Senator Fuschillo Honored by New York State Stop-Dwi Association

Senator Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr. (R-Merrick) was recently honored by the New York State STOP-DWI Association. Senator Fuschillo received the group’s highest award, the William T. Smith award, which is given annually to an individual for his or her outstanding dedication and contribution to the STOP-DWI effort in New York State.

Senator Fuschillo has long been a leader in the fight against drunk-driving in New York State, sponsoring some of the nation’s strongest anti-DWI laws. Most recently, Senator Fuschillo sponsored "Leandra's Law," which makes it a felony to drive drunk with a child in the car and requires all convicted drunk drivers to use ignition interlocks to prevent them from drinking and driving again. He sponsored laws which lowered New York State's legal blood alcohol content (BAC) level from .10 to .08 and enacted tougher penalties for repeat offenders and those who drive with an elevated BAC. Senator Fuschillo also wrote the law creating new felony crimes for drunk drivers who kill or severely injure others.

Senator Fuschillo (center) is pictured with (l-r) STOP-DWI New York Chairman John Sullivan, Maureen McCormick, Chief of Vehicular Crimes Bureau for the Nassau County District Attorney’s Office, Nassau County STOP-DWI coordinator Joanne McGarry, and Chuck DeWeese, Assistant Commissioner for the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee.