Mayor chooses Collina as next fire chief

Published in the March 23, 2018 edition

MELROSE — Mayor Gail Infurna is pleased to announce the appointment of Captain Ed Collina to the position of Fire Chief, subject to confirmation by the Board of Aldermen. Captain Collina will succeed Fire Chief Chris Leary who will retire on April 27.

“Five of the Fire Department’s current Captains applied for the position and underwent a comprehensive interview. Each of the Captains impressed me with their experience, qualifications, and vision for the Department. Melrose is fortunate to have such a professional, dedicated group of leaders in the Fire Department,” said Mayor Infurna.

CAPTAIN EDWARD COLLINA has been named the next Fire Chief.  (Courtesy Photo)

She continued, “After interviewing each of the candidates, it was apparent that Captain Collina is uniquely qualified to lead the Melrose Fire Department at this time. My decision to appoint Captain Collina is based on the following:

• He has 32 years of experience in the field of Fire and Emergency Medical Services for the City of Melrose;

• He has performed virtually every role in the Melrose Fire Department during his distinguished career, including Fire Prevention Officer, Shift Commander, Arson Investigator, and Personnel Officer;

• He has expanded his knowledge base throughout his career and has accepted new responsibilities and leadership roles;

• He possesses extensive knowledge of dispatch operations;

• He served with distinction as President of Melrose Fire Fighters Union, Local 1617;

In particular, his leadership skills played a key role in guiding the department through a number of changes in staffing and operations at emergency scenes, as well as the move to a Fire Based EMS System.

During his interview, Captain Collina impressed me when he stated that ‘It is a point of pride that crews under my command have always been well trained, performed their duties skillfully, and operated as a safety team.’ Because I share that vision for the Fire Department, it is with pleasure that I announce his appointment as Fire Chief.”