A midcoast Maine police officer is being branded a hero – for reviving his unconscious boss.
Wiscasset Police Chief Larry Hesseltine was working alongside the officer, Jonathan Barnes, during a traffic stop when the incident unfolded.
Hesseltine was on patrol when he pulled over a car on Route 1 in Edgecomb that had been reported to dispatch for alleged erratic operation.
Barnes joined the chief shortly after the stop.
The driver was identified as Joshua A. Watters, 45, of Augusta, who had a passenger, George C. Bronn, 46, of Whitefield.
While both cops were searching the occupants for drugs, they found narcotics and other drug-related items, according to a press release.
Hesseltine’s uniform was contaminated with an unknown white powdery substance, later confirmed to be fentanyl.
While the suspects were being arrested, Bronn resisted and was injured. CLC Ambulance Service was called to the scene.
While helping the ambulance crew, Hesseltine cut his arm on the guardrail and quickly reported feeling light-headed.
A paramedic assessed Hesseltine as Barnes bandaged his injury. Hesseltine subsequently became unresponsive.
Barnes quickly administered a dose of Narcan to Hesseltine, who regained consciousness.
Hesseltine was transported to MaineHealth Lincoln Hospital in Damariscotta for observation and released.
“I commend Officer Barnes for drawing on his experience and training to act decisively and without hesitation,” Wiscasset Town Manager Dennis Simmons said in a statement.
Waters and Bronn were charged with unlawful possession of a scheduled drug, violation of conditions of release, carrying a concealed weapon, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
