Orange County Executive Edward A. Diana and Deputy Commissioner Orange County Division of Police Liaison Services Craig W. Cherry today congratulated Christina M. Hale, who currently serves as the STOP-DWI Administrator for Orange County, on her recent appointment to the position of Chairperson of the New York State (NYS) STOP-DWI Coordinators Association.

“Christina has long been committed to the prevention of DWI,” said County Executive Diana.  “She began in 1975 as an instructor for one of the first drinking driver programs in the state.  In the last 20 years, she has done an outstanding job serving Orange County residents, and now she will be able to do so for all New Yorkers.”

The NYS Special Traffic Options Program for Driving While Intoxicated, or STOP-DWI was created by the State Legislature in 1981, and empowers counties to coordinate local efforts to reduce alcohol and other drug related traffic crashes.  The STOP-DWI program functions as a financially self-sustaining alcohol and highway safety program, as it is funded entirely from fines paid by convicted drunk drivers and no tax dollars are used in its administration.

“It is with great honor and commitment that I assume this role and pledge that the work of the New York State STOP-DWI Association is and always has been a priority for me,” said Ms. Hale.  “I look forward to working with the Association’s Executive Board, Board of Directors and members to continue to help reduce alcohol-related motor vehicle crashes and fatalities in our communities.”

“Christina’s commitment to the promotion of public safety through the education of DWI prevention is inspiring,” said Deputy Commissioner Cherry, who is the County Coordinator for STOP-DWI.  “She brings with her many years of knowledge and experience on this important issue.  The state Association will benefit from her leadership.”

The Association’s legislative agenda for 2013 includes: increasing the potential of collecting DWI fines, estimated to be over $1 million state-wide; increasing the percentage of DWI offenders who comply with the installation of an Ignition Interlock Device as part of sentencing, commonly known as Leandra’s Law, and that no conditional license will be issued or full license restored without proof of compliance; and, prompt suspension of a driver’s license based on a DWAI/drug arrest for a multiple offender, as well as expanding the list of intoxicating substances on the Public Health Law list 3306 to include synthetic and designer drugs, substances with little or no regulation.

“The staff and Board of Directors of the Alcoholism & Drug Abuse Council of Orange County join the County Executive and Deputy Commissioner Cherry in congratulating Chris Hale,” said James E. Conklin, Executive Director of the Alcoholism & Drug Abuse Council of Orange County.  “Chris has been a powerful source for change in Orange County and an excellent team member at the Council.”

The Orange County STOP-DWI Program is located at the Orange County Emergency Services Center, 22 Wells Farm Road in Goshen.  The Administrator’s position is supported through a partnership with the Orange County Alcoholism & Drug Abuse Council.

For more information, please visit www.orangecountystopdwi.com, www.adacinfo.com or call (845) 615-0575.