Trollinger Law LLC has announced the winners of its 2026 Hometown Heroes Awards, recognizing first responders in Charles County and Southern Maryland for their dedication to the communities they serve. The awards, now in their fifth year, underscore the firm's ongoing effort to spotlight the often-unheralded work of law enforcement officers, firefighters, and emergency medical personnel.
The significance of the recognition extends beyond a simple plaque. According to the firm, the awards are intended to honor individuals who consistently go beyond the call of duty, often at great personal sacrifice. "First responders show up in the middle of a crisis, providing help and support to people when they need it most," said personal injury lawyer Matt Trollinger, founder of Trollinger Law LLC. "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 2026 honorees are John Edelen, Jason Posey, and William L. Smith, Jr. Sgt. John Edelen has served with the Maryland State Police for more than 26 years, working in patrol, K9, and Internal Affairs. He has been named Supervisor of the Year five times and Trooper of the Year twice. Beyond his law enforcement duties, Edelen is a longtime youth soccer coach 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. He served four years on active duty, completed two overseas campaign tours, and then joined the La Plata Police Department, where he served for more than 21 years before retiring in August 2026. Posey worked in patrol and held leadership roles as Honor Guard Commander and Administrative Commander. His community involvement includes Toys for Tots and efforts to establish the department's Police Explorer and Cadet youth programs. He continues to volunteer throughout Southern Maryland.
Chief William L. Smith, Jr. brings more than four decades of service in fire and emergency medical services. 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. Smith 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, mentoring young people pursuing emergency services careers.
The implications of these awards reach beyond individual recognition. By honoring first responders, Trollinger Law LLC reinforces the importance of community support for public safety personnel and highlights the human stories behind emergency response. The firm's practice focuses on 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. In Maryland, the firm has offices in Waldorf, La Plata, and Frederick and offers free consultations to individuals and families seeking legal guidance. The Hometown Heroes Awards reflect a broader corporate commitment to the communities the firm serves, demonstrating that legal professionals can play a vital role in acknowledging the sacrifices of those who keep others safe.
