Though he said he is the only one in the area he knows of offering the service, known nationally as "Wills for Heroes," he said he recommended it to other attorneys in the county.

The idea came from an attorney in South Carolina shortly after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

"After 9/11, he decided emergency responders give often with great sacrifice," McKonly said. "So people in the community ought to give back to them where they can."

All fees will be waived, except for the notary fee. Typically, McKonly charges about $200 to prepare simple wills, though he admits he's a little on the high end for such rates.

Simple wills declare who should get certain possessions after a person dies and to name an executor of the estate.

If the police officer or firefighter wants a trust will - where money for younger children is held in trust, usually by a bank, until they reach a certain age - McKonly said he'd subtract the cost of a simple will.

He sent letters to Hanover Fire Commissioner James Roth, Hanover Police Chief Randy Whitson and Southwestern Regional Police Chief Greg Bean, notifying them of the service. McKonly is solicitor for Heidelberg Township, which is served by Southwestern Regional, and Hanover Borough.

And he is willing to do wills for responders in other jurisdictions. An officer in Littlestown requested one, McKonly said.

Thus far, he's done wills for four firefighters and two police officers.

Bean said he appreciates McKonly's offer.

"It's a very kind gesture," he said. "Obviously a will is a very personal issue. We're always appreciative of support, however that is."