CHIEF ED COLLINA announced his retirement last month.
MELROSE — As an outside law firm investigates an alleged violation of some unspecified city policy, Fire Chief Ed Collina has been placed on leave.
Just weeks away from his April retirement after 38 years as a city firefighter, Collina was placed on leave Friday, March 15 by his boss, Mayor Jen Grigoraitis.
A statement released Monday by the mayor’s office reads: “The City can confirm Chief Ed Collina was placed on leave as of March 15th, pending an investigation of an alleged violation of City policy.
“The City of Melrose has engaged an outside law firm, Clifford & Kenny, LLP to conduct an independent Human Resources administration investigation into this matter.
“The City will have no further comment at this time as this involves a confidential personnel matter.”
In Collina’s absence, Capt. John White is acting chief.
In his six years as chief of department, Collina has overseen the replacement of some much-needed equipment, but more importantly, he said, “I’m proud to have been part of a great team that was able to get our public safety building project across the finish line. This work will help set the department up for success for many decades to come.”
In the November city election, Melrose voters overwhelmingly backed the plan designed to bring the public safety buildings into the 21st century and, hopefully, beyond.
To build a new police station at the Ripley School, renovate the decrepit fire headquarters on Main Street and build new fire houses for Engine 2 and for Engine 3 is expected to cost about $130 million. Backers of the need to improve the public safety facilities said the longer the work is put off, the higher the bill will be for the city’s taxpayers.
Collina began his career in public safety as a City of Melrose firefighter in 1986 before serving in many high-ranking positions including Arson Investigator, Personnel Officer, and Captain before finally serving as head of the department. He also served with distinction as President of the Melrose Fire Fighters Union, Local 1617.
In a statement announcing his retirement last month, Grigoraitis wrote, “With 38 years of service to Melrose, Chief Collina has seen our community through many highs and lows, and we are honored he chose to dedicate his career to the City of Melrose. We will begin the search for our next Fire Chief in the coming months, and we look forward to working with the Melrose community to gain input on what they believe are the most important qualities in the City’s next Fire Chief.”
