‘Hearts are breaking’: Funeral set for NYPD cop killed by alleged drunk driver

NEW HYDE PARK, N.Y. (PIX11) — Funeral arrangements are set for the NYPD officer killed Friday when an alleged drunk driver crashed into a Long Island nail salon, killing three others and injuring nine people, officials said.

The funeral service for Officer Emilia Rennhack will be held Saturday at noon at New Hyde Park Funeral Home on Lakeville Road, officials said. Visitation is set for Friday from 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at the same funeral home.

“Our hearts are breaking following the tragic loss of our 102 Pct. sister P.O. Emilia Rennhack … please join us in praying for her family, friends and coworkers,” the Police Benevolent Association posted on X over the weekend.

Three other people died and nine were injured when 64-year-old Steven Schwally drove his 2020 Chevy Traverse through the front window of Hawaii Nail & Spa on Grand Boulevard in Deer Park at around 4:32 p.m., police said.

The manager of the nail salon died and his wife was critically injured, according to relatives on a GoFundMe page. The wife suffered back and hip injuries and is expected to recover in a year or two. the post said. The couple has two children, ages 10 and 5. The crowdfunding page has raised over $18,000, as of Monday afternoon.

The officer’s family also started a fundraiser so Rennhack’s family from Poland could attend the funeral. There will be a vigil for the victims at the nail salon at 7 p.m. Monday.

“With the shop completely destroyed and their mother suffering from critical back and hip injuries, the family has lost their only source of income,” the post said.

Schwally was also taken to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, was later charged with driving while intoxicated, police said. He was arraigned on Monday.

Prosecutors said Schwally allegedly had 18 beers the night before and was speeding when he crashed into the crowded salon.

Schwally had a DWI arrest back in April 2014, officials said.

Mira Wassef is a digital reporter who has covered news and sports in the NYC area for more than a decade. She joined PIX11 News in 2022. See more of her work here.

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