GOODLAND ? Goodland Fire Chief Scott Gilmer has returned to work after jurors found him not guilty of trying to steal cigarettes from the wreckage of an overturned tractor-trailer.

Gilmer, 46, an 18-year department veteran, was one of four firefighters who responded to the crash July 19 on Interstate 70, west of Goodland. The crash of the westbound truck split open the trailer, and some cartons of cigarettes from the $1.5 million load spilled out.

The charge filed by Sherman County Attorney Bonnie Selby accused Gilmer of stuffing cartons of cigarettes into his uniform. He was charged with attempted theft, a misdemeanor.

Gilmer, who had been on paid administrative leave since July, on Tuesday expressed relief at being back at work and clearing his name. He was acquitted earlier this month.

“I think it was a misunderstanding that got carried way out of proportion,” Gilmer said. “I’m glad it’s over with. The last four months of my life have been pretty miserable.”

Goodland City Manager Wayne Hill on Tuesday said he was satisfied with the outcome of the case.

“I felt he was innocent since I found out about it,” Hill said. “I never saw any evidence to make me believe he was guilty, and the jury proved my assumption.”

Gilmer did not testify, and his attorney, Kevin Berens, did not call any witnesses at the trial before a six-person jury Dec. 4 in Sherman County District Court.

Berens said Tuesday he maintained that the prosecution hadn’t proven its case to show that Gilmer intended to permanently deprive the owner of any cigarettes.

Volunteer firefighter Neil Normandin, 38, is scheduled for a preliminary hearing Jan. 30 on a charge of felony theft for allegedly stealing two boxes of cigarettes worth more than $1,000 but less than $25,000. Normandin turned in his firefighting gear after the wreck and is not answering fire calls.