A week after we said one Wiscasset official’s apology to a committee for a drop in communication was sufficiently swift, we have seen another Wiscasset official’s apology that, this time, we are not sure was needed.

Police Chief Larry Hesseltine went on the department’s Facebook page Monday apologizing because a suspected driver under the influence got away, for part of Sunday. Hesseltine explained being handcuffed in front is more comfortable than in the back for the citizen under arrest; and when Hesseltine went to retrieve possible contraband he thought the man hid in the cruiser, it appears Hesseltine’s thoughtfulness for a man’s comfort and the chief’s due diligence with the possible contraband met with an arrestee’s alleged decision to bolt.

While several national incidents captured on phones and body cams represent mind-bogglingly poor choices of individual officers, Sunday’s incident is only mind-boggling in how far the fleeing man got. And with his alleged alcohol level and the alleged speeding he did until recaptured after a chase, the good news is no one was hurt and the region’s law enforcement agencies showed once again they work well together, in this case in a sort of relay to find and re-arrest a suspect, on more charges than he started with.

Hesseltine said he treats people with respect, thus the handcuffing in the front despite his training; that he is embarrassed, thankful, second-guessing his actions, ready for ridicule for what he said was his failure to protect everyone, and is truly sorry.

No ridicule here. Just thankfulness no one was hurt and for the good example of character to be respectful, to learn, and to go right to the public he serves and  offer an explanation that helped, and an apology where arguably none was needed. 

Week’s parting observation: Summer is days old. Do not waste it, not a week of it.