Hometown Heroes 2024

At Trollinger Law LLC, we deeply appreciate the dedication and hard work of first responders in protecting and enhancing their communities. That’s why we actively engage with these communities to gather nominations for those who truly embody the spirit of a “Hometown Hero.” After a thorough selection process, we are excited to announce the winners of our fifth annual Hometown Heroes awards.

Tonya Bagley — Charles County Department of Emergency Services

Tonya has served as an emergency medical technician (EMT) in Maryland for 25 years. Her career began as a volunteer EMT in Charles County, and she now works in the Emergency Medical Services Division of the Charles County Department of Emergency Services.

Tonya’s longtime commitment to saving lives makes her an outstanding example of a Hometown Hero. It’s not only about the awards and commendations she has received for her work. She also serves as a trainer and mentor for up-and-coming EMS providers. She is a Maryland Fire and Rescue Services Instructor, a Recruit Training Officer for new EMS personnel, a Field Training Officer, and a Defensive Driving Instructor for the Charles County government.

More than that, she is a comforting presence to the people she’s saved and the others she’s taught. Affectionately called “Mom” or “Momma Tonya” by new recruits, she demonstrates what it means to be dedicated to the profession. Our community is better with Tonya in it.

 

Deputy Tyrell Claggett — Calvert County Sheriff’s Office

Public service runs deep in Tyrell’s blood. A former sergeant in the U.S. Army, he is now a deputy in the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office. Tyrell currently works in the Patrol Bureau, overseeing traffic enforcement, criminal investigations, and community-oriented policing.

In 2023, the Sheriff’s Office started a Neighborhood Deputy Liaison program to address quality-of-life issues and building relationships between the deputies and their neighborhoods. Tyrell’s nominator said Tyrell approached the initiative with a “positive attitude, infectious smile, and overwhelming sense of personal responsibility” to the program’s success. Grassroots connections are vital in building bridges between communities and law enforcement, and Tyrell stands as an ideal model for how programs like these should be implemented.

Assigned to the Apple Greene subdivision in Dunkirk, Tyrell has attended community meetings and identified the problems that matter most to citizens. Not only that, he has turned their concerns into action. He arranged for an electronic speed enforcement sign to be brought to areas to address speeding complaints, mediates disputes among residents, and spent a Sunday off at the neighborhood Easter Egg Hunt. Thanks to this incredible work, Tyrell’s accolades extend beyond the Sheriff’s Office. The Dunkirk Community Group proactively contacted the Sheriff’s Office to praise his work.

Ryan Cleckley — Calvert County Department of Emergency Medical Services

Lieutenant Ryan M. Cleckley is the EMS supervisor for Calvert County’s “C-Shift.” In his role, Ryan guides his crew to provide top-notch care to people in need. His tireless efforts have been crucial to the growth and success of Calvert County’s EMS system over just four years. Beyond his regular job duties, Ryan voluntarily handles additional responsibilities like payroll, scheduling, and uniforms, always putting others first.

Ryan’s compassion, calmness under pressure and professionalism have profoundly impacted countless lives. Despite the demands of his role, he remains deeply committed to his team and community, often taking time away from his young family to ensure everyone is cared for. Ryan truly embodies the spirit of “service before self,” making him a deserving Hometown Hero whose contributions create a lasting legacy.

Debbie Drury — Ridge Volunteer Rescue Squad

Debbie is an integral member of the Ridge Volunteer Rescue Squad (RVRS), where she mentors all EMTs and firefighters in their roles as first responders. She is currently Assistant Chief and a former President of the organization, who served as a steadfast leader as the squad navigated the COVID-19 pandemic.

Generously giving her time to her profession, Debbie puts over 3,000 hours per year in ambulance response and training duties for RVRS. She has been crew leader for the Thursday and Sunday night shifts and filled in during day shifts or when responding to requests on busy days or large-scale incidents in Saint Mary’s County and the Ridge Community.

Time and leadership are only one part of the job. Caring is another. Debbie is noted for her humble and non-threatening demeanor, particularly among volatile patients who need extra support. Colleagues joke that the secret to her success is not only her good attitude, but also the Wawa coffee that she insists upon during her shifts. Coffee or not, Debbie remains a shining light and inspiration to everyone she meets or helps.

Shaunda Morgan — EMT, Firefighter, Auxilian, and Administrative Officer in Potomac Heights and Dentsville

Service through adversity is a sign of a true Hometown Hero. Shaunda exemplifies this quality many times over. She is a longtime first responder in Potomac Heights and Dentsville, serving in many roles as an EMT, Firefighter, Trainer, Auxilian, and Administrative Officer. She has continued working in these roles with enthusiasm and energy despite diagnoses of serious illnesses that compromise her immune system.

In 1991, Shaunda joined the Charles County Volunteer System with the Potomac Heights VFD and RS Auxiliary. She later joined the Rescue Squad and got her EMT. While still a trainee, she performed life-saving CPR on an infant born prematurely and weighing just two pounds. That moment led to her award of the “Certificate of Appreciation for Making a Difference in the Life of a Child.”

Over the years, Shaunda served in many leadership positions as an Auxiliary member in Potomac Heights and as an EMT, Driver, Field Training Officer, QA/QI Officer, EMS Lieutenant, and EMS Captain. She mentored trainees rising up through the ranks and raised two daughters who also work as first responders in Charles County.

In 2004, she decided to become a firefighter, where she was the oldest in her class at age 47. Despite severe claustrophobia, she persevered and made herself available to respond to calls at all hours. In 2017, she joined Dentsville Station No. 15.

Though her EMT license lapsed, Shaunda was quick to volunteer when Maryland allowed past EMTs to regain their certifications in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite her increased risk of infection, she committed herself to helping others in crisis. That unwavering commitment makes her an incredible asset to Southern Maryland residents.

You can learn more about Hometown Heroes by visiting our website.