Trollinger Law LLC has announced the winners of its 2026 Hometown Heroes Awards, recognizing three first responders from Charles County and Southern Maryland for their dedication to the communities they serve. Now in its fifth year, the annual awards honor individuals who go above and beyond in their public safety roles.
“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 Chief 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. 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 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. Posey held 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. He continues to volunteer throughout Southern Maryland.
Chief William L. Smith, Jr. has more than four decades of service in fire and emergency medical services. Since 2013, he has been 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 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. He leads the Charles County High School Fire-Rescue Cadet Program, mentoring young people pursuing emergency services careers.
The awards come as first responders continue to face staffing challenges and growing demands across the region. By spotlighting individuals who have dedicated decades to public safety, Trollinger Law LLC aims to draw attention to the often-unseen work that sustains communities. The firm handles workers’ compensation and personal injury cases in Southern Maryland, Washington, D.C., and Virginia, and has offices in Waldorf, La Plata, and Frederick.
