Farewell to a quality officer
Nassau County Police Officer Michael J. Califano, 44, died early Saturday, Feb. 5, 2011, after a flatbed truck slammed into the rear of his stopped patrol car on the Long Island Expressway in Old Westbury, police said. Credit: NCPD
Before he was a police officer in Nassau County, Michael Califano was a correction officer at the county jail ["In the line of duty," News, Feb. 11]. It was my honor to work with this young man.
He was what every officer in law enforcement strives to be: He was respectful, professional and extremely competent. Mike always had a hello for you, along with a smile. The police department's gain was our loss, and now we share in their tragic loss.
My heartfelt sympathy goes out to his entire family not only as a colleague of Mike's but also as the mother of a police officer. I will always have fond memories of a wonderful person whose life was a testament of what a quality person should be.
Ann Grella
Editor's note: The writer is a retired correction officer.
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