Funeral for NYPD police officer killed in fatal car crash in New York

NEW HYDE PARK, NY (PIX11) — Friends and family said goodbye to NYPD Officer Emilia Rennhack at her funeral Saturday.

She was killed in a tragic car crash last Friday on her day off. Police said a man was driving while drunk and drove a minivan into a Long Island nail salon where Rennhack was sitting. Three other people were killed and nine others were injured, according to police.

In a final act of honor and remembrance, a sea of ​​blue lined Lakeville Road as family members paid their final respects to Officer Rennhack at the New Hyde Park Funeral Home.

Angie Colon developed a close bond with Rennhack, who worked with her in the 102nd Precinct.

“She was full of life,” Colon said. “She was as big as her smile. She has a beautiful smile. A beautiful person, inside and out. Everyone just adored her.”

Rennhack was with the NYPD for six years. The driver of the minivan, Steven Schwally, has since been charged with drunk driving but pleaded not guilty. Schwally was also arrested in 2014 and charged with drunk driving. PBA President Patrick Hendry is now demanding justice.

“The justice system failed in this case,” Hendry said. “This person should not have been driving. He drank many, many drinks and took a human life, took many people’s lives that day and hurt others.”

Mayor Eric Adams said Rennhack’s commitment to the community will never be forgotten and also spoke about her Polish heritage.

“Every corner of the world wears this blue uniform because these countries come here,” Adams said. “They know that public safety is essential to our prosperity, and they are willing to put their lives on the line here. I wanted to come here and show my respect.”

As the service came to a close, the solemn sound of bagpipes filled the air. Rennhack’s casket was draped in the NYPD flag as her comrades in blue carefully placed it into the hearse. As a funeral procession carried her body to its final resting place, those who cherished her most remembered Rennhack as a loving and dedicated police officer who left us far too soon.

“It’s sad, but it’s beautiful to see everyone come together for such a beautiful girl and we will always remember her,” Colon said. “She will never be forgotten.”