Lawmakers pause to honor cop killed on LIE

Nassau legislators broke with the business of government and politics briefly Monday to reflect on the contributions and sacrifice of Nassau County Police Officer Michael J. Califano, a 12-year veteran who was struck by a flatbed truck and killed on the Long Island Expressway.

After praising Califano, 44, of Wantagh, and commiserating with his family and community for their loss, presiding officer Peter Schmitt (R-Massapequa), led the legislature and audience Monday afternoon in a moment of silent honor.

The observance came a day before Califano's relatives, co-workers and friends attend the first day of his wake Tuesday and as the man who police said struck and killed him, John Kaley, 25, of New Britain, Conn., appears in court to face charges.

A wake for Califano will be held Tuesday and Wednesday from 2 to 5 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. inside the South Chapel of Massapequa Funeral Home.

Police said Kaley fell asleep as he was driving west on the LIE Friday night in a flatbed truck with his fiancee, Elizabeth Berdan, shortly before 11 p.m.

Kaley's truck swerved out of the traffic lanes and hit the back of Califano's cruiser, authorities said. Califano, who was in the vehicle on the striped pavement for a traffic stop at Exit 39N in Old Westbury, was pronounced dead at 12:30 a.m. Saturday.

Kaley has been charged with criminally negligent homicide, three counts of misdemeanor assault, and with violating a new state law requiring vehicles to slow down and, if possible, move away from emergency vehicles stopped on the side of the road with lights flashing.

He pleaded not guilty at his arraignment and is being held without bail.

With Sid Cassese