Trollinger Law LLC is now accepting nominations for its annual Hometown Heroes Award, an initiative recognizing the service and sacrifice of first responders across Charles County and Southern Maryland. Nominations opened today, and the winners will be announced on October 5, 2026.

The award honors individuals who dedicate their lives to protecting and serving their communities, often without seeking recognition. Eligible nominees include paramedics, police officers, firefighters, emergency response teams, public safety providers, emergency hospital facilities and workers, military service members, and other emergency workers in the local area.

Each winner will receive a $500 cash prize along with four complimentary tickets to a luxury suite at the D.C. United game on October 24, where they will be celebrated alongside fellow honorees and the staff of Trollinger Law. The honorees will also be recognized on the field at halftime, giving them a public moment of appreciation for their courageous work. Community recognition programs of this kind have become a common way for local businesses, including law firms, to give back to the regions they serve, and the D.C. United outing adds a high-profile public venue to this year's celebration.

The Hometown Heroes program was established by Matt Trollinger, founder of Trollinger Law and a personal injury and workers' compensation lawyer based in Waldorf. His practice areas align closely with the populations the award honors: workers' compensation and injury cases frequently involve the kinds of on-the-job harm that emergency and public safety workers can face.

"We started Hometown Heroes as a way to honor a group of people whose efforts to protect and serve others often happen behind the scenes, with no expectation of recognition," Trollinger said. "First responders help people and families during some of their darkest and most vulnerable hours. We're proud to express our appreciation for their courage and support."

Previous honorees have included current and retired members of the Charles County Sheriff's Office, the Marine Corps, the Charles County Department of Emergency Medical Services, local police and fire departments, and volunteer rescue squads. The breadth of past honorees reflects the mix of professional and volunteer emergency services that operate in Southern Maryland, where volunteer fire and rescue squads remain a significant part of the region's emergency response infrastructure. The award highlights the dedication of these individuals and underscores the vital role they play in maintaining the safety and well-being of the community.

This year's recognition comes as first responders continue to face significant challenges, including increased demands on emergency services and the ongoing need for resilience in the face of natural disasters and public health crises. By honoring these everyday heroes, Trollinger Law aims to raise awareness of their contributions and encourage broader support for local emergency services.

Residents interested in nominating a deserving first responder can direct questions to Dawn Williamson via email. Following the winner announcements on October 5, attention will turn to the on-field recognition at the October 24 D.C. United match, which will serve as the program's public capstone for the year.

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 maintains offices in Waldorf, La Plata, and Frederick, and offers free consultations to individuals and families seeking legal guidance. More information is available at