Man Files Suit Claiming Hearing Loss, Injury Following 2018 Emergency Vehicle Show in Oswego - WspyNews

A handful of agencies, a fire union and the village of Oswego are being sued in Kane County by a man alleging hearing loss and suffering, following an emergency vehicle show that occurred in downtown Oswego last year.

According to Kane County Court documents, resident Michael Rafferty is seeking $50,000 in damages. The suit, filed July 19th, names the Chicagoland Emergency Vehicle Show, the village of Oswego, the Kendall County Special Response Team, the Oswego Firefighter Local #4773 and the Oswego Fire Protection District.

Court records show that a case management conference is set for October 7th at 9:00 a.m. with Judge Kevin Busch.

The filed complaint alleges that "noise flash diversionary devices" used during the show caused Rafferty to suffer, "permanent tinnitus, hearing loss, pain and suffering, medical expenses and interference of ability to enjoy life," following the denotation used during the show in August of 2018, allegedly near his person.

Essentially, Rafferty says that he was not aware of the event taking place when he drove through the downtown that day. Rafferty stopped and walked to the show to view what was going on, realizing a law enforcement and emergency vehicle demonstration with spectators was occurring. He eventually walked to West Jefferson St. There, the suit says that two, "noise flash diversionary devices" were detonated on a van, causing, "loud explosions, flashes of light and shattering of glass of the van."

Rafferty's suit indicates he then left the show, "slightly disoriented." Additional charges in the suit alleges, "willful and wanton conduct" by failing to properly supervise the demonstration, to provide warning of the flash diversionary devices leading to his, "dangerous close proximity" and using flash diversionary devices instead of training versions.

Oswego Village Administrator Dan DiSanto told WSPY Wednesday that the village was made aware of the suit, they have investigated the incident, and believe there is no merit of liability to the village.

Attorney Stephen Dinolfo is listed as representing the village. As of Wednesday morning, additional counsel information has not yet been listed.

Oswego Firefighter Local #4773 President Rob Carpenter also told WSPY on Wednesday that the union are working through the legal process and defend involvement in the show.

WSPY has reached out to officials with the other listed organizations for any additional comment.

In Oswego, the 2019 Chicagoland Emergency Vehicle show, originally scheduled for this Saturday, was canceled. Officials said in a statement that it was due to outside obligations by show organizer Dave Weaver. Officials have said the suit is not related to this year's cancellation and there is hopes to continue in 2020 but its future is not known.

Weaver, professionally known as RADIOMAN911, has contributed media to WSPY News articles.

The Chicagoland Emergency Vehicle Show's Emergency Vehicle Lights & Sirens Procession will travel through North Aurora and Aurora on Friday.

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