[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BlogPosting","@id":"https:\/\/www.trollingerlaw.com\/blog\/hometown-heroes-2026\/#BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/www.trollingerlaw.com\/blog\/hometown-heroes-2026\/","headline":"Hometown Heroes 2026","name":"Hometown Heroes 2026","description":"Every year, Trollinger Law LLC recognizes the incredible work that first responders do throughout Southern Maryland through its Hometown Heroes Awards. After reviewing numerous community nominations, we are delighted to announce this year\u2019s three Hometown Heroes. John Edelen \u2014 Maryland State Police Sergeant John Edelen has served with the Maryland State Police for more than...","datePublished":"2026-10-19","dateModified":"2026-10-22","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.trollingerlaw.com\/blog\/author\/matt\/#Person","name":"Matt Trollinger","url":"https:\/\/www.trollingerlaw.com\/blog\/author\/matt\/","identifier":31,"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/67ad78881e5089151d1fc32954c9c595699fe15b67f1db6f45fa62c436b0e901?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/67ad78881e5089151d1fc32954c9c595699fe15b67f1db6f45fa62c436b0e901?s=96&d=mm&r=g","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Trollinger Law LLC","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.trollingerlaw.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Logo-Header-1.svg","url":"https:\/\/www.trollingerlaw.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Logo-Header-1.svg","width":0,"height":0}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.trollingerlaw.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/John-Edelen.jpg","url":"https:\/\/www.trollingerlaw.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/John-Edelen.jpg","height":"233","width":"162"},"url":"https:\/\/www.trollingerlaw.com\/blog\/hometown-heroes-2026\/","about":["Firm News"],"wordCount":447,"articleBody":"Every year, Trollinger Law LLC recognizes the incredible work that first responders do throughout Southern Maryland through its Hometown Heroes Awards. After reviewing numerous community nominations, we are delighted to announce this year\u2019s three Hometown Heroes.John Edelen \u2014 Maryland State PoliceSergeant John Edelen has served with the Maryland State Police for more than 26 years. During his career, Edelen has served in patrol, K9, and Internal Affairs. Edelen has earned Supervisor of the Year honors five times and Trooper of the Year honors twice.Beyond his work in law enforcement, Edelen is committed to giving back to his community. He is a longtime youth soccer coach and supporter of communication programs such as Christmas Shop with a Cop, No Hunger November, and toy drives benefiting children in need. John is a devoted husband to his wife, Katie, and proud father to Bryce and Ryan.Jason Posey \u2014 Retired Police Lieutenant and U.S. Marine Corps VeteranMaryland\u2019s Jason Posey is a retired police lieutenant and United States Marine Corps veteran who dedicated his career to serving his country and community. He served four years on active duty in the Marines, completing two overseas campaign tours.After leaving the military, Posey 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 extends beyond his profession to serve the community in other ways. Posey works with Toys for Tots and helped establish the police department\u2019s Police Explorer and Cadet youth programs. He continues to volunteer in other efforts throughout Southern Maryland and is a proud husband to his wife, Amy, and their sons Noah and Sam.William L. Smith, Jr. \u2014 Fire and Emergency Medical ServicesFor over four decades, Chief William L. Smith, Jr., has dedicated his career to fire and emergency medical services in Maryland. Since 2013, he has served as Fire\/EMS Coordinator and Public Information Officer for Charles County\u2019s volunteer fire and EMS associations, supporting approximately 1,200 active and retired first responders. He also served 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 also works vigilantly to prepare the next generation of Maryland\u2019s first responders. He leads the Charles County High School Fire-Rescue Cadet Program and mentors youth pursuing careers in emergency medical services. Throughout his career, Smith has remained a dedicated advocate for volunteerism, firefighter safety, and the communities he serves.You can learn more about Hometown Heroes by visiting our website."},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Blog","item":"https:\/\/www.trollingerlaw.com\/blog\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Hometown Heroes 2026","item":"https:\/\/www.trollingerlaw.com\/blog\/hometown-heroes-2026\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]