover what you missed, what’s happening right now, and what’s coming up next so you can stay informed about your local government without having to sit through every meeting.Clear. Direct. Straight from the City.Episode Links:Golden Mile Survey - https://arcg.is/q45zq2Golden Mile Steering Committee - https://arcg.is/15a4Hf1 Golden Mile Small Area plan page - https://www.cityoffrederickmd.gov/1075/Golden-Mile-Small-Area-PlanPublic Meetings - frederickmd.gov/publicmeetingsBoards and Commissions vacancies - frederickmd.gov/vacanciesNACs - frederickmd.gov/nacsTime capsule survey - frederickmd.gov/timecapsulesurveyWeinberg - weinbergcenter.orgfestival of flight - https://www.cityoffrederickmd.gov/1698/Frederick-Festival-of-Flight#cityoffrederick #localnews #frederickmd

Welcome to Behind the Spires! Join us in this Key City Conversation!Join us Behind the Spires with, City of Frederick Council President, César Díaz as he shares his journey here in Frederick, what led him to run for office, and how he’s approaching leadership in his first term on the Frederick City Council. César talks about representing District 2, the Golden Mile, engaging immigrant communities, and how affordability, development, traffic, and walkability shape daily life in Frederick. He explains the newly passed City Values Act, why it matters for immigrant safety and public trust, and how strong civic participation improves local government. César also reflects on Frederick’s growth, transportation challenges, including e‑bikes, sidewalks, infrastructure, and his priorities for making city government more accessibleto residents. It’s an insightful look at public service, community engagement, and the future of Frederick, Maryland.👉 Learn about your city council: frederickmd.gov/citycouncil👉 Check out the City's Public Meetings: frederickmd.gov/publicmeetings#frederickmd #cityoffrederick #behindthespires #inSPIREfrederick #jointhestory

Welcome to Behind the Spires! Here's your City Update where each episode, we join you to bring clear, factual updates directly from City meetings, departments, and official sources in 15 minutes or less! We cover what you missed, what’s happening right now, and what’s coming up next so you can stay informed about your local government without having to sit through every meeting.Clear. Direct. Straight from the City.Episode Links:- Cultural Asset Map - frederickmd.gov/culturalassetmap- Celebrate Frederick - celebratefrederick.com- USA250 - frederickmd.gov/usa250- Public Meetings - frederickmd.gov/publicmeetings- cityoffrederickmd.gov#cityoffrederick #localnews #frederickmd

Welcome to Behind the Spires! Join us on this special LIVE episode at Frederick's 4th, an Independence Day Celebration at Baker Park!Stay connected, stay informed, and explore what’s ahead for Frederick!#frederickmd #cityoffrederick #behindthespires #inSPIREfrederick #jointhestory #usa250 #america250 #4thofjuly2026

Welcome to Behind the Spires! Join us in this Key City Conversation!

On this episode of Behind the Spires, we sit down with Willie Walton, Deputy Division Director of Frederick County Animal Control, to explore the vital work of protecting animals and serving the community. From the exciting expansion of the county's animal shelter to the adoption process, pet safety tips, cruelty investigations, and how you can help through volunteering or fostering, Willie shares an inside look at the people and programs making a difference for animals across Frederick County. Whether you're thinking about adopting a pet or simply want to support your local shelter, this episode is full of valuable information and heartwarming stories.

👉 Check the Shelter out: https://frederickcountymd.gov/15/Animal-Control

👉 Check the City out: cityoffrederickmd.gov

Welcome to Behind the Spires! Join us in this Key City Conversation!Join us Behind the Spires with Ysela Bravo and Shawn Butcher, co‑chairs of the Frederick County USA 250 Commission, as they share how our community is preparing to commemorate America’s Semi quincentennial. Ysela and Shawn discuss their work with nonprofits, heritage tourism, arts, and local government; the origins and purpose of the America 250th celebrations; and why Frederick’s rich Revolutionary‑era history makes this milestone especially meaningful here. Learn how the Frederick County 250 Commission is partnering with municipalities, Visit Frederick, local historians, artists, cultural groups, and residents to create inclusive events that explore both the triumphs and complexities of America’s story. The BTS crew also preview July Fourth plans, the July 8 nationwide Declaration of Independence reading, volunteer opportunities, and how every resident can “find themselves in the 250” by connecting personal identity with history, community, and civic participation.👉 Check the City out: cityoffrederickmd.govStay connected, stay informed, and explore what’s ahead for Frederick!#frederickmd #cityoffrederick #behindthespires #inSPIREfrederick #jointhestory #usa250

Welcome to Behind the Spires! Here's your City Update where each episode, we join you to bring clear, factual updates directly from City meetings, departments, and official sources in 15 minutes or less! We cover what you missed, what’s happening right now, and what’s coming up next so you can stay informed about your local government without having to sit through every meeting.Clear. Direct. Straight from the City.Episode Links:- Budget - frederickmd.gov/FY27budget- Celebrate Frederick - celebratefrederick.com- Public Meetings - frederickmd.gov/publicmeetings- cityoffrederickmd.gov#cityoffrederick #localnews #frederickmd

Welcome to Behind the Spires! Join us in this Key City Conversation!Jonathan shares why the existing skate park is being fully rebuilt. Learn how the city partnered with world‑renowned designers Grindline Skateparks, how community input is shaping features like skateable art, accessibility, and flow, and what upgrades are coming to the Park, including a new pump track, revitalized fields, and enhanced amenities. With insights into the design‑build process, public engagement, federal grants, and long‑term maintenance planning, this episode highlights the future of Frederick’s skate scene and the city’s investment in high‑quality recreational spaces! Plus watch never before seen footage of Tony Hawk Skating at the Hill Street Park Skatepark in 2011!👉 Check the City out: cityoffrederickmd.govStay connected, stay informed, and explore what’s ahead for Frederick!

Welcome to Behind the Spires! Here's your City Update where each episode, we join you to bring clear, factual updates directly from City meetings, departments, and official sources in 15 minutes or less! We cover what you missed, what’s happening right now, and what’s coming up next so you can stay informed about your local government without having to sit through every meeting.Clear. Direct. Straight from the City.Episode Links:- SECURE - frederickmd.gov/secure - Budget - frederickmd.gov/FY27budget- Mayor's Give a Day in May - frederickmd.gov/giveaday- Parking - frederickmd.gov/parking- Weinberg Center for the Arts - weinbergcenter.org- Fair Housing Commission - cityoffrederickmd.gov/131/Fair-Housing-Commission- Volunteering - hhs.cityoffrederickmd.gov/161/1737/Volunteering- Public Meetings - frederickmd.gov/publicmeetings- cityoffrederickmd.gov#cityoffrederick #localnews #frederickmd

Welcome to Behind the Spires! Join us in this Key City Conversation!

Join us with Jenny Willoughby and Lauren Paulette from the City of Frederick Sustainability Department as they break down what sustainability really means, from pollinator protection, Bee City USA Frederick, and native plant gardening to the city’s expanding composting program, clean water initiatives, and climate resilience work. Learn how Frederick’s new Climate & Energy Action Plan supports environmental equity, reduces greenhouse gas emissions, and strengthens vulnerable communities.

Jenny and Lauren also share practical tips on native plants, supporting pollinators, bird habitat, and simple actions residents can take to make their homes and neighborhoods more sustainable. Whether you're interested in composting in Frederick, creating a pollinator-friendly yard, or getting involved in local sustainability events and outreach, this episode is packed with ways to protect the environment and build a greener Frederick.

👉 Check the City out: cityoffrederickmd.gov

👉 Check out Sustainability: https://cityoffrederickmd.gov/891/SustainabilityStay connected, stay informed, and explore what’s ahead for Frederick!#frederickmd #cityoffrederick #behindthespires #inSPIREfrederick #jointhestory