Local News

Melrose hires law firm to investigate fire chief on leave

The city said Clifford & Kennedy, LLP will conduct the “human resources administration investigation” into Chief Collina, who has been with the department for almost 40 years.

Chief Ed Collina's swearing-in in 2018. City of Melrose

March 18, 2024

1 minute to read

The City of Melrose has contracted an independent law firm to investigate their fire chief, who was placed on leave Friday, the city confirmed Monday.

Fire Chief Edward Collina was placed on leave due to “an alleged violation of City policy,” said Lauren Grymek, Mayor Jennifer Grigoraitis’s chief of staff.

The city would not comment on the content of the allegations as it is a “confidential personnel matter.”

The city said Clifford & Kennedy, LLP will conduct the “human resources administration investigation” into Collina, who has been with the department for almost 40 years.

In 2018, Collina was sworn in as chief of the department after 32 years as a member of the Melrose Fire Department. He was set to retire next month, the Melrose Weekly News reported.

According to the Melrose Weekly News, the search for the new chief would begin in the coming months.

“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,” Grigoraitis told the Melrose Weekly News last month.

Collina did not return a request to comment left on his voicemail Sunday night.