Kristina Harris of the Melrose Fire Department
Written and Photographed by Nancy Clover
Some Jobs Are Just in Your DNA.
For Kristina Harris, firefighting isn’t just a career—it’s a calling. A third-generation firefighter, she carries on a proud family tradition, though with a groundbreaking twist: she’s the first woman in her family to don the gear. With ten firefighters in her lineage, the passion for service runs deep.
Kristina’s journey to the firehouse wasn’t exactly linear. She initially pursued psychology and mental health counseling in college, but in 2014, her path took a turn when she became an EMT. From there, she advanced to a paramedic and later served with the Sudbury Fire Department before joining the Melrose Fire Department in 2021.
Melrose welcomed its first female firefighter, Dana Risso, in 2014. Today, the department proudly includes five women among its 51 firefighters: Kristina, along with Meghan Johanson, Abigail Smith, Sarah Linstad, and Devin Bornstein. While firefighting has historically been a male-dominated field, Kristina has never felt like "a girl in a boy’s job." Stationed at Headquarters on Main Street, she’s part of a team that thrives on camaraderie, mentorship, and mutual respect.
Firefighting is a profession like no other. One of the reasons Kristina loves her work is its unpredictability—no two days are ever the same. Firefighters answer calls in people’s most vulnerable moments, providing not only emergency response but also reassurance and hope. From fires to medical emergencies and motor vehicle accidents, she and her team are always ready to jump into action.
Her background in mental health counseling has been invaluable in the field, as so many calls involve individuals in crisis. Looking ahead, she hopes to further her education with a master’s degree to deepen her impact.
Among Kristina’s most memorable calls was a motorcycle accident with a serious leg injury where a bystander with military experience had applied a tourniquet, ultimately saving this young man’s life. Moments like these reinforce why she loves what she does—being there when it matters most.
When she’s off duty, Kristina decompresses by exploring the woods with her two dogs and indulging her love of travel. She enjoys weekends in New York City and has adventured through Ireland, Australia, Hawaii, Florida, and along parts of Route 66—including awe-inspiring stops at the Grand Canyon and Antelope Canyon (which she highly recommends!). Next on her travel bucket list? Europe—especially England and France—along with a return trip to Australia and a visit to New Zealand. In the U.S., she has her sights set on Atlanta and Charleston.
Kristina cherishes Melrose for its small-town charm and strong sense of community. Neighbors look out for one another, and kids can still ride their bikes to playgrounds—a rare and special quality in a city so close to Boston.
Her advice to young girls? "You can do whatever you want. You don’t have to follow expectations—you can create your own path."
With her resilience, expertise, and unwavering dedication, Kristina Harris is not just part of the Melrose Fire Department—she’s shaping its future.
