Show notes
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
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