Trollinger Law LLC has announced the winners of its 2026 Hometown Heroes Awards, an annual recognition program now in its fifth year that honors first responders in Charles County and Southern Maryland. The awards spotlight individuals whose dedication to community service extends well beyond their professional duties, underscoring the vital role first responders play in the region.
The 2026 honorees are John Edelen, Jason Posey, and Chief William L. Smith, Jr. Each has demonstrated exceptional commitment to public safety and community betterment. Edelen, a sergeant with the Maryland State Police for more than 26 years, has served in patrol, K9, and Internal Affairs, earning Supervisor of the Year five times and Trooper of the Year twice. Beyond law enforcement, he coaches youth soccer and supports programs like Christmas Shop with a Cop and No Hunger November.
Posey, a retired police lieutenant and U.S. Marine Corps veteran, served four years on active duty with two overseas campaign tours before joining the La Plata Police Department, where he served over 21 years and retired in August 2026. He held leadership roles as Honor Guard Commander and Administrative Commander, and his community work includes Toys for Tots and establishing the department's Police Explorer and Cadet youth programs.
Chief Smith brings more than four decades of fire and EMS service. Since 2013, he has served as Fire/EMS Coordinator and Public Information Officer for Charles County's volunteer fire and EMS associations, supporting approximately 1,200 active and retired first responders. He is also department fire chief of the West Lanham Hills Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad, a past president of the Maryland Fire Chiefs Association, and leads the Charles County High School Fire-Rescue Cadet Program.
According to personal injury lawyer Matt Trollinger, founder of Trollinger Law LLC, the awards reflect the firm's core values. "First responders show up in the middle of a crisis, providing help and support to people when they need it most," Trollinger said. "They don't do it for the accolades or the paycheck. They do it because they want to help. To our firm, that's the definition of a Hometown Hero."
The recognition matters because it highlights the often-unseen contributions of first responders who balance demanding careers with extensive volunteer work. By honoring these individuals, Trollinger Law reinforces the importance of community support networks and encourages others to recognize the sacrifices made by those in emergency services. The firm's own practice focuses on helping injured people in Southern Maryland, Washington, D.C., and Virginia with workers' compensation and personal injury matters, including car accidents, truck accidents, slip-and-fall accidents, wrongful death, and medical malpractice.
The Hometown Heroes Awards serve as a reminder that behind every emergency response are individuals who dedicate their lives to serving others, and that their impact extends far beyond the calls they answer. For more information about the awards and the firm's community initiatives, visit the Hometown Heroes Awards page.
