Melrose Fire Prevention Officer Closed Due To Lack Of Captains

MELROSE, MA — The Melrose Fire Prevention Office is closed, but fire prevention services aren't slowing down one bit. That's according to Fire Chief Ed Collina, who took to the internet to clear up what he called some "misinformation" on social media about the office.

The fire prevention office closed due to a request from Local 1617 Fire Union, which Collina said was exercising its rights under an agreement it has with Melrose that requires seven active captains to maintain a fire prevention office. There are currently five active captains following the retirements this year of Chief Chris Leary - which elevated Collina to chief - and Captain Robert Kendall.

Meanwhile, the fire prevention office's daily duties are still being carried out. Collina said on-duty firefighters are performing inspections and enforcing fire prevention code and law.

"This closure is temporary and is entirely consistent with the way the Fire Prevention Office has been operated since 1996 when there are less than seven active Captains," Collina said.

Complicating matters is the retirement of seven members of the fire department this year, with only one giving advance notice. Collina said he is working with the union to "improve and modernize" the hiring process so he can fill the vacancies.

One firefighter paramedic who transferred from Amesbury has been hired and starts this week. Three other offers have been accepted, Collina said, and all three are expected to be training by early September. Two other candidates are being interviews this week for the two remaining positions.

Collina said he hopes all positions will be filled by early October.

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Photo by Mike Carraggi, Patch