NEW HYDE PARK, N.Y. (PIX11) — It was a somber and emotional gathering Friday as family and friends paid their respects at the wake of NYPD officer Emilia Rennhack, who was killed in a tragic car crash one week ago.
Police say a man was driving while intoxicated and crashed into a Deer Park nail salon, killing Rennhack on her day off and three others inside. Nine others were also injured in that crash.
Friends, family, and NYPD officers were united in their grief as they reflected on Officer Rennhack's life at her wake. Laurie Regan is a registered nurse who worked closely with Rennhack during emergencies, forming a close bond in those critical moments.
“She lit up a room,” Regan said. “She was a beautiful woman. She was very honest, and she was an asset to their department.”
Officer Rennhack is a six-year veteran of the NYPD who worked in the department’s domestic violence unit. She was known by her colleague Linda Holzhauer from the 102nd precinct as someone who was loved by many.
“It’s very tragic ‘cause I saw her two days before she passed,” Holzhauer said. She also described Rennhack as “very friendly, energetic, and always smiling.”
Police Benevolent Association President Patrick Hendry said the crash has left the police union in shock as they mourn her death.
“She was just an amazing person, and this was a tragic incident that happened that affected so many lives and the lives of this family who husband’s a detective in the same command,” said Hendry. “He’s going through so many emotions of this loss of his wife, and our family in Blue is mourning right now.”
Mourners are keeping Rennhack’s memory alive, hoping her legacy will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her and in the community she served with dedication.
Loved ones will have another chance to pay their respects at Officer Rennhack's funeral service, which will take place Saturday at New Hyde Park Funeral Home starting at noon.
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