City of Babylon honors first responders of Deer Park nail salon tragedy

First responders who rushed to help victims of the Deer Park nail salon tragedy were honored Monday evening during a special ceremony at the Deer Park Fire Department.

Babylon Mayor Rich Schaffer, along with other county and state officials, presented certificates and service awards to the firefighters, paramedics and police officers who responded to the fatal accident at Hawaii Nail and Spa on June 28.

As News 12 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 first-degree murder and other charges.

Deer Park firefighters told News 12 they will never forget what they saw that day.

“I saw the glass, the people, you know, people were screaming and all that, but you don’t see something like that every day,” said firefighter Joseph Soto.

“It’s humbling, for sure, when you see something like that. It makes you want to bring your friends and family closer together,” Soto said.

“It’s so real when you see it. We’re all just human, nobody wants to see something like that because it could happen to anyone’s family at any time,” said former Chief Anthony Macaluso.

“After this incident happened, I actually went home, woke up my kids and hugged them both,” said Lt. Kevin Heissenbuttel.

First responders told News 12 the outpouring of support from the community has been overwhelming but also greatly appreciated.

“The support has been incredible,” said Lt. Tim Dupuis.

In addition to members of the Deer Park Fire Department, members of the North Babylon, Dix Hills, West Babylon, Babylon Village fire departments, Wyandanch Wheatley Heights Rescue Corps, North Lindenhurst, Copiague, Brentwood, Babylon Central Fire Alarm, Suffolk Police Department 1st Precinct and Suffolk County Rescue and Crisis Team were also honored at the ceremony.