Family and friends paid tribute in tears at the wake for NYPD Officer Emilia Lenhack on Friday, one week after a suspected drunk driver crashed into a Long Island nail salon, killing Lenhack and three others.
NYPD Commissioner Edward Cabana, Mayor Eric Adams and numerous fellow police officers gathered at a New Hyde Park funeral home to pay tribute to the 30-year-old officer whose death was the result of the tragedy on June 28 while he was visiting a nail salon in Deer Park.
“Not only did she believe in the American Dream and pursue that dream, she also wanted to make our city safe so others could pursue that same dream,” Adams said during the visit. According to Newsday.
Lenhack, who recently married a fellow officer, was remembered for her dedication to her job, her compassion and her upbeat attitude.
“Emilia was a wonderful person and had a smile for everyone. We at 102 will miss her so much,” Diana Conde, a former civilian community assistant at the same precinct, told Newsday.
“She was amazing. I’m sad she had to leave us. Everything she did was incredible. She made sure things got done.”
Another mourner, Kasia Jankowski, of Deer Park, remembered her as a “happy, smiling girl.”
The other victims who died at Hawaii Nail & Spa were Jenkai Chen, 37, of Bayside, Queens, Yan Xu, 41, of Flushing, Queens, and Meiji Zhang, 50, of Flushing, Queens, according to authorities. Chen was the owner of the salon.
Nearly 10 other people were injured in the accident.
Suffolk County police said a suspected drunk driver, Steven Schwalli, 64, crashed his Chevrolet Traverse into the salon’s front window. The suspect allegedly admitted to investigators that he had consumed 18 beers the night before the crash.
He faces a DUI charge in the fatal crash, but is expected to face more serious charges.
“It’s a sad day for all law enforcement,” Cabán said. According to CBS 2.
“Emilia was one of our beloved officers at the 102nd Precinct. She served our precinct well, cracking down on domestic violence and giving everything she’s got to serve her community and everyone. She will be missed.”
Ms. Lenhack is survived by her husband, Detective Carl Lenhack, whom she met while on the job, and the two were married last year.
“This is just a terrible tragedy and many of the people that were inside were probably getting married last August. It’s just incomprehensible,” Joe Simon of Bayshore told Newsday.
“I can see that these two children are very much in love and very excited about getting married. This situation is truly heartbreaking.”
Mr. Lenhack’s funeral is scheduled for Saturday.
