Westbrook city officials released formal apologies late Thursday afternoon, saying they were “recommitting” to the community, following a week of turmoil stemming from the public release of an email written by Assistant City Administrator Bill Baker.

The email, which mocked members of the community, has caused public outcry and calls for Baker’s resignation. The City Council met in executive session Wednesday night to discuss the matter, but prior to the closed-door meeting, residents on hand both condemned and supported Baker.

Mayor Colleen Hilton, who initially received the profanity-riddled email in February, used her statement Thursday to both apologize to the community for the remarks in the email and to clarify her initial response.

“When we see a problem, we try to solve it,” she said, referring to her initial reaction to Baker’s “frustration” seen in the email. “However, I am particularly concerned that the eventual public disclosure of this or any similar communication hurts and unfairly criticizes the members of the Westbrook community discussed in the communication. For that harm and hurt, I accept full responsibility and offer my apology to all those who were affected and to all those who have been offended.”

She plans to deal with the issue, she said, saying that “awareness, counseling and formal training” are all a part of her response. She said City Administrator Jerre Bryant will make available employee training on “all forms of communication,” including email and social media.

Calling the email release an “inappropriate and embarrassing” incident, Hilton said she is “recommitting myself and all members of the administration to work responsively, professionally and compassionately” with all members of the community.

Released in conjunction with Hilton’s statement was a statement from Baker.

“I would like to formally apologize again to the city of Westbrook and the community members we serve who expect and deserve better,” he said. “I have let you all down and I am sorry.”

Baker added that he will be enrolling in professional development training at the NTI Institute in Maryland. He said the training will include “strategies for improved self-awareness, resolving interpersonal conflict, sensitivity training and effective communication skills.”

Baker ended his apology by stating that he would restore the community’s confidence and “earn back any lost trust.”

“I hope this episode will not overshadow everything we have accomplished to this point,” he said.