Chief Charles V. Main Legacy

Chief Charles "Charlie" V. Main said at his 90th birthday celebration that he was most proud of being "an honest and straightforward guy." Serving as City of Frederick Chief of Police from 1952-1976, Charlie was known for his dedication to the Frederick area, both professionally and as a humanitarian.

Charlie dedicated his life to helping others, and over 50 years, served on the boards of 19 nonprofit organizations, and also was highly involved with his church located in downtown Frederick. He was one of the founding "fathers" of the Community Foundation, and was honored by the Community Foundation in 1994 as "Community Philanthropist of the Year," and in 2013 was bestowed the honor of trustee emeritus. He was a respected community leader, setting an example of community leadership at its best.

Charlie never sought the limelight, and many of the good deeds he did are known only to those who were the beneficiaries. He counseled, mediated, and mentored, and he found ways to help those in need of clothing, food, and shelter. He always went the extra mile, because of his intense level of caring that came straight from his heart. He worked daily to ensure that Frederick County was the best place it could be.

Charlie passed away in 1995, at the age of 95. His legacy lives on in many ways – through the City of Frederick Police Department, at his church, and through funds established at the Community Foundation. The Charles V. Main and Louise D. Main Fund for Community Foundation, YMCA, and Calvary United Methodist Church was founded through Charlie's estate to provide operational support for these organizations, and The Charles V. Main and Louise D. Main Endowment Fund was also created through Charlie's estate as an unrestricted fund. The Main's generosity continues to help many in Frederick County, and will do so in perpetuity, in ways that are For Good. Forever. For Frederick County.