Governor Approves Fuschillo Bill to Rename Bridge After Fallen Nassau Police Officer

    Senator Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr. (R-Merrick) announced that Governor Andrew Cuomo has approved legislation he sponsors to rename a bridge after fallen Nassau County Police Officer Michael Califano.

    “Michael Califano, like all police officers, put himself in harm’s way to keep us safe every single day. We must never forget the ultimate sacrifice he made in the line of duty. Renaming this bridge in Officer Califano’s honor will ensure that his heroism, sacrifice, and devoted service will always be remembered,” said Senator Fuschillo, Chairman of the Senate’s Transportation Committee.

    Officer Califano, a twelve year veteran of the Nassau County Police Department, died tragically in the line of duty on February 4, 2011 while performing a routine traffic stop. He was killed when his patrol car, which was stopped on the shoulder of the Long Island Expressway with its lights flashing, was hit from behind by a flat bed truck. The driver of the truck was allegedly asleep at the wheel. Officer Califano, a 44 year old resident of Wantagh, leaves behind a wife and three young children.

    The law renames the Glen Cove Road bridge overpass which crosses over the Long Island Expressway in Old Westbury as the “Police Officer Michael J. Califano Memorial Bridge.” The bridge is near the site where Officer Califano was killed.

    “Our brother Police Officer Michael Califano was a devoted and dedicated officer who served our Department and County with honor. We made a vow that his ultimate sacrifice and service would never be forgotten. Renaming this bridge in his memory will help honor that commitment. On behalf of all the members of the Nassau County Police Department, we thank Senator Fuschillo for his efforts to make this tribute to Officer Califano a reality,” said Peter Paterson, First Vice President of the Nassau County PBA.

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