Twenty-two of the top 50 earners in Melrose in 2012 were from the Police Department, according to data provided by the city.

Eight of the top 10 earners in 2012 were police officers, including top-earning Detective James Mulrenan who earned nearly $170,000. City Auditor Patrick Dello Russo ($123,105.60) and Joseph Carey ($119,131.57) of the School Department rounded out the top 10 list, finishing eighth and 10th, respectively.

Department of Public Works Director John Scenna finished 14th on the list, earning $115,239.30. He was the top earner of the four DPW employees that made the list.

Meanwhile, Fire Chief Christopher Leary finished 21st overall on the list and was the highest-paid Fire Department employee with a salary of $108,124.83. Four other firefighters also made the list.

Other notable earners include:

• Health Department Director Ruth Clay finished 22nd on the list, earning $107,081.76.
• Mayor Rob Dolan placed 24th on the list, earning $105,907.36.
• City Solicitor Robert Van Campen earned $105,198.10, finishing 25th on the list.
• Jorge Pazos of the Information Technology Department earned $102,937.76, finishing 31st on the list.
• Marianne Long of the Human Resources Department earned $97,255.90, placing 36th on the list.
• Assessor Donald Dragt earned $94,296.49, finishing 42nd on the list.
• City Planner Denise Gaffey earned $91,792.34, coming in 45th on the list.

The top 50 earners in Melrose made nearly $5.4 million combined in 2012, according to the data. Of the nearly $5.4 million paid to the top earners in 2012, police detail, base salary, overtime, sick, clothing and longevity pay totaled more than $2.4 million, according to the data.

Here's the complete list of the top 50 earners in Melrose in 2012:

[Editor's note: Earned income for police officers, excluding the police chief, includes base salary, overtime, detail, clothing and longevity pay, according to information provided by the city.]