Christopher Hackett, known lovingly as "CJ," was vibrant, full of life, and my son's best friend. Tragically, his promising life was cut short in Yonkers, NY, due to the reckless actions of a drunk driver. My son was there, and he witnessed the loss of his dear friend in an unimaginably painful moment that has left a permanent scar on his heart.

Stephan Dolan was responsible for this irreversible loss and was only sentenced to a year and a half in prison a punishment that feels grossly inadequate for the grave crime committed. The leniency of this sentence sends a perilous message that life lost to reckless and irresponsible behavior does not bear just consequences. We cannot stand by and allow this message to endure in our community.

Every year, thousands of lives are lost or forever changed due to drunk driving. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), approximately 28 people die daily in the U.S. as a result of drunk-driving crashes. This is unacceptable.

As members of the Yonkers community and advocates for justice, we demand that the sentence be reconsidered, and that the judiciary takes a firmer stance against drunk driving offenders. Imposing stricter sentences for such crimes will not bring CJ back, but it will serve as a stronger deterrent for those who consider driving under the influence.

We are calling upon the district attorney, the court, and other relevant authorities in Yonkers, NY to review this case and re-evaluate the sentence handed down. By increasing the penalty, we not only honor CJ's memory but also strengthen our commitment to protecting the lives of others from such tragedies.

We urge you to stand with us in this fight for justice. Deny “Stephen Dolan PAROLE!!!!!! Sign this petition to demand that fair consequences be imposed on those who threaten the safety and well-being of our community.