Scott Hirschey was sentenced to 3 years of probation in the death of his best friend and CBS 2 Chicago morning anchor Randy Salerno Monday.

Hirschey, 45, was drunk when he crashed the snowmobile he and Salerno were riding in Vilas County January of 2008. Reports show Hirschey's blood alcohol level after the crash was nearly three times the legal limit to drive.

Hirschey entered a no contest plea as part of a plea deal. The prosecution and defense agreed on a recommended sentence of 3 years of probation and 100 hours of community service.

While handing down his decision, the judge noted that he had no concern about protecting the public, calling Hirschey “probably the least likely in the world” to re-offend because of his close relationship with Salerno. “I don’t think any other case in my lifetime is likely to focus these issues as sharply as yours because of these unique set of facts”, Judge Neal Nielsen stated. “Your loss is as great in many respects as the Salernos.’”

The judge said he had received 25 letters asking for leniency in Hirschey’s sentence, including letters from Salerno’s wife, parents, brother, and sister. He said, because of Salerno’s popularity as a news anchor, he hopes Hirschey’s community service, working to promote the awareness of the dangers of drinking and driving, will serve as more of a deterrent than a prison sentence could.

Hirschey was not visibly emotional during the hearing, and made only one brief statement. “I wish I could turn back the clock and have my friend with us today”, he said. “I’d trade places with him, but I can’t. I’m sorry for the pain this has caused the Salerno family, my family, and all my friends.”

Hirschey must also avoid alcohol and receive alcohol assessment during his probation. District Attorney Al Moustakis noted concern about Hirschey’s alcohol use. He said he had received pictures and anonymous calls that Hirschey had been drinking alcohol since Salerno’s death.

The defense denied Hirschey had consumed any alcohol since Salerno’s death, and said one photo shows Hirschey holding a non-alcoholic beer.

Hirschey will be allowed to complete his probation in Illinois, where he lives.