Probation for driver in snowmobile crash which killed CBS's Salerno

Scott Hirschey told a Wisconsin judge today he would gladly trade places with best friend Randy Salerno, the longtime Chicago news anchor killed in a 2008 snowmobile crash blamed on Hirschey's drunken driving.

Instead, Hirschey, of Crystal Lake, will have the chance to make sure others don't end up like either man.

Hirschey, 45, was sentenced today to three years probation as part of a plea bargain in which he admitted guilt to homicide by intoxicated use of a vehicle.

As part of his probation term, Hirschey must perform 100 hours of community service, at least some of which involves public speaking about the crash.

"He is looking forward to doing that community service," Hirschey attorney John Hyland said after the sentencing today. "He wants to use it as an opportunity to educate others. He struggles daily with the loss of his best friend."

Authorities said Hirschey had a blood-alcohol level more than twice the legal limit when he drove his snowmobile into a tree near Sayner, Wis., killing passenger Salerno.

Hirschey also must undergo a psychological evaluation and is barred from drinking any alcohol while on probation.

Hirschey could have faced up to 25 years in prison on the homicide charge, but neither prosecutors in Vilas County or Salerno's family asked for him to spend any time behind bars. Among the more than 25 letters submitted to the court in support of Hirschey, several came from members of the Salerno family, Hyland said.

"They initially did not want any charges filed, and their letters endorsed the plea agreement and argued against any incarceration," he said.

Authorities said the fatal snowmobile crash occurred about 11:30 p.m. Jan. 24, 2008, as Hirschey and Salerno were riding along Plum Lake in the northeast part of the state. Their snowmobile veered off course and struck several trees along the lake shore.

Salerno, 45, of Crystal Lake, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Salerno was an anchor and reporter for WGN-TV for 11 years before moving in 2004 to CBS' WBBM-TV, where he co-hosted the morning news broadcast. Hirschey has told investigators the two were best friends and it was Salerno's first time on a snowmobile.