The Remarkable Women of the Melrose Police Department
Written and Photographed by Nancy Clover
Photo Credit: Carianne Roche
Meet the Remarkable Women of the Melrose Police Department:
On September 8, 2024, Officers Ashley Baldwin, Shannon Stamegna, and Mary Gill made history by forming the first all-female patrol shift in the Melrose Police Department. Covering all three patrol sectors in the city, these officers demonstrated the department's growing diversity and commitment to excellence in public service.
Officer Ashley Baldwin:
Officer Ashley Baldwin brings a unique skill set to the department as both a registered nurse and a police officer. Before joining the force, she worked as an emergency room nurse at Winchester Hospital and now works at Massachusetts General Hospital.
Ashley always dreamed of becoming a police officer to make a difference in people's lives. She thrives on the variety her job offers, knowing that each day presents new challenges and opportunities to help others.
In August 2021, she responded to a call about a woman in labor and successfully assisted in delivering a healthy baby girl named Avery—an unforgettable moment in her career. She is still in touch with the family.
Deeply committed to her hometown, Ashley is involved in the Junior Police Academy, Melrose Alliance Against Violence (MAAV), and coaches basketball and softball. She attributes her strong work ethic to her hardworking parents and decompresses by playing sports and spending time with family and friends.
Her bucket list includes earning a Master’s in criminal justice and traveling the world.
Officer Mary Gill:
A proud Melrose native, Officer Mary Gill has always been passionate about criminal justice and helping others. After earning a degree in criminology from Stonehill College in 2020, she joined the police force, where she’s been serving for the past three years.
Mary thrives on the unpredictability of her job — each day brings something new, from responding to emergencies to directing traffic. She loves Melrose’s lively downtown and strong sense of community. When asked why she thinks the city has a low violent crime rate, she jokes, "It’s not easy to get to — and if you try to escape, you might get stuck waiting for a train to cross!"
Beyond policing, Mary is deeply involved in the community. A former high school cheerleader, she now coaches the local cheer squad. She enjoys working out, spending time at the beach, and trying new recipes. Her adventurous spirit led her to travel the country with AmeriCorps, building homes for those in need. Next on her bucket list? Witnessing the Northern Lights.
Mary also has the coolest pair of handcuffs on the force—pink ones!
Officer Shannon Stamegna
Law enforcement runs in Officer Shannon Stamegna’s blood—her grandfather and several uncles also wore the badge. She holds a master’s degree in social work from Salem State University and spent a decade advocating for children and families in Lynn before joining the Melrose Police Department. Her background in social work has proven invaluable in situations requiring empathy and understanding.
Shannon loves serving the community she calls home. She takes pride in engaging with residents, particularly children, through initiatives like giving raffle winners a ride to school in a police cruiser and assisting with the RAD Kids program. She’s also been spotted serving ice cream at National Night Out and hopes to help with this summer’s Junior Police Academy.
She believes Melrose’s low crime rate is due to its watchful and engaged residents, who feel comfortable reporting suspicious activity.
When she’s not in uniform, Shannon enjoys camping with her two kids, visiting Molly’s Bookstore, and exploring Boston’s Museum of Science and Aquarium. Her bucket list includes earning a second master’s degree in criminal justice and traveling across the U.S.
She also finds Melrose’s quirky charm amusing, especially its rules about ordering food with a second drink and the no overnight parking ordinance!
Officer Andruszkiewicz, third from left, at her graduation from the police academy
Photo from the Melrose Police Department
Officer Josephine Andruszkiewicz
The newest female officer on the force, Josephine Andruszkiewicz, was officially sworn in on March 10, 2025. A lifelong Melrose resident and Westfield State University alumna, she previously worked as a security officer at Lahey Hospital before transitioning into law enforcement.
Josephine is no stranger to teamwork and high-pressure situations. As a standout pitcher for the Melrose High School softball team, she led them to the playoffs and was recognized as an All-Star in her senior year.
These dedicated officers bring diverse backgrounds, experiences, and skill sets to the Melrose Police Department. Their deep-rooted connections to the community enhance the department’s ability to serve and protect its residents. More importantly, their stories serve as an inspiration for future generations of women considering careers in law enforcement.
