Trollinger Law LLC has announced the winners of its 2026 Hometown Heroes Awards, marking the fifth year the firm has recognized first responders in Charles County and Southern Maryland for their dedication to the communities they serve. The awards highlight the often-overlooked contributions of law enforcement officers, firefighters, and emergency medical personnel, and this year's honorees reflect decades of service both on and off duty.
"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 winners are John Edelen, Jason Posey, and William L. Smith, Jr. Sgt. John Edelen has been a member of the Maryland State Police for more than 26 years, serving in patrol, K9, and Internal Affairs. His leadership has earned him Supervisor of the Year honors five times and Trooper of the Year honors twice. Beyond law enforcement, 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 United States Marine Corps veteran. He served four years on active duty in the Marines, 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. During his law enforcement career, Posey worked in patrol and held leadership positions as Honor Guard Commander and Administrative Commander. His commitment to helping others extended beyond the badge through his work with Toys for Tots and his efforts to establish the department's Police Explorer and Cadet youth programs. Posey continues to make a difference through volunteer service throughout Southern Maryland.
Chief William L. Smith, Jr. has more than four decades of service in fire and emergency medical services (EMS). Since 2013, Smith 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. In addition to serving as department fire chief of the West Lanham Hills Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad, he is a past president of the Maryland Fire Chiefs Association. Smith is also passionate about preparing the next generation of first responders, leading the Charles County High School Fire-Rescue Cadet Program and mentoring young people pursuing careers in emergency services.
The awards come as first responder agencies across the region continue to face recruitment and retention challenges, making the recognition of long-serving personnel and youth mentorship programs particularly significant. By honoring individuals who go beyond their job descriptions, Trollinger Law aims to spotlight the community-building work that often goes unrecognized.
Trollinger Law LLC represents 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. The firm has offices in Waldorf, La Plata, and Frederick and offers free consultations.
