Trollinger Law LLC has announced the 2026 winners of its annual Hometown Heroes Awards, now in its fifth year. The awards recognize first responders in Charles County and Southern Maryland for their dedication to the communities they serve. The announcement underscores the firm's ongoing effort to spotlight the often-unheralded work of law enforcement officers, firefighters, and emergency medical personnel.
This year's honorees are John Edelen, Jason Posey, and William L. Smith, Jr., each with decades of service. 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 honors five times and Trooper of the Year twice. Beyond his law enforcement duties, he coaches youth soccer and supports programs like Christmas Shop with a Cop and No Hunger November. Posey, a retired police lieutenant and Marine Corps veteran, served four years active duty with two overseas campaign tours before joining the La Plata Police Department for over 21 years. He was Honor Guard Commander and Administrative Commander and helped establish the department's Police Explorer and Cadet youth programs. Smith has more than four decades in fire and EMS, serving since 2013 as Fire/EMS Coordinator and Public Information Officer for Charles County's volunteer fire and EMS associations, supporting about 1,200 active and retired first responders. He also 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 a deeper purpose. "First responders show up in the middle of a crisis, providing help and support to people when they need it most," he 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 brings public attention to the sacrifices and community contributions of first responders, which can inspire others and foster a culture of service.
The implications extend beyond the individual honorees. By celebrating these roles, Trollinger Law LLC reinforces the importance of civic engagement and the value of mentoring future first responders through programs like the cadet initiatives. The firm's ongoing commitment to the community is also reflected in its legal practice, which includes workers' compensation and personal injury representation for injured people in Southern Maryland, Washington, D.C., and Virginia. The Hometown Heroes Awards serve as a reminder of the vital role first responders play in maintaining safety and resilience in local communities.
