Leavenworth ? A Leavenworth County sheriff’s deputy has been cleared of vehicular homicide in the death of a volunteer firefighter.

Deputy Robert L. Peterman Jr. was headed to the scene of a rollover accident in December when he rear-ended the car driven by Jared M. Moore, 19, of Basehor.

As is common practice, the volunteer with the Fairmount Township Fire Department was driving his own vehicle because the fire truck had already left when he arrived at the station. Moore had slowed to turn left when the crash happened.

A Leavenworth County jury deliberated about two hours Thursday before acquitting Peterman of the misdemeanor charge.

Peterman, also of Basehor, has been on administrative leave without pay since the charge was filed in March. No decisions have been announced about when or whether Peterman will return to duty.