Wantagh Officer Killed in the Line of Duty

A Nassau County Highway Patrol Officer from Wantagh and former employee at the succumbed to injuries suffered in an accident on the Long Island Expressway while in the line of duty late Friday night.

According to detectives, Michael J. Califano was conducting a vehicle and traffic law stop on the westbound side of the Long Island Expressway at exit 39 in Old Westbury at 10:55 p.m. Friday. Califano then had his police vehicle struck from behind by a flatbed truck.

Califano, who worked for 10 years in the East Meadow jail, sustained fatal injuries from the collision. He was transported to and died Saturday morning.

Detectives said Califano was a 12-year veteran of the Nassau County Police Department. He leaves behind his wife, Jackie, and three small children, Michael, Christopher and Andrew.

The driver who collided into Califano, John Kaley 25, of New Britain, Conn. has been charged with one count of criminally negligent homicide, three counts of third-degree assault and failing to move over for an emergency vehicle. Kaley was arraigned at First District Court in Hempstead early Saturday and ordered held without bail.  He is next due in court on Feb. 8.

"Police officer Califano's dedication to keeping Nassau County safe deserves the highest recognition and sincere gratitude," said Nassau County Executive Edward Mangano in a statement. "This is a tragic day for the County of Nassau and the Nassau County Police Department."

Mangano has ordered all Nassau County buildings to fly the American flag at half-staff in memory of Officer Califano.

"On a personal level, I have known the Califano family for many years and my thoughts and prayers go out to them, their friends and fellow police officers during this sad time," Mangano said.