Nassau County Police Officer Michael Califano of Wantagh was laid to rest Thursday, Feb. 10. He was tragically killed when a truck rammed his patrol car while he served a summons on the Long Island Expressway on Friday, Feb. 4.
Thousands of police officers from throughout the country along with his family, friends and relatives attended his funeral at Maria Regina Roman Catholic Church on Jerusalem Avenue in Seaford. He is survived by his wife Jackie and three sons Michael, 13, Chris, 11, and Andrew 6.
Fire departments provided “Arches of Honor” as the procession left the funeral home in Massapequa with Massapequa’s Tower Ladder 2 (632) and Wantagh’s Ladder 1, (6911) set up in front of the high school on Merrick Road.
As the procession turned into Jerusalem Avenue near the church, East Meadow’s Ladder 2 (619) and North Massapequa’s Tower Ladder 661 provided an arch.
After the service the procession once again passed beneath the Jerusalem Avenue arch and proceeded to Holy Rood Cemetery in Westbury. As the procession turned from Merrick Avenue into the eastbound Old Country Road 12 trucks provided “Arches of Honor”. Hempstead Southside Ladder 2, North Bellmore Northside Ladder 2 (658), North Merrick Truck 1 (673), Elmont Hook & Ladder 1 (707), Levittown Ladder 6 (626), Seaford Ladder 1 (683), Roosevelt Ladder 1 (735), Merrick Hook & Ladder 1 (6411), Hicksville Hook & Ladder 6 (936), Uniondale Truck 4 (754) and at the entrance to the cemetery Westbury Hook & Ladder 1 (962) and Syosset Tower Ladder 582.
After the funeral all units broke down and solemnly left their respective area knowing they had done a good service in providing an “Arch of Honor” for a respected police officer, Michael Califano.
Memorial Fund for Police Officer Michael J. Califano
In response to the outpouring of support of those seeking to send donations for the family of Nassau County Police Officer Michael J. Califano who was killed in the line of duty on Feb. 4, 2011, donations can be made to the Michael J. Califano Memorial Fund, c/o Nassau County P.B.A., 89 E. Jericho Turnpike, Mineola, NY 11501.
