First responders to Deer Park nail salon tragedy honored by town of Babylon
Four people died and nine others were injured when a minivan crashed into the salon.
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The first responders who rushed to help the victims of the Deer Park nail salon tragedy were honored in a special ceremony Monday night at the Deer Park Fire Department.
Babylon Town Supervisor Rich Schaffer, along with other county and state leaders, presented certificates and unit citations to the firefighters, EMS and police officers who responded to the deadly crash on June 28 at Hawaii Nail and Spa.
As News 12 has reported, four people died and nine others were injured when a minivan crashed into the salon.
The suspect, Steven Schwally, pleaded not guilty to four counts of second-degree murder and other charges.
Deer Park firefighters tell News 12 that they'll never forget what they saw that day.
"Saw the glass, people, you know, people screaming and everything like that but, it's something that you don't see everyday." said firefighter Joseph Soto.
"It humbles you, it definitely does, seeing stuff like that, it makes you pull your friends and your family closer." said Soto.
"It's just so real when you see it, we're all human, nobody wants to see that, because that could be anybody's family at any time." said ex-Chief Anthony Macaluso.
"After that incident happened, I actually went home, woke up my kids and hugged both my kids," said Lt. Kevin Heissenbuttel.
First responders tell News 12 the outpouring of community support has been overwhelming, but also very much appreciated.
"All the support has just been incredible." said Lt. Tim Dupuis.
Along with members of the Deer Park Fire Department, the ceremony also recognized members of the North Babylon Fire Department, Dix Hills Fire Department, West Babylon Fire Department, Babylon Village Fire Department, Wyandanch Wheatley Heights Ambulance Corps., North Lindenhurst Fire Department, Copiague Fire Department, Brentwood Fire Department, Babylon Central Fire Alarm, Suffolk Police Department's 1st Precinct and the Suffolk County EMS and Crisis Team.
