Police brethren recall Califano, Breitkopf

It is only March, but 2011 already is a year of tragedy for members of the Class of 1998.

Thirteen years ago, officers Michael Califano and Geoffrey J. Breitkopf were among 100 Nassau County Police Academy recruits who endured six months of grueling training, with many forming lasting bonds.

The violent deaths of the two respected officers -- one killed by a driver on the Long Island Expressway and the other felled accidentally by another cop's bullet -- have hit their brethren-in-arms so hard that they feel as if they have lost blood relatives.

"It definitely hits home a lot more," said Matt McCartin, 38, a member of the class who now is assigned to the Second Precinct. "Especially when you go through the training with these guys. It's been a tough 2011."

He and other members of the 1998 class were among the mourners Friday at Breitkopf's funeral Mass at St. Margaret of Scotland church in Selden.

Breitkopf, 40, of Selden, was killed March 12 when a Metropolitan Transportation Authority police officer accidentally shot him in Massapequa Park, minutes after a knife-wielding suspect had been killed at the scene by Nassau officers.

Califano, 44, of Wantagh, died Feb. 4 when, authorities said, a dozing driver's truck struck his patrol car as he conducted a vehicle stop on the westbound LIE.

McCartin said Breitkopf and Califano shared similar traits -- and that both were assets to the 2,500-member force.

"They cared about the next guy, and they were always worried about what you were up to," he said. "They always put themselves second."

Nassau County police spokesman Det. Lt. Kevin Smith said it is not unusual for members of classes to connect emotionally as they face challenges together.

"They're in stressful situations. Every day they're being tested physically, mentally and academically," Smith said, referring to training in the academy.

Sean Maass, 41, a Sixth Precinct officer who served with Breitkopf in the precinct, recalled the time Breitkopf went out on his own and purchased 21 flashlights for his classmates. The classes are broken into five roughly equal groups.

"I still carry mine to this day," Maass added. "He was absolutely a leader."

Breitkopf left the same impression on Kevin Mullick, also of the Sixth Precinct.

"Geoff, from the beginning, took a leadership role in our class," he said. "He would check everybody's uniform to make sure we were squared away. He set the example for us from Day One."

David Jaskolski, 43, now a Police Athletic League officer, said Breitkopf could hardly contain his enthusiasm and passion for his job.

"He was the first one I met when we were sworn in," Jaskolski said. "He was so excited when he got his job."

McMartin said he and others were lucky to have trained with Califano and Breitkopf, officers whose sacrifices remind them of their profession's commitment to serve and protect.

"You reflect on all the good things these two did, and it kind of puts everyone in check," McCartin said. "Our class has always been tight. It's good to know we have each other."