Hampshire man: Fire truck broke my electronics

A Hampshire man is fighting the local fire protection district and ComEd over the costs of home entertainment equipment he says was destroyed because of an accident involving a fire truck and a utility pole.

Ed Tabb, 52, of Marney Drive, said when a Hampshire fire truck crashed into a utility pole on Kelley Road while trying to avoid an illegally parked vehicle this spring, a resulting power surge fried his DVD player, surround sound system and ceiling fan - about $500 worth of electronics.

"I wasn't home when this happened," Tabb said. "But I spoke to neighbors who told me what happened and that's when I put the two together."

Tabb has filed claims with the Hampshire Fire Protection District and ComEd.

So far, the responses from both parties have not been favorable.

In a letter from a ComEd claims adjuster, the utility company says "the incident in question did not arise as a result of any negligence on the part of ComEd. Accordingly, we must deny any basis for a claim."

Additionally, an attorney for the Hampshire Fire Protection District said the accident remains under investigation and that "presently the District does not believe it has any liability regarding the matter."

Robert Britz, an attorney for the district, suggested Tabb file a claim with his homeowners' insurance company.

But Tabb said the policy deductible is $1,000 - twice the cost of the damaged equipment. Tabb said Either ComEd or the fire department should cover the costs.

"I have a family with six kids and we watch a lot of movies," said Tabb, who has already replaced the damaged equipment. "I feel like if their insurance companies aren't covering things like this, then what are they covering?"

Hampshire Fire Chief Curt Kramer refused to comment, stating the May 3 accident remains under investigation.

John R. Hanson was cited for illegally parking his vehicle in the roadway. Police said Jeffery Becker, of Hampshire, was driving a 1986 Mack pumper east on Kelley Road during a training exercise. Police say Becker crested a hill about a mile east of Harmony Road and drove onto the right shoulder to avoid a Ford truck that was pulled over in the westbound lane. The fire truck then struck a utility pole.