LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION mourning the untimely death of Nassau County
Police Officer Michael J. Califano on February 4, 2011

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to convey its grateful
appreciation and heartfelt regret in recognition of the loss of a coura-
geous police officer who dedicated his purposeful life and career in
faithful service to his family and to the residents of Nassau County;
and
WHEREAS, It is with profound sadness that this Legislative Body
records the passing of Nassau County Police Officer Michael J. Califano,
who made the ultimate sacrifice on February 4, 2011, while faithfully
executing his responsibilities, serving with dedication, loyalty and
compassion, and who devoted his purposeful life and career to serve and
protect; and
WHEREAS, Nassau County Police Officer Michael J. Califano exemplified
what it truly means to give of himself in providing vital police
services in keeping with the noble mission of the Nassau County Police
Department; and
WHEREAS, Officer Michael Califano, a 44-year-old resident of Wantagh
and a 12-year veteran of the department, died in the line of duty on
February 4, 2011; he was a highway patrolman and the first Nassau County
police officer to die in the line of duty since 1993; and
WHEREAS, Growing up in North Massapequa and graduating from St. John
the Baptist High School in West Islip, Michael Califano earned his asso-
ciate degree in criminal justice from Nassau Community College; and
WHEREAS, Joining the Nassau County correction department in 1988,
Officer Michael Califano worked at the county jail in East Meadow, then
joined the police department in 1998 and was appointed to the First
Precinct; he moved to the Highway Patrol squad in 2008; and
WHEREAS, A great family man who was well-loved, Officer Michael Cali-
fano is survived by his wife, Jacqueline, and their three children,
Michael, Christopher, and Andrew; parents, Catherine and Michael; broth-
ers, Edward and Charles; and sisters, Karen and Donna; and
WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit, imbued with a sense of
compassion, and comforted by a loving family, Nassau County Police Offi-
cer Michael J. Califano leaves behind a legacy which will long endure
the passage of time and will remain as a comforting memory to all he
served and befriended; he will be deeply missed and truly merits the
grateful tribute of this Legislative Body; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the untimely death of Nassau County Police Officer Michael J.
Califano, noting the significance of his contributions on behalf of the
citizens of this noble Empire State and expressing its deepest condo-
lences to his family; and be it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of Officer Michael J. Califano.