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. This year's honorees are John Edelen, Jason Posey, and William L. Smith, Jr., each with decades of service in law enforcement or fire and EMS.
According to personal injury lawyer Matt Trollinger, founder of Trollinger Law LLC, the awards reflect the firm's belief that first responders embody the definition of a hometown hero. "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." The recognition matters because it shines a spotlight on the often-unheralded work of those who put themselves in harm's way for others, and it reinforces the bond between local businesses and the communities they serve.
Sgt. John Edelen has served with the Maryland State Police for more than 26 years, working in patrol, K9, and Internal Affairs. He has earned Supervisor of the Year honors five times and Trooper of the Year honors twice. Beyond his law enforcement duties, Edelen coaches youth soccer and supports programs such as Christmas Shop with a Cop, No Hunger November, and toy drives for children in need.
Jason Posey is a retired police lieutenant and U.S. Marine Corps veteran. After four years of active duty and two overseas campaign tours, he joined the La Plata Police Department, serving more than 21 years before retiring in August 2026. He held leadership roles as Honor Guard Commander and Administrative Commander and worked with Toys for Tots and the department's Police Explorer and Cadet youth programs. Posey continues to volunteer throughout Southern Maryland.
Chief William L. Smith, Jr. has more than four decades of service in fire and EMS. Since 2013, he has been Fire/EMS Coordinator and Public Information Officer for Charles County's volunteer fire and EMS associations, supporting roughly 1,200 active and retired first responders. He also serves as department fire chief of the West Lanham Hills Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad and is a past president of the Maryland Fire Chiefs Association. Smith leads the Charles County High School Fire-Rescue Cadet Program, mentoring young people pursuing emergency services careers.
The implications of these awards extend beyond individual recognition. By honoring first responders, Trollinger Law LLC highlights the critical role these professionals play in public safety and community resilience. The firm's ongoing commitment is also evident in its legal practice, representing injured people in Southern Maryland, Washington, D.C., and Virginia in workers' compensation and personal injury matters, including car accidents, truck accidents, slip-and-fall accidents, wrongful death, and medical malpractice. With offices in Waldorf, La Plata, and Frederick, the firm offers free consultations to individuals and families seeking legal guidance.
